2012-07-02_REPORT - C1980007 (3)

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West Elk Mine 2011 Annual Hydrology Report 39 3.6 Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Methodology The surface water monitoring protocols include recording stream flow (gpm or cfs) and field water quality (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature), and collecting water quality samples for independent laboratory analysis. Continuous flow data are measured and collected using Parshall flumes and Global Water pressure transducers or adapted from USGS gaging station published flows. Instantaneous flow data are measured with a portable flume, a point flow meter, or using the timed volumetric method. Field water quality and lab samples are collected at a non - aerated flowing section of streams with minimum turbidity. Field measurements are taken with an Oakton water quality multi -meter that has been calibrated with standard buffer solutions. All sampling equipment is rinsed with distilled water and sample water prior to testing and /or sample collection. Water samples for lab analysis are collected in pre- fixed sample bottles provided by the certified laboratory. Sample bottles are sealed, labeled, placed on ice, and shipped to the lab in coolers for analysis according to standardized EPA protocols. Chain -of- custody forms are completed for all samples sent to the lab for analysis. The independent analytical laboratory used in WY 2011 for all of the surface, groundwater, and mine water quality analyses was ACZ Laboratories, Inc. in Steamboat Springs, CO. The spring and seep monitoring program follows the same protocols for recording field water quality parameters (pH, EC, and temperature) and collecting samples for laboratory analysis, as described for the surface water monitoring program above. The flow measurement methodology for springs and seeps, involves digging out the flow channel to facilitate the positioning of a plastic bucket with 0.25 gallon gradations, or a measuring cup with fluid ounce gradations. Flow is measured using the timed volumetric method. Flow rate is determined by recording the time required to fill a container of known volume. This procedure is repeated several times and an average flow rate is calculated and recorded. If flow is sufficiently high, a point flow meter or portable flume is used. The groundwater monitoring program protocols include recording water level measurements and field water quality parameters (pH, EC, and temperature), and collecting laboratory samples for analysis from designated wells. The static water level June 2012 HydroGeo, Inc.