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As the size or complexity of the site increases to include additional features that could impact surface or <br />ground water quality, then the number of ground water and surface water monitoring points will <br />increase accordingly. <br />Monitoring wells <br />If the ground water monitoring plan calls for monitoring wells (aka observation wells), the operator <br />should work with DRMS on the locations and depths of the wells, and on the means to drill and install <br />the wells. Considerations include the extent of monitoring needed in shallow unconfined versus deep <br />confined aquifers, and whether there are multiple confined aquifers at depth that must be monitored <br />with nested wells. <br />Underground sampling <br />In certain circumstances, and with pre-approval from DRMS, it is acceptable to collect ground water <br />samples from seeps in underground mine workings, depending on the objective of the sampling and the <br />ability to confirm the integrity of the sample. <br />Springs <br />Springs, sampled at the point of emergence, are usually representative of shallow ground water unless <br />affected by some source of contamination. Sampling of springs is acceptable to DRMS as a means of <br />ground water sampling. <br />Piezometers <br />By the strictest definition a piezometer is a small-diameter tube in the ground used only for measuring <br />the ground water level, i.e., the "piezometric" surface. The terms "piezometer", "monitoring well", and <br />"observation well" are sometimes erroneously interchanged. The water level in a piezometer is <br />manually measured by lowering a water level probe down the tube; the probe sounds a tone when it <br />encounters standing water. DRMS has water level indicators and they're easy to use, but there may be <br />decontamination considerations depending on the site. For operators with large networks of <br />piezometers, dedicated water level measurement devices may be deployed. <br />Sampling frequency: The frequency of sampling may vary among different sites, but in the early <br />going we will generally require sample collection no less frequently than quarterly. Characterization of <br />Designated Mining Operations requires five successive quarters of water quality data. Sites with <br />unusual environmental risk might need to sample more frequently than quarterly depending on the <br />situation. Operators may propose less frequent sampling as conditions at a site become better <br />characterized or stabilized over time. The Division generally will not approve sampling less frequently <br />than twice yearly, to allow evaluation of both the high flow and low flow conditions. <br />Events resulting in ground water or surface water contamination, such as spills or some other <br />containment facility breach, will necessitate a deviation from the usual monitoring schedule and more <br />frequent sampling than is routinely prescribed. <br />B. Analytes <br />Operators must generally start with a comprehensive water quality sampling program that includes the <br />majority of parameters that are regulated by the State Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). <br />Analytes that are not relevant to the site, or that have been well characterized by historical sampling, <br />