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West Elk Mine 2009 Annual Hydrology Report 8 <br />water level) and submitting samples for laboratory analysis for total suspended solids (TSS), total <br />dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, pH, and iron (Fe [dissolved & total]). The North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River and Middle Sylvester Gulch monitoring sites have expanded analytical suites, in <br />order to provide data for the on-going characterization of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />The North Fork of the Gunnison River and Middle Sylvester Gulch lab parameters include those <br />listed in Table 2 plus chromium, nickel, silver (total), cyanide (total), nitrite(as N), nitrate (as N), <br />alkalinity (Total CaC03), carbonate, hydroxide, and ortho-phosphate. <br />The current (CDRMS, 2006) hydrologic monitoring plan incorporates a separate baseline <br />monitoring schedule for all new monitoring sites for approximately one year prior to the time when <br />mine development operations expand into new potentially affected areas. The baseline monitoring <br />schedule includes collecting monthly field water quality data, flow or water level measurements, <br />and collecting samples for laboratory analysis (Table 2) for the year prior to initiation of mining <br />and potential impacts. Site-specific baseline schedules are dependent on site accessibility and mine <br />development timing. In general, baseline monitoring is conducted monthly, usually from April <br />through September, in order to provide adequate data to show seasonal variations in water quality <br />and quantity. Winter access to most sites within the permit area is not feasible and is impractical, <br />so the baseline monthly monitoring is generally not performed from October through March. A <br />summary of the approved baseline and routine monitoring program frequencies is presented in <br />Table 1. The first 5 years of monitoring (including baseline) laboratory parameters are shown on <br />Table 2. <br />Table 1. Baseline and Routine Monitoring Frequencies <br />Routine Monitoring Baseline Monitoring <br /> <br />Month Flow / <br />Level Field <br />Parameters Laboratory <br />Analysis <br /> January <br />Li <br />b <br />i <br />i February <br />m <br />R <br />s <br />ng <br />April 3 to May 13 March <br /> April X X X <br />P <br />k Fl May X X X <br />ow <br />ea <br />April 21 to June 26 June X X X <br /> Jul X X X <br />Low Flow August X X X <br />July 10 to October 8 September X X X <br /> October <br /> November <br /> December <br />Adapted from CVKMS (2UU6) <br />June 2010 HydroGeo, Inc.