2005-04-12_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1999002

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other gauging station is located on Piceance Creek near the confluence with the Whiter River, downstream of the site. The baseline discharge and water quality of Piceance Creek, in the vicinity. of the site, has been established by the USGS. The surface water stations are sampled four times per year by the USGS using the current USGS water quality schedule. Discharge is monitored continuously during these quarterly monitoring events. The discharge and water quality samples are collected by the USGS, according to their established procedures. This data is posted on the USGS web site once it is available. A tracer dilution study was conducted along the section of Piceance Creek that borders the Piceance Site. The study was conducted by the USGS in December 2000. The tracer dilution study investigated ground water inputs and the associated water quality along Piceance Creek. The study is published as USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4134 Baseline Characterization of Water Quality and Mass Loading in Piceance Creek, Rio Blanco County, Colorado, December 2000. The information contained in the report provides baseline data on diffuse inputs to Piceance Creek. 4.1 Spring and Seep Monitoring The presence of springs and seeps at the Piceance Site has been surveyed every spring and fall season since 1999. During this time, no springs or seeps have been documented. During temporary suspension periods, no spring or seep surveys will be conducted. In commercial mining production operations, spring and seep surveys would resume on an annual basis in the spring corresponding to high flow conditions. The spring and seep survey will encompass the lease boundary and the area between the southern edge of the lease boundary and the northern boundary of Section 15 (northern lease boundary). The spring and seep locations will be determined by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and map and compass methods, and will be field documented on a base map. Discharges will be measured by direct measurement where sufficient flows exist and by visual estimation where direct measurement is not practical due to low flow or an obstructed source. A feature having a discharge of less than 1 gpm will be designated a seep. A feature with a discharge of greater than or equal to 1 gpm will be designated a spring. Field parameters (pH, temperature, and conductivity) will be collected. The occurrence of springs and seeps that were not documented in previous surveys will be documented during subsequent surveys and measured for flow and quality. If a spring or seep is observed during the course of other field activities, it will be documented and sampled as above. 4.2 Precipitation Monitoring -Piceance Site FINAL: Modification No. 9, UIC Area Permit No. CO30858-00000 Page 33 of 46