2012-04-13_REPORT - C1981012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPENDIX C - SPRING & SEEP SURVEY 1984 -2006 A monitoring program of the springs and seeps was initiated within a one mile radius of the New Elk mine workings, following the preliminary survey conducted in February 1984 using aerial photographs and field verification and sampling in May 1984. Four sites (12, 13, 14, and 19) fell within this circumscribed region and were verified. Following review of the 1984 -85 data, the frequency of monitoring springs and seeps was decreased to once per growing season during the month of August. In 1999, with the release of liability for underground mine workings, the monitoring requirement for these sites was discontinued. Informal monitoring continued through 2005 and this report presents the monitoring data collected through 2005 at these four locations. The 2005 spring and seep survey was completed on August 18, 2005. The 2005 water year received more precipitation than in 2001, 2002 or 2003, but less than 2004 and was slightly below average for the water year. Flows from springs in 2005 ranged from nonexistent to a limited seep or dampened outcrop, or minimal flow. No monitoring was done during the year. Development of roads and Coal Bed Methane Wells has the canyon blocked intermittently and also impacted the surface at spring and seep locations. METHODS During the monitoring period each location was visited. Flow rates were measured for each spring and seep. Water quality measurements of pH, conductivity, and temperature were made when water was observed flowing or accumulating in depressions. RESULTS The locations of all springs and seeps are presented in Map 8, Regional Hydrology found in the permit document. Data collected through 2005 for each location monitored is presented in Tables C -I though CA (located at the end of this Appendix). Spring #12 — Apache Canyon. This seep originates from the interface of shale and sandstone and has been monitored since 1984. Flow has range from dry to 20 GPM. It was found flowing at 15 GPM in 1993 and 20 GPM in 1994. It was dry in 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2005 and yielded an immeasurable flow in 1996 through 2001, and 2004. Spring 13 — Apache Canyon. This seep originates from the interface of shale and sandstone. Flow has usually been low ( <1 GPM) since monitoring commenced in 1984. It was dry in 1996 through 2002. The flow discharged into the alluvium within 50 yards of the source during each of the observations of flow. As a result, this seep is not a significant source of surface water. Use of the seepage is limited (possibly to livestock and wildlife watering). Spring #14 — Apache Canyon. This is an USGS developed spring originating from an upper coal seam or interface between coal and shale or sandstone. Monitoring has occurred since 1984. In 2001 and 2002, no flow was measured at the spring. There is an associated pond at the site. This spring does not contribute to Apache Canyon stream flow because an embankment creating the pond separates the two. This is an alkaline, moderately saline site. Use of the water is limited to livestock and wildlife watering. Due to Coal Bed Methane Pipeline construction, site was inaccessible the 1995 monitoring period. Spring #19 — At Middle Pork of Purgatoire River. Flow originating from fractured shale and sandstone has ranged from dry to 4 GPM since monitoring began in 1984. During the 2001 sampling event only seepage from the issuing zone was detected; In 2002, the site was dry and a damp seep in 2003. Visible flow was noted in 2005. This seep is utilized for livestock and wildlife while contributing little to surface flow. It is an alkaline, moderately saline spring.