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LKA International Inc. <br />Golden Wonder/ Level 6/ Hydrologic Setting Executive Summary <br />area. As a result, CDWR, BLM and DRMS approved the installation of three wells at <br />distinct hydrologic junctures associated with Level 6. In July of 2008, two of the three <br />wells were installed, developed and sampled. The third well was not placed due to the <br />logistic difficulties posed by the location to drilling, as well as the potential to achieve <br />samples underground as a result of exploration drilling. A second sampling event was <br />completed in mid-October. This document relies upon the results from the well <br />sampling, and other area-specific water quality studies that served to characterize <br />possible water sources and release points. <br />Results from sampling efforts completed as far back as 1997 were also reviewed as part <br />of this effort. Any available, relevant data was compiled in order to complete an <br />evaluation of the possible flow pathways that exist in the Golden Wonder Level 6 setting. <br />Samples obtained from possible sources, release points and points along a given flow <br />athwa were evaluated. The results were evaluated to identify indicators of a particular <br />source and impacts attributable to a given flow pathway. Results indicate there are <br />`indicators' or potential tracers associated with a given water type. For instance, the <br />shallow oxidized alluvium geologic formation tends to be high in soluble aluminum. <br />Deeper, un-oxidized alluvium contains relatively constant levels of arsenic, selenium and <br />lead. Furthermore, the rhyolite formations which contain the deeper fractured <br />groundwater are acidic with reducing character that lends to low levels of solubilized <br />metals such as manganese and zinc. Copper, lead and cadmium often delineate fault <br />zones. Deadman Gulch headwaters during spring melt is relatively neutral with subtle <br />metalloid concentrations, and minimal divalent metal levels. In the fall, Deadman Gulch <br />is a reflection of groundwater recharge with more acidic and mineralized character. The <br />historic collapse seep is also neutral, yet contains elevated levels of copper and lead <br />which is a reflection of the geology to the south of the Deadman Gulch fault. The <br />alluvium groundwater is relatively neutral with a slight buffering capacity likely afforded <br />by the transport of carbonate and carbon sources from the surface. The deeper rhyolite <br />fracture zone groundwater is acidic, yet the dominant form of sulfur contributing to the <br />acid is residual (not pyritic) or in the sulfate form. <br />The piezometer wells provided two types of samples that lent information to this <br />evaluation. Core solids samples were obtained as the wells were developed. The solid <br />samples were analyzed for soluble metals, total solids metals content as well as acid base <br />accounting parameters etc.. If water was encountered at the time of drilling, it was to be <br />sampled and analyzed. However, neither well provided sufficient yield, therefore no <br />samples were obtained at development. The drilling for both wells identified a wet zone <br />11