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and the previous three year period for the station is presented in <br /> Tables 1-4 and 1-9 of Appendix 1 . Major differences can be noted in <br /> water quality to that of the Purgatoire. Conductivity is five times <br /> that of the river with a much warmer mean temperature. Mine discharge <br /> is a sodium-bicarbonate water rather than calcium bicarbonate as <br /> exhibited in the Purgatoire River. Metal concentrations were all low. <br /> There has been no significant change in water quality over the three <br /> years of monitoring. No change was expected as no mining activities <br /> have been conducted. Sampling was also conducted at this station for <br /> NPDES discharge parameters which were observed to be within allowable <br /> concentrations over the year. NPDES reports which have been filed with <br /> the Colorado Department of Health are contained in Appendix 6. <br /> The Golden Eagle Mine Discharge (Station MDGE-1 ) is located <br /> in Ciruela Canyon approximately one-half mile from the Purgatoire River <br /> (Figure 1 ) . All monthly data for the station collected during 1987 is <br /> presented in Table 1-5 of Appendix 1 and summarized for the previous <br /> three year period in Table 1-9. The water is a sodium-bicarbonate type <br /> with high ionization and low concentrations of metals. WFC experienced <br /> several increases in pH during the year. These increases are believed <br /> to be a result of rock dust associated with increased mining <br /> activities. TSS levels dropped during the year as a result of the <br /> construction and operation of a two-cell settling pond prior to <br /> discharge. As with Station MDNE-1 , Station MDGE-1 was also sampled for <br /> NPDES parameters (reports contained in Appendix 6) . All parameters <br /> with exception of pH and TSS were within limitations over the year. pH <br /> levels were buffered with over-the-counter hydrochloric acid and TSS <br /> levels were reduced by the use of chemical additives. <br /> Mine water discharge at the New Elk west portal has been <br /> monitored since March of 1987. Water was encountered during the March, <br /> April and May samplings with no discharge for the remainder of the <br /> year. Water quality is similar to that monitored at station MDNE-1 . <br /> Water appears to be a sodium-bicarbonate type low in TSS and metal <br /> concentrations. <br /> 13 <br />