Laserfiche WebLink
Mineral Joe Mine Environmental Protection Plan 41 <br />9.5 Groundwater Quality <br />No groundwater has been encountered on the Mineral Joe site, and therefore no site - specific water quality <br />information is available. The following information applies to groundwater quality in the region. <br />9.5.1 Alluvial Groundwater Quality <br />Alluvial groundwater, where it occurs, is a calcium sulfate or calcium bicarbonate type water, with sodium <br />concentrations of 130 mg /L or less (Weir, et al., 1983). Total dissolved solids in the alluvium of the <br />Paradox Basin range from 302 to 1,560 mg/L, with an average of 770 mg/L (Weir, et al., 1983). These <br />concentrations exceed secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels ( SMCLs) established for drinking water. <br />9.5.2 Upper Aquifer (Mesozoic) Water Quality <br />Weir, et al., (1983) reported that the upper Mesozoic aquifer is typically a calcium bicarbonate water <br />containing varying concentrations of sulfate and that "water from units containing abundant shale, such as <br />the Mesaverde Group, Mancos Shale, and Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation is typically a <br />sodium bicarbonate water containing sulfate or chloride." The range of dissolved solids reported by Weir, <br />et al. (1983) for the Morrison Formation was 1,260 to 4,040 mg/L with sulfate ranging from 310 to 1,200 <br />mg/L. These TDS and sulfate values naturally exceed SMCLs for drinking water. <br />10. WATER QUALITY MONITORING <br />The Mineral Joe is a dry mine, and no groundwater has been encountered in the underground workings. <br />Therefore, no groundwater monitoring is proposed. Similarly, there are no perennial water courses, and no <br />surface water monitoring is proposed for the Mineral Joe Mine. <br />11. CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE <br />Rule 6.4.21(15) requires that the Operator submit construction schedule information for all Environmental <br />Protection Facilities designed to contain or transport toxic or acid - forming materials or designated <br />chemicals used in the extractive metallurgical process and all facilities proposed to contain, hold, or dispose <br />of material that has the potential to cause acid mine drainage. The construction schedule for Environmental <br />Protection Facilities at the Mineral Joe Mine is provided in Table 22. <br />4148B.120927 Whetstone Associates <br />