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The level was 2,930 mg/l in July 2009. <br />Fish Creek is monitored at site SW-S2-13, downstream of the confluences of Bond <br />Creek and Cow Camp Creek with Fish Creek. Data from the site does not show <br />any identifiable change in water quality or quantity when compared with Fish <br />Creek site SW-S2-11, upstream of Bond Creek and Cow Camp Creek. <br />Effects of Mining on Surface Water <br />Changes in the quantity of water to the prevailing hydrologic balance are primarily <br />due to the location and timing of flows. The Fish Creek drainage indicates a <br />change in the ground and surface water systems. Mining has increased the <br />amount of ground water available to be discharged into the surface water system, <br />due to discharging spoil aquifers. Cow Camp Creek now exhibits perennial <br />stream flow as a result of mining in this drainage whereas prior to mining the <br />creek, ephemeral stream flow conditions existed. <br />Data are insufficient to demonstrate whether short term decreases in stream flow <br />are due to initial filling of ponds and resaturation of backfilled spoils. However, it <br />is apparent that any depletion is extremely short-lived. Variability in annual <br />amounts of precipitation supplied to the watershed makes it difficult to assess short <br />term changes; however, long-term changes in flow are expected to be minimal. <br />Three primary impacts on surface water quality were identified: 1) increased <br />erosion and sediment yield; 2) exceedences of applicable water quality standards; <br />and, 3) increased total dissolved solids loading. <br />Increased Erosion and Sediment Yield <br />During the active mining phase, and until sufficient vegetation can be established <br />in the watershed, sediment yields above pre-mining levels are expected. Annual <br />sediment surveys have been conducted on Pond 008. These surveys will allow <br />actual amounts of sediment deposited to be quantified. With continued <br />monitoring, comparisons to estimated design volumes and erosion rates can be <br />made. Throughout mining, the pond has ensured compliance with effluent <br />limitations prior to discharge from the mine site. <br />Water Quality Standards <br />Water quality in Fish Creek shows no significant impact associated with mining. <br />Data collected at site SW-S2-13, downstream from mining activities meets <br />receiving stream standards. <br />The pond outfall (NPDES outfall 008) is monitored according to the requirements <br />of the Seneca II Mine NPDES permit (see section B of this document <br />17