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similar flow rates and water quality, however, the difference between <br /> these two stations and PRS-1 is the addition of the North Fork. <br /> Ranges and means for flow and water quality of the stations are <br /> presented in Tables 1-2, 1-3 , and 1-14 . All chemical parameters are <br /> similar to those of PRS-1 with a slight increase in conductivity, SAR, <br /> sodium and bicarbonate. These increases are not significant. <br /> The New Elk Mine Discharge (MDNE-1) is located on the Middle Fork <br /> of the Purgatoire River. All monthly data collected during 1989 and <br /> the previous five-year period for the station is presented in Tables <br /> 1-4 and 1-14 of Appendix 1. Major differences can be noted in water <br /> quality to that of the Purgatoire. Conductivity is five times that <br /> of the river with a much warmer mean temperature. Mine discharge is <br /> a sodium-bicarbonate water rather than calcium bicarbonate as <br /> exhibited in the Purgatoire River. Metal concentrations were all <br /> low. There has been no significant change in water quality over the <br /> six years of monitoring. No change was expected as no mining <br /> activities have been conducted over this monitoring period. Sampling <br /> was also conducted at this station for NPDES discharge parameters <br /> which were observed to be within allowable concentrations over the <br /> year. NPDES reports which have been filed with the Colorado <br /> Department of Health are included in Appendix 6. During the fourth <br /> quarter of 1989, the New Elk Mine was temporarily sealed and the <br /> discharge of mine inflow water was discontinued. As a result, no <br /> further discharge from the underground workings is anticipated. <br /> Mine water discharge at the New Elk west portal (station WPD-1) <br /> has been monitored since March of 1987 . Water was encountered during <br /> the March, April and May 1987 samplings with no discharge for the <br /> remainder of 1987, 1988, or 1989 (Table 1-5 of Appendix 1) . Water <br /> quality is similar to that monitored at station MDNE-1. Water appears <br /> to be a sodium-bicarbonate type low in TSS and metal concentrations. <br /> -14- <br />