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Groundwater <br />The proposed mining operation at SM -18 has historically been dry and is not expected to <br />have any effect on either surface or groundwater systems. <br />Surface Water <br />Exhibit G <br />Water Information <br />SM -18 Mine Permit Amendment <br />M- 1978 -116 <br />The northern reclaimed area sits between Atkinson and Spring Creeks but it is not <br />expected to have any direct effect on those creeks or their tributaries (see Exhibit C - <br />Maps, Figure Cl for creek locations). Both creeks are ephemeral and are generally dry <br />during most of the year. The southern and active area of the mine is more than 2 miles <br />from Atkinson and Spring Creek. It is about 1800 feet away from and approximately 400 <br />feet above the San Miguel River. The rock layers near the mine dip to the northeast, <br />away from the river and therefore there is no anticipated effect on the San Miguel River. <br />A full report analyzing potential movement of contaminants from SM -18 into the San <br />Miguel River was conducted in 2005 by GeoScience Services, and is included in <br />Appendix II. <br />The Wright Mine workings have existed for over 50 years and have been historically <br />dry with the exception of one drift that was immediately abandoned after water was <br />encountered. A drift was mined 56 feet west of and parallel to the wet drift and was <br />found to be dry. A precautionary evaporation pond was constructed in the northern <br />area but it was never used and has since been reclaimed. Since no water is anticipated <br />during mining operations in the southern permit area, there are no plans for an <br />evaporation pond to be built in the southern area. <br />Since exploration drilling of the area to be mined encountered no significant ground <br />water, no discharge permits will be required. <br />Water Usage <br />Water needed for the mining operation (e.g. drill water, water for wetting down blasted <br />material and for fugitive dust control) will be hauled to the site from a legal source (e.g. <br />purchased from the town of Naturita, Colorado). Water consumption will be less than <br />1,000 gallons per working day. <br />For a more comprehensive discussion of the water issues at SM -18 including drill data, <br />lysimeter data and geology of the area see Exhibit U - EPP. <br />G -1 <br />