2010-04-16_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A ‎(11)‎

• Permit No: C1996083A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/16/2010
• 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 Hubbanl 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 northwestern mining districts contemplated by
PR -10, PR -11 and TR -65.
During 2010 the Applicant proposes to install and additional monitoring well (2010 -1)
to provide down gradient monitoring for the Terror Creek crossing and the future
western mining district. Monitoring well 2010 -1 will be completed in the B -Seam at a
depth of approximately 1,200 feet and in a sandstone water bearing zone above the
B -Seam. This sandstone water bearing zone above the B -Seam was identified and
is monitored at wells TC -03 -02 and TC- 03 -03. The Applicant has not decided
whether to complete a nested well like TC -03 -01 or drill two separate monitoring
wells at the same location.
(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- colluviuim 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 Ccrral 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)
TR -65 2.04-25- 03/10
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