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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTM_PiedmontLithium_Groundwater Model_20190702Technical Memorandum Groundwater Model Piedmont Lithium Gaston County, North Carolina July 2, 2019 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model Contents Contents Contents ............ ExecutiveSummary................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1 Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework............................................................ 1 ModelDomain........................................................................................................................ 2 WaterBudget......................................................................................................................... 2 Hydrostratigraphy................................................................................................................... 2 BoundaryConditions.............................................................................................................. 3 Recharge............................................................................................................................ 4 Streams.............................................................................................................................. 4 Rivers................................................................................................................................. 4 Wetlands............................................................................................................................. 5 Ponds................................................................................................................................. 5 Wells................................................................................................................................... 5 MinePits............................................................................................................................. 5 TemporalConstraints............................................................................................................. 5 Dewatering and Water Handling............................................................................................. 6 ModelSet-up............................................................................................................................. 6 ModelingSoftware.................................................................................................................. 6 Discretization.......................................................................................................................... 6 ModelLayers.......................................................................................................................... 6 BoundaryConditions.............................................................................................................. 7 Recharge............................................................................................................................ 7 Streams.............................................................................................................................. 7 Ponds................................................................................................................................. 7 River................................................................................................................................... 7 No-flow............................................................................................................................... 7 InitialCalibration..................................................................................................................... 8 Preliminary Dewatering Simulation......................................................................................... 9 ModelLimitations......................................................................................................................13 Summary and Conclusions.......................................................................................................13 References...............................................................................................................................15 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Contents Figures Figure 1 - Site Location Map Figure 2 - Receptor Well Location Map Figure 3 - Boundary Conditions Figure 4 - Model Grid Figure 5 - Distribution of Soft Rock and Hard Rock in Layers 4 and 5 Figure 6 - Distribution of Calibrated Heads Figure 7 - Computed Heads versus Measured Heads Figure 8 - Location of Stream Flow Measurements Figure 9a - Model Predicted Drawdown from Dewatering in the Central Pit Figure 9b - Model Predicted Drawdown from Dewatering in the East Pit Figure 9c - Model Predicted Drawdown from Dewatering in the North Pit Figure 9d - Model Predicted Drawdown from Dewatering in the South Pit Figure 10 - HDR Delineated Wetlands Figure 11 - Location of Stream Reaches Tables Table ES-1 — Model Predicted Dewatering Rate by Pit Table 1- Observed and Predicted Water Levels......................................................................... 8 Table 2 - Simulated Base Flow and Base Flow Reported by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997). 9 Table 3 - Simulated Base Flow and Stream Flow Measured on May 13 and 15, 2019 ............... 9 Table 4 - Model Predicted Dewatering Withdrawal Rates by Pit................................................10 Table 5 - Model -predicted Drawdown in Local Wells.................................................................11 Table 6 - Model -predicted Changes in Groundwater Flow to Wetlands (in gpm) .......................12 Table 7 - Changes in Base Flow to Streams that Cross the Site...............................................12 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Contents This page intentionally left blank. Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Executive Summary Executive Summary Piedmont Lithium Inc. (PLI) is proposing to construct an open pit mine in the Carolina Tin- Spodumene Belt (TSB) of North Carolina where lithium -bearing pegmatites have been identified. The mine site (the Site) is located in the TSB of the Piedmont physiographic province in south-central North Carolina. The approximately 963-acre Site is located in unincorporated Gaston County, on private land surrounding Hephzibah Church Road, east of Whitesides Road, and west of Aderholdt Road, approximately 2.7 miles east of Cherryville, North Carolina. The mining will be accomplished through open pit excavations that will require dewatering. As part of the planning process, it is necessary to estimate the rate of water withdrawal during pit dewatering and what effect, if any, it may have on local water resources and water users. On behalf of PLI, HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas (HDR) has developed a three-dimensional groundwater flow model to estimate dewatering rates and evaluate whether these rates have the potential to increase or decrease groundwater supply in the surrounding area. This preliminary groundwater model is based on our current understanding of the hydrogeologic setting and planned pit excavation geometries, as of the date of this report. As additional data are collected and mine pit geometry changes, the model may be refined to reflect these changes. Water resources within the Site include Beaverdam Creek, which flows in an easterly to northeasterly direction through the Site and eventually drains to the South Fork Catawba River off -site. Little Beaverdam Creek flows north through the Site to a confluence with Beaverdam Creek. Additionally, multiple streams and wetlands were identified within the Site and mapped through field work conducted by HDR and verified by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under action SAW-2018-01129. Potable and irrigation water is provided to residential homes and cultivated fields via individual water supply wells; large capacity municipal wells are not known to exist in the area. The Site location and surrounding area are shown on Figure ES-1. HDR used data from site -specific resource and hydrogeologic investigations; design -level mine plans; local United States Geologic Survey (USGS) gauging stations; and published regional geologic and hydrogeologic data to develop a six -layered groundwater flow model. Simulations were conducted to assess the amount of withdrawal necessary to dewater the mine pits and to assess potential impacts of pit dewatering on local water resources (wells, wetlands and streams). The modeling was conducted in multiple scenarios where dewatering of the pits (North, Central, South and East Pits) was simulated individually. Model -predicted dewatering rates range from 375 gallons per minute (gpm) for the South Pit to 850 gpm for the Central Pit (Table ES-1). Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Executive Summary Table ES-1: Model -Predicted Dewatering Rate by Pit Pits Dewatering Rate WPM) North 400 Central 850 South 375 East 600 Modeling demonstrated that shallow wells in the vicinity of the Site may experience water column loss during pit dewatering. Predicted drawdown in wells within the Site boundary ranged from 0 feet to 137 feet with an average of approximately 11 feet. Predicted drawdown in wells beyond the Site boundary ranged from 0 feet to 39.5 feet with an average of 6 feet. PLI will acquire through fee simple or long term lease all of the wells within the project boundary; and therefore, loss of water column in these wells is informational purposes only, not material. Beyond the Site boundary, two wells were projected to experience significant loss of water column during dewatering of the East and Central Pits, while one (shallow supply) well was predicted to go dry during dewatering of the North Pit. To monitor water level fluctuations as a result of dewatering activities, PLI will install sentinel monitoring wells along portions of the Site boundary. This monitoring is intended to allow for early detection of potential drawdown effects to off -site supply wells. PLI will offer residents in the immediate vicinity of the Site (within 1,500 ft.) to participate in a well inventory program and will address impacts on a case by case basis. Wells that are affected through loss of water column such that they cannot be used for residential water will be remedied by PLI, likely via replacement of an existing shallow well with deeper wells, if required. PLI will acquire in fee simple the property at 210 Hastings Road and the property at 633 Aderholdt Road as part of the mine development. Predicted impacts to wetlands were primarily observed during simulated dewatering of the East and Central Pits with six and seven wetlands going dry, respectively. The South and North Pits each have a single wetland that is predicted to go dry during dewatering. Base flow to three streams crossing the site decreases between 0.01 and 10 percent, depending on the proximity of the stream to the pit being dewatered, with the greatest decrease being in Little Beaverdam Creek when the Central Pit is dewatered. Note that PLI currently plans to return water withdrawn for dewatering to the streams at the downstream end of the Site via appropriate NPDES permitted discharge points to reduce potential pumping effects during mine operation. It is also possible that some water withdrawn for dewatering can be diverted to the wetlands most effected by drawdown. A more detailed summary of groundwater model construction, simulation, and results is provided herein. Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model 01 Executive Summary 'figure ES-1 — Overview of PLI Site -- cm—kJ fouse p ; q c ' 2 e.cn�rcn st _ ' Ry L� b�Bea ada�� E 0� a ga1P�� FVC< EGEND Planned Pits Site No Flow Boundary Streams South Fork Catawaba River Deilneated Wetlands ® Receptor Wells on1A5WpoEs: stem Plane Coa� b9yamm, d MILES z zone: Hann ce.oim,[Fws 3zoykt!ao tsa3 aa++.rep Sources: Es6, HERE, Garmin, :Intennap, increment P Corp„ GEBCO, YSGS, FAO, IMPS, [ROAN, GegB.a�e, IGN, Kadaeter NIL, Ordnance Survey, Esd Japan, MET1,E9ri China (Hong Kong),—isstopo, Et OpenStr etMap contributors, and the GIS User Community &I, 3 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Introduction Introduction Piedmont Lithium Inc. (PLI) is proposing to construct an open pit mine in the Carolina Tin- Spodumene Belt (TSB) of North Carolina where lithium -bearing pegmatites have been identified. The mine site (the Site) is located in the TSB of the Piedmont physiographic province in south-central North Carolina. The approximately 963-acre Site is located in unincorporated Gaston County, on private land surrounding Hephzibah Church Road, east of Whitesides Road, and west of Aderholdt Road, approximately 2.7 miles east of Cherryville, North Carolina. The mining will be accomplished through open pit excavations that will require dewatering. As part of the planning process it is necessary to estimate the rate of water withdrawal during pit dewatering and what effect, if any, it may have on local water resources and water users. On behalf of PLI, HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas (HDR) has developed a three-dimensional groundwater flow model to estimate dewatering rates and potential effects. This preliminary groundwater model is based on our current understanding of the hydrogeologic setting and planned pit excavation geometries, as of the date of this report. As additional data are collected and mine pit geometry changes, the model may be refined to reflect these changes. Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework HDR constructed a six -layer groundwater flow model utilizing data from site -specific resource and hydrogeologic investigations; design -level mine plans; local United States Geologic Survey (USGS) gauging stations; and published regional geologic and hydrogeologic data. Data sources included the following: • Investigations conducted by HDR to evaluate the occurrence of groundwater, including long-term water level monitoring, stream flow measurements, and an aquifer test; • Investigations conducted by HDR to identify and map the locations of on -site streams, wetlands, and ponds; • Drilling programs conducted for PLI to investigate the locations of minable lithium - bearing pegmatites, which include descriptions of fractures and geology in the subsurface; • PLI's most recent estimate of pit shell extents; • USGS stream gauging stations at Long Creek near Bessemer City, South Fork Catawba River at Lowell, and Duharts Creek at SR 2439 near Cramerton; • Stream flow measurements collected by HDR in May 2019 and stream flow data for Indian Creek (portion within the model domain) presented in Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997); • Recharge as reported in Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997); • Regional hydrostratigraphy from Schaeffer (2019) and Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) as the basis for hydrostratigraphy at the site; Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework • Locations and construction details (as available) for water supply wells within and outside of the PLI permit boundary (see Figure 2); • USGS Digital Elevation Model for ground surface elevations and extrapolation to upper stratigraphy (overburden, saprolite, transition zone); • USGS EROS Data Center - aerial photographs and ortho-images; and, • Description of local geology (Kessler et. al, 1942). Model Domain The model domain is the simulated area that can potentially contribute water to the mine pit during dewatering or that will be affected by dewatering. The model domain includes the southern portion of the Indian Creek watershed (south of Indian Creek) to the north of the Site, the Beaverdam Creek watershed (the site is wholly in Beaverdam Creek watershed), as well as a reach of the South Fork Catawba River located between Indian Creek and Beaverdam Creek. Most of the model domain is rural area; however, the southwestern most portion of the Beaverdam Creek watershed does intersect a portion of the Town of Cherryville. Cherryville's water distribution system sources its water outside of the model domain. The Site boundary and model domain are shown on Figure 1. Water Budget The model domain is approximately 32.5 square miles and average annual recharge is estimated to be about 10 inches per year, based on the USGS study done in the Indian Creek Watershed (Daniel, Smith, and Eimers, 1997). The recharge in the model domain equates to approximately 5.5 billion gallons of water added to the groundwater each year. No large water withdrawals (e.g., municipal and industrial) were identified in the model domain, so the natural state is that the groundwater recharge will eventually discharge to local streams, wetlands, and the South Fork Catawba River. Some withdrawals are made from individual residential wells or irrigation; however, those withdrawals are likely small compared to the recharge and are largely returned to the ground through septic or sprinkler systems, so as not to significantly affect the overall water budget. Hydrostratigraphy The Site is located within the TSB, which is comprised of metamorphic and igneous rocks overlain by weathered byproducts of the rock and residuum (Kessler 1942, Schaeffer 2019). These materials can be divided into the following hydrostratigraphy: 1. Overburden is generally residuum consisting of alluvial and regolith deposits. The residuum is generally composed of clays from weathered bedrock, with some rock fragments as gravel and sand. 2. Saprolite, which underlies the overburden, is soil that is derived from weathering of bedrock in -situ where some of the original textures and structure of the bedrock are still identifiable; however, the minerals have been altered by weathering to a consistency of soil. Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework 3. Transition Zone is a thin zone between the saprolite and the underlying bedrock where there is less weathering, but the rock is still highly fractured, weathered, and not competent. 4. Bedrock at the Site is generally metavolcanic amphibolite intruded by pegmatites (some of which are spodumene bearing). The amphibolite exhibits little foliation or other structures. Other portions of the Site and area within the model domain are comprised of metasedimentary rocks which are foliated and, at some places, have relict bedding present. Neither the metavolcanics nor the metasedimentary rocks have significant primary porosity, so almost all of the water in these units exists in joints and fractures. At some locations, Triassic diabase dikes have intruded the crystalline bedrock. These intrusive volcanic rocks have not been metamorphosed and may be responsible for some of the lineations described below. As reported by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997), groundwater flow in the bedrock aquifers is controlled by fracturing and further, it is likely that erosion results along fractures so that streams and rivers are associated with areas of higher fracturing and hence more transmissive fractured bedrock. 5. Lineations are visible in aerial photographs and topographic maps as stream valleys and linear topographic expressions across the region. These lineations are likely due to weakness in the underlying bedrock such as faults and fractures, as well as more easily eroded rock units that were folded by tectonics. Because the lineations often represent partings in the rock (faults, joints, and bedding planes), they can also indicate where higher hydraulic conductivity zones exist. These lineations are mapable, based on topography, and can be simulated as higher -hydraulic conductivity material in the groundwater model; however, their attitude in the subsurface is not easily discerned, so the precise location of these features in the subsurface is not truly known. Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) studied the difference in hydraulic conductivity associated with valley floors, valley walls, and hill tops. They found that valley floors had higher hydraulic conductivity than hill tops and that the valley walls are transitional between the two extremes. This variation in hydraulic conductivity is consistent with the idea that valleys are coincident with fracturing in the subsurface. 6. Mine Pits are dry voids in the model domain and will be simulated in the model as no - flow cells (dry cells). Water may seep into the pits through the face wall; as described below, this seepage will be accounted for using drain package boundary conditions set to the bottom of each layer at the edge of the mine pit. Boundary Conditions Several factors affect the amount of water that enters and exits a groundwater flow system. Since these factors occur at the input and output of water into the system, they are termed "boundary conditions." The sum of the boundary conditions equates to the water budget of the system (inflows need to equal outflows) and should equal zero, accounting for changes in storage in the system. Inflow is generally through recharge, although under stress, water may be diverted from adjacent systems or captured from surface water. Storage is from water occupying space in the system and from compressibility of the aquifer matrix. Outflow under natural conditions is usually to surface water bodies (streams, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and oceans). At the Site, outflow (also termed discharge) is to streams (e.g., Beaverdam Creek), wetlands (which typically feed streams), and rivers (e.g., the South Fork Catawba River). Close to surface water bodies, where groundwater is near the ground surface, plants can use the water and divert it from discharging to surface water through transpiration. Also, water will be Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework withdrawn from the system through water supply wells, reducing discharge to surface water. These boundary conditions need to be accounted for in a groundwater model to assure the appropriate water budget is simulated. The boundary conditions considered in the model are shown on Figure 3. Recharge Recharge occurs when a portion of precipitation that falls in an area percolates into the subsurface and arrives at the water table. Most precipitation is lost to evapotranspiration or runs off to surface water; the remaining portion that infiltrates into the subsurface will eventually recharge the groundwater. Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) conducted a highly -detailed study to estimate groundwater recharge in the Indian Creek watershed, which is the next watershed north of the Site and partially within the model domain. This study included multiple stream flow measurements on small branches of Indian Creek within the watershed. Ultimately the study concluded that there were about 10 inches of recharge per year. Because the geology and climate of Indian Creek are similar to (and connected with) the Beaverdam Creek watershed where the PLI mining will take place, a recharge value of 10 inches per year is well supported for the model domain. Streams Streams in the Eastern United States are generally gaining streams, meaning the stream is at an elevation that intersects groundwater so groundwater discharges to the stream. The portion of the stream flow that is supported by groundwater is termed "base flow"; streams also receive flow from overland flow, which can make up most of the stream flow during large portions of the year. The discharge to the stream (base flow) is controlled by the head in the aquifer adjacent to the stream, as compared to the stage of the stream and the make-up of any sediment that lines the bottom of the stream which will limit discharge proportional to the material's water conductance. The geometry of the stream (i.e., width and length) also impacts how much water can discharge