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only in response to significant precipitation events. Occasionally, ephemeral waterways are fed <br />by snowmelt. However, thunderstorms are the primary source of flow in these washes. <br />Ephemeral drainages at the project site discharge westerly toward Wild Steer Canyon, an <br />intermittent stream which drains northwesterly to the Dolores River. The Dolores is classified as <br />Aquatic Life Warm 1, Recreation la, and Agriculture (Colorado Department of Public Health <br />and Environment, Water Quality Control Commission regulation 35, Classifications and <br />Numeric Standards for Gunnison and Lower Dolores River Basins). Key factors that influence <br />the surface water quality in the project area include sparse vegetative cover, erosive and saline <br />soils, and rapid runoff. <br />Previous and current mining activities within the project area have had some effects on surface <br />erosion However, natural drainage as well as constructed ditches and berms prevent run-on to <br />and runoff from the current mine site. Two sediment ponds have been constructed in accordance <br />with BLM specifications to prevent most sediment from leaving the site except during a major <br />precipitation event such as a ten-year storm.