Introductions (Chuck Barnes)High flow water sampling event summary (Glen
Miller)
Glen thanked all the water sampling volunteers. Creede resident volunteers were Jim
Matush, Frank Bassett, Zeke Ward, & Casey Adelman. Others were Tina Laidlaw, Mike
Wireman, & Bill Schroeder (EPA); Laura Coppock & Tyler Abbott (US Fish &
Wildlife); Barb Horn (CDOW), Bruce Stover (CDMG), & Bob Kirkham (CO Geologic Survey).
The unanimous opinion is that things went nearly perfect. We even finished a day early.
Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun especially during the late night titration and bull
sessions that went on at Glen’s house. Flow measurements were taken on the Rio Grande
at Deep Creek and the Wasson Bridge by the USGS as well as 11 water quality samples at
each of those sites (10 across and 1 composite).
It would have been nicer if we would have had higher water. The event was planned for
the 15th of May and once this was entered into everyone’s schedules, it
was more or less set in stone. If we had done it one week earlier or one week later, there
would have been higher water. As it was we had about 47 cubic feet/second (CFS) at the
Creede Gauging Station whereas last September we had about 33 CFS.
Glen hopes that from now on, with this high flow data and our last September low
flow data, that we will have enough baseline information to narrow down our sample
sites from 62 at present to about 30 or less. This way, with future sampling events, the
local Creede volunteers and maybe a few agency people who might have room in their
schedules could quickly collect the samples when the water is at its best condition. In
other words it would be nice if we could work with Mother nature instead of against her.
We could treat future high and low flow sampling events as just a glorified episodic event
of which the local volunteers are able to take care of.
Episodic Events (Glen Miller)
Question: When do we call an episodic event an episodic event as apposed to just a
rainstorm?
It is important to define this. Rex Shepperd spoke of the importance of looking at
water color. It is after all the increased surface runoff that we are trying to measure
and this will show up as yellowish water from the mine dumps or probably browner water
from increased storms higher up in the basin. JB spoke of the importance of gathering flow
data when we get these samples, at least at the bottom of West and East Willow and one on
the mainstem. We probably wouldn’t need to take the time to do flow on all the other
sites.
Re-Veg (Steve Russell)
Because of the extremely dry weather, plants from last years re-vegetation trials are
doing poorly. Hopefully they are in a state of dormancy and not just dead.
JB advised that since the City of Creede owns a water right, we might in the future be
able to install a sprinkling system to get the plants going.
Steve checked out the Willows that we planted in April and reported that about 90% of
them are looking good. However, the ones that were planted horizontally have yet to
sprout. The cottonwoods that Marvin got from the Colorado Forest Service are doing well.
Tailings Sampling Analysis Plan (SAP)
Glen put together a preliminary Sampling & Analysis Plan using information provided by
Bruce Stover from CDPHE, Mike Wireman provided information from a consultant in Vancouver,
B.C., John Parker’s consultants known as Enviro-group sent their State approved SAP,
Peter Ismert from EPA sent one of theirs. From all of this Glen condensed a SAP for our
own use and presented it to the TAC committee this morning (June 7th). The TAC
made a number of changes and then voted that it be approved. This is all with the
understanding that the floodplain is much different than tailings piles and various
methods will need to be employed such as the use of the XRF machine (X-ray fluorescence)
to narrow down our areas of concern.
Glen motioned that the above Sampling & Analysis Plan be accepted. Numerous people
seconded and all were in favor.
Alluvial Groundwater & Stream Tracing
JB Alexander explained what stream tracing is all about. The purpose is to identify
groundwater inflows into the creek. By dripping a salt tracer into the creek over a period
of time, we sample different sites along the creek and check for dilution. If there is an
inflow that cannot be accounted for on the surface then it must be coming from
underground.
We are in the process of allocating $39,000 to pay USGS to perform this study in late
August or early September.
JB motioned that we go ahead with this program, try and come up with the $39,000.
Erik Sandvick seconded and all were in favor.
Underground Mapping & Reconnaissance
Phase I: Rough reconn. map 1) Oxygen levels 2) water inflows 3) conductivity & pH on
any water that we can reach 4) cave ins and access 5) Select water sampling sites.
Phase II: Water Sampling on maybe 20 or 30 sites.
Phase III: Establish exact levels on tunnel floors and produce accurate maps that tie
to surface USGS survey points and map this on our GIS system.
Phase IV: Final Report of all investigations by CDMG.
Watershed Coordinators meeting in Denver
Rex motioned that Glen go to this course, numerous people seconded and all were in favor.
Hecla Land and the Senior Citizens Center
Yesterday, Glen walked the site with Mark Walker from CDPHE and the conclusion is that if
we can get some maps of the site along with the history and a drawing of where we want the
building to go and get this to Mark then the state will detail a characterization plan. At
that time we (the city) could either enter an agreement with Hecla or not. Dave Suhr spoke
that they are willing to separate this chunk of land from their other land below on the
floodplain so things could work faster.
BJ Meyers (Creede Mayor) spoke of the importance of getting this done as soon as possible
because for some eight months we have had a plan and the more that time elapses, the more
the price goes up.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:55 PM
Minutes submitted by:
Approved and accepted:
_________________________
__________________________
Glen Miller
Zeke Ward
Project Watershed Coordinator
Chairman
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday July 5th at 1:00 PM at
the Creede Town Hall.
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