2012-02-06_HYDROLOGY - M2007044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summary of Quarterly Hydrological Monitoring Monitorins Activities The following field monitoring and sampling activities were performed during the Fourth Quarter 2011 (October through December 2011): • October 25, 2011 — Whirlwind decline mine water was measured for elevation and field parameters. DP Spring and PR Spring were measured for flow rate and field parameters. Monitoring well W -1 was measured for water level. • November 9, 2011 — Whirlwind decline mine water was measured for field parameters and sampled. 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. The water collects in the mine sump, and is subsequently pumped into the untreated water tank on the surface when the mine is operating. 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 October 25, 2011 and November 9, 2011 with a sample collected on November 9, 2011 as well. The sample was collected and analyzed for the purpose of evaluating treatability of the mine water. The measured field parameters and analytical data are consistent with historical records. The estimated flow rate for the Fourth Quarter 2011 continues to exhibit flows that are lower than historically recorded flows. The flow rate and field parameters from the Whirlwind Mine water are included in Section 2. Analytical data from the 7 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 October 25, 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. 1