1996-02-08_HYDROLOGY - M1977378 (2)

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Columbus Mine Portals Page 3 Analysis Diversion and isolation of the mine dumps(including pH stabilization)will isolate this material from direct contact with run on and intermittent flows and minimize infiltration from stormwater events. This will improve water quality of the Animas River at Animas Forks. The hydraulic seals proposed for the Columbus Adits will reduce the unsaturated zone by removing the drain. This will result in minimizing the oxygen available for reaction with the sulfide materials in the area. The hydrological conditions will be restored to an approximation of premining conditions. Monitoring Monitoring points for this project will consist of upstream and downstream as well as flows from adits and dumps. Stream sampling for this project will occur in the North Fork and the West Fork of the Animas River. Monitoring will start prior to remediation work and continue until two years after the project is completed. Monitoring will occur four times yearly, once in early summer and fall and will be submitted by the 28th of the following month receipt as well as annually at the same time of SGC's Mined Land Reclamation submittal. A copy will also be sent to the Water Quality Control Division. All samples taken will be analyzed for dissolved metals for Zn, Fe, Al, Mn, Cd, and Cu,total sulfate, hardness and a field pH will be taken as well as field measurements for flow. Reporting Should this project become necessary to mainain water quality in the Upper Animas, SGC will notify WQCD prior to work starting. Prior to installation of hydraulic seals, SGC will submit seal designs to WQCD. SGC will submit annual reports for this project starting with finalized engineering drawings prior to starting onsite work. Once all reclamation activities are complete, a final report will be submitted. Reports will be sent to the Division of Minerals and Geology as well as the Water Quality Control Division. The report will include activities to date as well as planned activities for future years work. Budget SGC will fund this project. Remedial Goals and Objectives Reduction of low pH,metal laden waters flowing into the West Fork of the Animas River at Animas Forks by: 1) Reduction of acidity in the headwaters by isolating or limiting abilities of waters to react with pyrite and other sulfide minerals. 2) Reduction of exposure to waste material by snowmelt and rainwater. 3) Visually reclaim area to accepted standards.