to it. Conversely, if the stream's stage is higher than adjacent groundwater head, then the stream can lose water to the groundwater, again limited by the stream's bottom conductance. However, the amount of water that can be lost is also constrained by how much water flows into the losing reach from any upstream gaining reaches (the stream cannot lose more water than is in it). Again, the geometry of the stream will affect the amount of water that can be lost. Streams are the most common boundary condition type in the model, so they account for most of the groundwater discharge. Streams are usually simulated as head and conductance limited fluxes that also account for upstream discharge. Rivers The down -gradient boundary of the model domain is the South Fork Catawba River. Similar to streams, rivers can gain and lose water based on the relationship to the adjacent groundwater, the conductance of the bottom sediments, and the geometry of the river itself. However, for the most part, stresses simulated in the model domain are not sufficient to significantly change the river flow, so rivers in effect have an unlimited supply of water and are not constrained by upstream reaches in the same way as streams. Rivers are usually simulated as head and conductance value limited fluxes with a specified river stage (river package). Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Conceptual Site Model/Groundwater Model Framework Wetlands Wetlands fall into two categories: those that receive groundwater and those that are isolated from groundwater. In general, wetlands that receive groundwater will discharge into adjacent streams. If the water table falls below the wetland and there is not an upstream source of water, the wetland will go dry. The amount of water that will discharge to a wetland from groundwater is controlled by the conductance of sediments in the wetland. Wetlands are typically simulated as conductance -limited drains where water can be removed but no water is returned if groundwater levels fall below the elevation of the drain. Ponds Ponds are similar to wetlands in that they can either receive water from groundwater or they are isolated from the groundwater. However, ponds may also receive water from upstream and can have their water level controlled by dams, so are part of the stream system. The ponds only affect groundwater locally. Wells Wells are usually simulated as a specified flux from a specific interval within the groundwater. Most of the wells within the model domain are low -yield domestic supply wells that do not significantly affect groundwater flow within the model. For this evaluation, HDR added the location and construction details of publically-documented domestic supply wells near the Site such that effects of pit dewatering on these wells can be evaluated within the model. Note that pumping rates for these wells were not publically available, thus, pumping in the domestic supply wells is not simulated in the model. Mine Pits As described above, the mine pits are represented as voids within the model domain. These voids are either air -filled or water -filled, depending on stage of mining. If they are air -filled, then water in the adjacent formation will be removed by either dewatering or evaporation at the pit face. Water is not returned to the groundwater from the air -filled pit; however, it may be discharged to an adjacent wetland or stream where it could infiltrate groundwater if the stream — groundwater head relationship creates a losing stream. Water -filled pits act like surface water bodies and can be simulated as very high -hydraulic conductivity material. Temporal Constraints The preliminary model was run as a steady-state model, which assumes the mine pits have individually been fully excavated. In this case, the greatest amount of drawdown occurs during dewatering at the designed terminal depth of excavation (full excavation). Note that once mining reaches full excavation for a given pit, the pit will fill with water and potentially be filled by excavated material from an adjacent pit. Steady-state simulations estimate mean conditions without accounting for temporal variation. Because the pits will be dewatered in sequence and only portions of different pits open at the same time, four predictive simulations were done, one for each individual mine pit being dewatered separately. Transient simulations that account for mine pit sequencing may be undertaken in the future, if that level of detail is necessary. Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up Dewatering and Water Handling Water in the preliminary model is assumed to be pumped from the lowest level of the mine pit and discharged to the adjacent streams. This assumption means that the dewatering can be simulated with a drain, so the model will estimate the amount of water removal needed to achieve the dewatering; the model does not account for the water after it has been removed (removed water does not recharge groundwater elsewhere in the model). Future modeling can simulate the effects of re -introducing dewatering water to the groundwater or elsewhere in the model and can be used to estimate aquifer recovery time after dewatering has ceased, if such simulations are needed. Model Set-up Modeling Software Groundwater modeling was performed using the USGS groundwater model software, MODFLOW-NWT (Niswonger, 2011). MODFLOW variable grid spacing allows the user to create model grids that focus on areas of interest, while using generalized information for remote areas. Aquaveo's model pre- and post -processing software, GMS, was used to develop the groundwater flow model. GMS's graphic interface and data handling functions allow the creation of a base conceptual site model (CSM) to create the hydrogeologic framework that is the basis for the groundwater flow model. Once the model is set up, GMS also enables the user to display model output and compare the output to observed data (calibration targets). Discretization The model grid