Hydrological Studies: Uranium Mines
Southwestern Colorado and Utah
Western Water & Land designed and implemented hydrological studies including baseline groundwater monitoring programs in accordance with Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) requirements for several uranium mine properties in southwestern Colorado. The programs consisted of the development of a hydrologic conceptual models, the collection of five quarters of groundwater samples, and interpretation of the chemistry results. WWL designed and supervised the installation of numerous monitoring wells for the baseline programs. The wells were completed in the Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation to depths of up 1,200 feet. The monitoring interval exhibited low permeability, limiting groundwater yield to each well.
WWL developed and implemented site-specific low-flow sampling procedures and protocols to overcome the challenges associated with sampling deep, low-yielding wells. Analytical results for each quarterly sampling event are evaluated and interpreted to assess chemical changes between wells and sampling events. A project hydrology report was prepared for one project and is anticipated for another project. The report(s) are to be submitted to the DRMS and BLM and include a comprehensive description of the hydrologic site conceptual model including aquifer characteristics and an interpretation of baseline monitoring chemistry results.
Southwestern Colorado and Utah
Western Water & Land designed and implemented hydrological studies including baseline groundwater monitoring programs in accordance with Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) requirements for several uranium mine properties in southwestern Colorado. The programs consisted of the development of a hydrologic conceptual models, the collection of five quarters of groundwater samples, and interpretation of the chemistry results. WWL designed and supervised the installation of numerous monitoring wells for the baseline programs. The wells were completed in the Salt Wash Member of the Morrison Formation to depths of up 1,200 feet. The monitoring interval exhibited low permeability, limiting groundwater yield to each well.
WWL developed and implemented site-specific low-flow sampling procedures and protocols to overcome the challenges associated with sampling deep, low-yielding wells. Analytical results for each quarterly sampling event are evaluated and interpreted to assess chemical changes between wells and sampling events. A project hydrology report was prepared for one project and is anticipated for another project. The report(s) are to be submitted to the DRMS and BLM and include a comprehensive description of the hydrologic site conceptual model including aquifer characteristics and an interpretation of baseline monitoring chemistry results.