2011-10-24_HYDROLOGY - M2007044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summary of Quarterly Hydrological Monitoring Monitorine Activities The following field monitoring and sampling activities were performed during the Third Quarter 2011 (July through September 2011): • August 15, 2011 — DP Spring and PR Spring were measured for flow rate and field parameters. • August 16, 2011 — Monitoring well W -1 was measured for water level. 1 • August 20, 2011 — Whirlwind decline mine water was measured for elevation and field parameters. Whirlwind Treatment Plant While the treatment plant is in operation, mine water from the Whirlwind Mine is pumped to the surface, stored in the untreated water tank, treated and discharged to the middle tributary of Lumsden Creek. Discharge of treated water from the Whirlwind Mine is allowed in accordance with Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) permit number CO- 0047562. Following the December 2009 batch treatment of mine water, collection of mine water for treatment was suspended at the Whirlwind Mine. Since then, mine water has been allowed to accumulate in the mine workings. Refer to Section 1 of this report for a summary of mine water treatment. Whirlwind Mine and Packrat Mine The inflow within the Whirlwind Mine decline cannot be measured directly because it occurs over approximately 100 feet of the decline and within the drifts, collects in the mine sump, and is subsequently pumped into the untreated water tank on the surface. Currently inflow is calculated based on the approximate elevation level of accumulated mine water, which is checked on a monthly basis, and the void volume of the workings. Field parameters were measured on August 20, 2011. The measured field parameters and flow rate are consistent with historical records. The estimated flow rate for the Third Quarter 2011 continues to exhibit flows that are slower than historically recorded flows. The flow rate and field parameters from the Whirlwind Mine water are included in Section 2. Historical analytical data from samples collected from the Whirlwind Mine are summarized in Table 1. Characterization of mine water in the Packrat Mine could not be conducted because the mine is not yet accessible. Section 3 of this report is reserved for field data collected from the Packrat Mine at such time that is becomes accessible and is monitored. DP Spring The flow and field parameters were measured at DP Spring on August 15, 2011. The flow was estimated by determining the time required to fill a 5 -gallon bucket. Field parameters from DP Spring were measured in the stock tank located at the spring. The flow rate and field parameters at DP Spring are consistent with historical records with the exception of dissolved oxygen, which measured lower than historical measurements, and oxidation - reduction potential, which measured higher than historical measurements.