2008-12-09_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1996083A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/9/2008
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.04 Information on Environmental Resources
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

2.04.7 Hydrology Description
In late 2004, the Operator attempted to drill an exploratory hole from a location
approximately 2,500 feet northwest of the approved site. Poor hole conditions
were encountered immediately. As depth increased, the rock became more
fractured and keeping the hole open became virtually impossible. At a depth of
2,612 feet the core bit was permanently stuck in the hole. All down hole
assemblies were twisted off and cemented into the hole. The fractured rock is
attributed to both the igneous Iron Point intrusion and depth of cover. Similar
drilling conditions are expected at potential monitoring well site DH-68.
The Operator does not believe it is economically or technically practicable to
install down gradient monitoring wells north of the proposed mine plan area.
The rugged terrain limits potential drill sites. The only location where a
reasonable depth monitoring well could be constructed is in Hubbard Creek but
the UDSA-FS does not want the Hubbard Creek road re-opened. Opening the
Hubbard Creek road would be problematic because of public opposition, road
slope instability and potential flooding.
It is highly unlikely the public will use the deep bedrock groundwater located north
of the proposed mine plan area. It is simply too expensive to install a domestic or
livestock well at such extreme depths. The poor water quality would also
discourage public use. The lack of deep bedrock groundwater monitoring data is
somewhat mitigated by the highly unlikely public use of the water.
Based on the above discussion, the Operator requests relief from the installation
of a down gradient monitoring well for the northern mining districts contemplated
by PR-10 and PR-11.
(b) The subsurface hydrologic regime may be divided into four discrete subsystems:
1) the alluvium and terrace deposits associated with the North Fork of the
Gunnison River; 2) localized deposits of alluvium-colluvium within the Hubbard
Creek, and Terror Creek area; 3) groundwater occurrences within the Mesaverde
Formation; and 4) colluvial discharges associated with soil moisture storage in
Steven's Draw, C-Gulch and at the head of Freeman, Sheep Corral and Dove
Gulches.
North Fork of the Gunnison River Alluvium
Alluvial fill associated with the North Fork of the Gunnison River and tributary
drainages (Terror Creek) have been extensively developed for domestic and
agricultural water sources. For a discussion of Alluvial Valley Floors, see section
2.06.8. The State Engineer's records depict 3 registered wells completed within
the alluvium located in Sections 14, and 15., T.13 S., R.92 W., 6th P.M. (Bowie
No. 1 Mine Area)
These wells range from 14 feet to 77 feet deep and typically produce water from
12 feet. The well yield ranges from 5 gpm to 120 gpm with average yields of
approximately 17 gpm. Water quality is highly variable within the alluvial fill.
Most wells completed near the river sustain quality adequate for human
consumption; however, the higher sulfate and total dissolved solids values are
PR-10 2.04 - 25 - 09/26/08
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