SurfMin: Reclaimed Spoil

NTIS Accession No: NTIS List Price:

Title of Report:

CLIMATOLOGIC, SOIL-WATER, GROUND-WATER, GEOLOGIC, SURFACE-WATER, AND

WATER-QUALITY DATA FOR A SURFACE COAL MINE IN NORTHWESTERN COLORADO (DECEMBER

1993) 218pp

Performing Organization name and Address:

U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, Mail Stop 415, Federal Center, Denver,

CO 80225-0046

Type of Report: Open-file report 92-122

Abstract:

Climatologic, soil-water, ground-water, geologic, surface-water, and

water-quality data were collected at five sites at a surface coal mine in

northwestern Colorado. The data were collected to help describe the

hydrogeology and geochemistry of an area that is being surface mined for coal.

The study area was at the Seneca II Coal Mine. Lennox coal and Wadge coal are

the major seams being mined. Confined Aquifers in bedrock and unconfined

aquifers in reclaimed spoil are present in the area. Springs are present at the

toe of the reclaimed spoil slope.

Climatologic data were collected at two sites. Air temperatures, relative

humidity, solar radiation, windspeed, and wind duration were collected at one

site. Precipitation was measured at three rain gages. Snow-course data were

collected at three sites. Soil-water content and soil dry density were

measured.

Eighteen wells in the confined aquifer and seven in the unconfined aquifer were

installed at the study area. Geophysical and geologic logs were recorded for

selected cored boreholes. Water levels were measured at the wells. Porosity,

grain density, and permeability of selected core were estimated. Mineral

composition also was determined.

Ground-water samples were collected for water-quality analysis. Spring

discharge and water quality were measured for two springs. Water quantity and

quality were measured for two lysimeters.

Keyword(s):

Reclaimed spoil

Hydrogeologic processes

Author(s):

Robert S. Williams, Jr., Gregory M. Clark, and Norman E. Spahr