2010-03-15_REPORT - C1981014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EFCI Southfield Mine - 2009 Annual Hydrology Report March 10, 2010 data for total calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and iron (see Tables 9 and 10). These same parameters were missing from the analytical results for Oak Creek samples taken in May 2008. EFCI subsequently provided copies of the approved parameters list to ACZ to ensure correct analytical results for future samples. Records at the laboratory had apparently not been updated by the time that the subject Newlin Creek samples were submitted some 10 months later. EFCI again provided a list of analytical parameters to ACZ, however no further samples of Newlin Creek were available for analysis. The confusion at the laboratory was resolved since samples from Oak Creek, submitted in December, were correctly analyzed in accordance with the approved list of parameters. Ongoing monitoring of surface flows for Newlin, Magpie, and Second Alkali Creeks provides for identification and evaluation of any future changes in water quality that may result from mining and related activities. Surface water quantity and quality monitoring results through the reporting period indicate no significant impacts to surface water as a result of mining, reclamation, and related activities. Loadout Area The Loadout and adjacent areas fall within the lower sections of the Oak and Chandler Creek drainages, both of which are tributary to the Arkansas River. Oak Creek is a perennial drainage above the municipal well field for the Town of Rockvale. Dependent on water demand and withdrawal levels for Rockvale, flows in Oak Creek below the well field in the 4.7 mile section above the Loadout area may be either perennial or ephemeral. In areas adjacent to the Loadout Area, flows in Oak Creek are frequently ephemeral, and Chandler Creek is considered an ephemeral creek (refer to Section 2.04.7 of the Southfield permit application for more details). EFCI monitors stream flows adjacent to the Loadout Area at stations OC-1 (Lower Oak Creek) and OC-2 (Upper Oak Creek). EFCI also monitors any stormwater runoff discharge from the two active sedimentation ponds, Ponds L-1 and L-2, in the Loadout Area. In the Loadout Area, the current surface water monitoring program includes the following monitoring stations, located as shown on Figure 2, Loadout Monitoring Locations: Designation Station Location OC-1 E'/zNE'/4, Sec 18 OC-2 W'/zNE'/4, Sec 18 NPDES 001 W'/zN W'/4, Sec 17 NPDES 002 E'hNE'/4, Sec 19 Oak Creek (Lower) Oak Creek (Upper) Pond L-1 (outfall to Chandler Creek) Pond L-2 (outfall to Oak Creek) Oak Creek flow measurements made after 1998 are presented for the two stream monitoring locations on Table 8. Stream flow data from previous years are documented in AHR's on file at the Division. Only minor flows were observed in Oak Creek in late 2009. Intermittent, small precipitation events along with upstream water demands on the creek resulted in dry streambed conditions for most of the reporting period. 2009 AHR.doc WP Page 17