1986-03-03_REPORT - C1981013 (4)

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Station PRS-2 is located below the confluence of the North and Middle Forks while Station PRS-3 is located one mile below PRS-2 and below all mining activities (Figure 1). These two stations exhibit similar flow rates and water quality, however, the difference between these two stations and PRS-1 is the addition of the North Fork. Ranges and means for flow and water quality of the stations are presented in Table 1. All chemical parameters are similar to those of PRS-1 with a slight increase in conductivity, SAR and total measured ions. As exhibited on Figure 4, the water of the lower two stations is also a calcium-bicarbonate type. The New Elk Mine Discharge (MDNE-1) is located on the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River. All monthly data collected for the station is presented in Table 1-4 of Appendix 1 and 3. The range and mean of field parameters are presented in Table I. Major differences can be noted in water quality to that of the Purgatoire. Conductivity is five times that of the river with a much warmer mean temperature. Also, as noted on Figure 3, the water is a sodium-bicarbonate type with total ions measured at 36.70 me/1. Metal concentrations were all low, being near or below detection limits. Comparison of the water sampled in November to the historic data (Table 2) indicates a higher degree of ionization increased by such parameters as sodium and bicarbonate. Sampling was also conducted at this station for NPDES discharge parameters which were observed to be within allowable concentrations over the year. NPDES reports which have been filed with the Department of Health are contained in Appendix 6. The Golden Eagle Mine Discharge (Station MDGE-1) is located in Ciruela Canyon approximately one-half mile from the Purgatoire River (Figure 1). All monthly data for the station is presented in Table 1-5 of Appendix 1 and 3. Flow of the discharge averages 30 gallons per minute (0.06 cfs) with similar mean field parameter measurements to that of MDNE-1 (Table 1). As shown on Figure 4, the water is a sodium-bicarbonate type with high ionization (25.77 me/1 total ions) and low concentrations of metals. Comparison of data with historic (Table 2) indicates a lower degree of ionization with similar quantities of other parameters. As with Station MDNE-1, Station MDGE-1 was also sampled for NPDES parameters (reports contained in Appendix 6). All parameters with exception of TSS were within limitations over the year. Because TSS limitations were exceeded in the early months of 1985, two new sediment cells were permitted and construction during the summer of 1985. These new cells have reduced TSS levels to well within NPDES limitations. -15-