2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (25)

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Design and Operations Plan October 24, 2011 Western Gravel E & P Waste Disposal Facility Page 12 of 51 From Meeker to Rangely, White River alluvial water quality varies fro m east to west. To the east, alluvial water is a calcium bicarbonate type and to the west sodium sulfate type water. Overall, the water is classified very hard. West of the White River and Piceance Creek confluence, public water supplies that draw from the alluvium exceed dissolved solids and sulfate water quality standards. Additionally, specific conductance values greater than twice the average of water east of the confluence have been reported. Because of the large sodium adsorption ratios and elevated dissolved solids concentrations, the alluvial water may not be suitable for stock watering or irrigation purposes. Only shallow water from the surficial Green River Formation is used for drinking water. In general, potable water wells within the Pice ance Basin extend no deeper than 200 feet. 2.3.3.3 Regional Surface Water The White River is considered the major regional surface water body in the region and flows east to west. The White River basin drains approximately 3,750 square miles and in eludes part of the Colorado Plateau, Wyoming Basin, and Southern Rocky Mountains and is a tributary of the Green River. 2.3.3.4 Regional Surface Water Quality Historically, water within the White River basin has been used for agricultural and domestic purposes. The White River tributaries located within the Flat Top s Wilderness are designated "Outstanding Water" quality. While not classified as "impaired ", several river segments are monitored because the Water Quality Control Commission identified suspect water quality problems associated with certain parameters (e.g. copp er, zinc, pH). The White River segment that flows north of the site is considered a "suspect" water segment. This segment includes the White River mainstream from a point above the Miller Creek Confluence located east of Meeker to a point immediately abo ve the Piceance Creek Confluence. The White River and Piceance Creek confluence is located approximately 1 1/2 miles west of the site. This river segment is classified Aquatic Life Cold 1, meaning that the waters are currently capable of sustaining a wide variety of coldwater biota, including sensitive species, or could sustain such biota but for correctable water quality conditions. Designated use of this river segment includes water supply, recreation P (December 1 to March 1), recreation E (March 2 to November 30), and agriculture. 2.3.3.5 Climatic Data Climate in Rio Blanco County is classified as mainly semiarid and high desert at lower elevations in the west half of the county and transitions in the Meeker area, becoming alpine at higher elevations of the Piceance Basin and east Rio Blanco County. Significant weather variations including temperature, precipitation, and surface winds are caused by topographic changes. Prevailing upper winds are from the southwest; however, can be influenced by topography. Annual precipitation variations are mainly controlled by mountains. Annual precipitation can range from less than 10 inches in the west Rio Blanco County area to greater than 50 inches in the Marvine Peaks area to the east. The majority of the county receives annual average precipitation of 10 inches to 20 inches Annual snowfall can range from 30 inches at lower elevations to as much as 180 inches at higher elevations. Mountain areas generally receive annual snowpack amounts ranging from 30 inches to 50 inches. Depending upon elevation, summer daily temperatures can range from the upper 40's in mountains to mid - 90's in western valleys. Winter temperatures can range from 10 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) during the day to 20 to 30 degrees F lower at night. Extreme seasonal temperatures ranging from approximately minus 50 degrees F to approximately 105 degrees F have been reported. NWCC, Inc.