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recharge in 2011 from higher precipitation for the last six years and a gradual decline in 2012 due to <br />less recharge. <br />Figure A -3 presents the static water -level elevations for wells GD -2, GD -3 and GP -9. <br />These wells are completed in the QR, QR backfill and 3rd White Sandstone aquifers. In 2006, water <br />levels in wells GD -2 and GD-3 declined sharply the first quarter of 2006 and then became fairly <br />steady with a large increase in water level in 2008. Water levels gradually rose in the first three <br />quarters, but declined in the fourth quarter of 2009 through 2011 with a similar pattern in well GD -2 <br />in 2012 and a steady decline in well GD -3. The earlier large water level declines are thought to be <br />due to drilling for deeper coal in this area. Water levels in 2011 and 2012 are higher than any <br />historical level in this backfill well. Backfill well GD -3 is approximately 1200 feet upgradient of <br />well GD -2. It is topographically higher and in the northern side of the D pit. Water -level changes in <br />well GD -3 have been more gradual than changes in well GD -2. The unconfined backfill aquifer's <br />storage parameter would be much larger than the storage coefficient for the confined aquifer at GD -2 <br />and, therefore, would be expected to dampen responses. <br />Water levels in well GP -9 rose in early 2012 and gradually declined the remainder of the <br />year. This water -level change is likely natural in this well. <br />Figure A-4 presents water levels for wells GF -7 and P -8. These wells are completed in the <br />HI backfill and 3rd White Sandstone aquifers, respectively. Water levels in well GF -7 (see Figure A- <br />4) very gradually declined in 2012. The larger storage value in the unconfined backfill aquifer may <br />dampen the effects of dry and wet years. The recovery from the A pit mining in this area may be <br />nearly completed. The water levels in well P -8 declined in 2012. <br />Water levels for well GF -4 are presented in Figure A -5. A large rise in water level in well <br />GF-4 was observed in the last half of 1999 after the repair of the casing on September 29, 1999. <br />Water levels overall were fairly similar in 2009 and 2010 with a rise in 2011 and 2012 in well GF-4. <br />Trapper Mining Company 2 -5 <br />2012 Annual Report <br />