Water Resources

Hydrologic test wells HRES-01, HRES-02, HRES-03, HRES-04, and HRES-05 were drilled and constructed during the period February 2 to March 11, 2004. The test wells were drilled evaluate lithologic and hydrogeologic conditions within the Apache Leap Tuff, and were terminated in the uppermost part of the Whitetail Conglomerate. Final test well construction was designed to permit hydrologic testing of the Apache Leap Tuff aquifer, and to provide access for long-term monitoring of groundwater level and groundwater quality for the aquifer.

At HRES-19 and HRES-20, the primary target drilling depth was the contact between the Tertiary Apache Leap Tuff and the underlying White Tail Conglomerate. During drilling operations, data was collected to better characterize the hydrogeologic conditions within the Apache Leap Tuff. The target depth was reached at HRES-19, although the depth to the White Tail Conglomerate was shallower than expected. The White Tail Conglomerate was not reached at HRES-20 due to technical issues encountered while drilling.

This draft technical memorandum has been prepared to summarize results of drilling, construction, and development of groundwater production well RESPW-01. The well was installed to intersect mine workings on the 4400 Mine Level adjacent to Shaft No. 8 of the Magma Mine in order to dewater that level and overlying levels.

This technical memorandum has been prepared to document results and analysis of a 23-day aquifer test conducted at hydrologic test well HRES-09. M&A conducted the long-term test to provide aquifer parameters for the Apache Leap Tuff (ALT) aquifer in the area of the well.