1980-07-11_REVISION - M1977493 (8)

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underground mine use are approximately 75 gpm. The milling circuit requires a circulating water flow at a rate of approximately 650 gallons for each ton of ore milled . It is not anticipated that reclamation will require water other than by natural processes. Climax ' s discharge of waters to the Tenmile Creek are covered under NPDES Permit No. CO-0000248 . 8 . 3 GROUNDWATER Potential for Deep Groundwater Development and Transport The Climax operations are not expected to have an adverse effect on groundwater systems. The bedrock in the area is primarily the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks . None of these units are classified as being aquifers. Even if an aquifer did exist, the transport of groundwater would be hampered by the numerous offset of beds caused by faulting. It is possible that seepage could occur downwards along the numerous faults; however , these fault zones are generally composed of relatively impermeable, clayey fault gouge. The bowl-like configuration caused by the Kokomo Syncline would greatly restrict the transport of deep groundwaters . To the east and north of the area, movement along the Mosquito Fault has brought the crystalline Precambrian rocks into contact with the Paleozoic sediments. These Precambrian units will also serve as a barrier to the transport of deep groundwaters . 8 . 4 ARKANSAS RIVER DRAINAGE Climax operations and facilities within the Arkansas River drainage include underground mining , crushing facilities, warehousing , office and dry facilities ( collectively, the area is referred to as the Storke Level ) . The -'Arkansas River drainage is also a source of domestic water and aggregate for Climax operations. The aggregate mining discharge of water is covered by NPDES Permit No. CO-0029840 . A new fresh water reservoir in the Upper Arkansas Valley is proposed to be constructed in the future . 8-2