_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (283)

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-.34- Analyses of mine discharge in Volume- 5 shows that the discharge from all the mines is lower, on the average, in iron levels and sediment levels than the receiving stream. Heavy metals are not a problem, as evidenced by the stream analyses and roof and coal analyses. Uischarge water from i-line No. 4 enters the South Fork of Dutch Creek which is monitored at Station #6. This discharge would increase the soluble salt content by 231 mg/l to a level of 598 mg/l . Therefore, the discharge would increase the soluble salts to a level of a moderate C salinity hazard, lwhereas the water would have a low salinity hazard �vl prior to discharge. Mine no. 4 is currently inactive, but as indicate in the application, will become active upon completion of the rock tunnel . Discharge water from Mines No. 1 and 2 enters the North Fork of UutchY%Pe Creek, and is monitored at sampling station #7. The discharge water would increase soluble salt concentrations in the North Fork of Dutch Creek by an average of 327 mg/1 to a level of 764 mg/l which changes the salinity hazard for irrigation use from low to moderate. Discharge from Mine No. 3 enters the Oil Well Creek drainage which is monitored by station #8. The mine discharge increases the soluble salt content in Uil Well Creek by an average of 489 mg/l to 836 mg/l , which is a change from a low salinity hazard to a moderate salinity hazard. Mine No. 5 discharges into Coal Creek, which is monitored by sampling station #9. The mine discharge increases the soluble salt content in Coal Creek by 11 mg/l , which does not change the low salinity hazard designation. Although the discharge from Mines No. 1 , 2, 3, and 4 degrade the water at the discharge point from a low salinity hazard to a moderate salinity hazard, the discharge water is further diluted downstream. By the tune any of the water reaches the Crystal River, it is at a low salinity hazard. As a worst case condition, with all gins amend reparations plant ponds " �eW �f a discharing simultaneously, �he soluble salt level 'of Coal Creek immediately below the last discharge point would be increased by'177 m�/l The water below the final discharge point would have a moderate salinity hazard fo.r irrigation use. However, by the time the water reaches the Crystal River, which is the first point of diversion of Coal Creek water, and is further diluted by tributaries, the soluble salt level would be reduced to 44, 0 ma 1 which translates to a low salinity hazard. q Yn n Q..rto JJC 1 USDI. 1968. Water Quality Criteria. Report, of the National Technical Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Interior. yea. Water ?ollution Control Acmin. 234 pp.