was refined both horizontally and vertically so that features of the CSM and the focus area near the Site could be simulated with greater detail than remote areas which are generalized. Cells in the model range between 50 feet on a side where the grid is focused and 500 where it is generalized further away from the Site. The model grid is shown on Figure 4. Model Layers The model was constructed using the following six layers to represent hydrostrigraphy within the model domain. • Layer 1 — Overburden — regolith and fluvial deposits, calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 1.5 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 2.0. • Layer 2 — Saprolite — bedrock eroded to soil, calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 1.0 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 2.0. • Layer 3 - Transition Zone — highly fractured and weathered rock beneath the saprolite, calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 2.0 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 2.0. Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up Layers 4 and 5 — Bedrock — as discussed above, bedrock near streams (topographic lows) is more transmissive than at hill tops (Daniel, Smith, and Eimers, 1997). For this reason, two bedrock types were simulated: soft rock near streams and hard rock between streams. Soft rock was assigned a calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 0.25 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 1.0. Hard rock was assigned a calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 0.0075 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 1.0. The distribution of soft rock and hard rock in Layers 4 and 5 is shown on Figure 5. • Layer 6 — Deep bedrock — entirely hard rock, assuming that the fractures are closed due to the compressing weight of overlying rock, calibrated hydraulic conductivity of 0.0075 feet per day and vertical anisotropy of 1.0. Boundary Conditions Recharge Recharge is based on studies done in the Indian Creek watershed by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997), who determined that recharge in the area covered by the model domain to be 10 inches per year. This recharge value is applied to the highest active cell. Recharge was simulated using constant flux in the MODFLOW Recharge package. Streams The streams placed into the model are based off the USGS NHD flow lines shapefile (USGS 2019) for generalized areas of the model and digitized stream map shapefile (HDR, 2018) at the Site. They were placed in the model using the stream package, which allows for different reaches and segments of the stream to gain or lose water. Each node along the streams was referenced to the surface elevation in the grid and assigned an elevation. This elevation was used to put the streams into the model at the correct elevations. For the stream package, the river conductance, roughness, width, and incoming flow (connection with upstream stream segments) was added to each segment of the stream. Beaverdam Creek is the largest stream within the domain and was input with a channel width of 25 ft. Little Beaverdam Creek is the second largest stream within the model domain and was input with a width of 15 ft. The smaller tributary streams were assigned a width of 5 ft. Ponds In general, ponds in the model domain are created by small dams on streams and creeks. Although they will effect groundwater flow locally, they do not significantly affect the system beyond the effects of a stream at the same location. For that reason, changes in simulated base flow in streams is used to gauge impacts on ponds. River The down -gradient boundary of the model domain is the South Fork Catawba River. This portion of the domain boundary was applied using the River package in MODFLOW. This package uses the riverbed elevation and conductance values along the stretch of the river. No -flow No -flow cells are inactive model grid cells through which water cannot pass (except recharge may be applied to an underlying cell if the upper cells are no -flow or dry and underlying cells are Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum - Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up not). The domain is bounded by no -flow cells, which define the model domain. Also, no -flow cells are used to simulate the empty space of pits. Initial Calibration Once constructed, the groundwater model results were compared to mean water levels from 10 monitoring wells at the Site, base flow estimates for streams in the Indian Creek watershed as documented by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997), and stream flows measured in May 2019 within the Site boundary. Groundwater levels measured in 10 monitoring wells were evaluated to find the mean water level and range of variability. Water levels simulated by the base model were compared to these measured mean water levels. Simulated water levels in 9 of 10 wells were within the range of observed levels and approached the mean levels. The simulated water level in the nine wells was within two standard deviations of the mean water level and within one standard deviation of the mean in four wells. The Root Mean Squared error for the base simulation is 3.60 feet, while the mean square of the observed standard deviation is 4.32 feet. Water levels in MW-1 were predicted to be nearly 30 feet higher in elevation than measured water levels in the well (note that although MW-1 is on a hillside, it has the lowest water level of any monitoring well at the Site). This could be due to local a feature not simulated by the model, such as a nearby large fracture or spring. Adjusting the model so that the water levels in MW-1 would reflect the measured water levels would require loss of calibration at all other wells. The distribution of calibrated heads at the Site is shown on Figure 6. The computed heads, as compared to measured heads, are shown on Figure 7. Simulated heads and measured head statistics are presented in Table 1. Table 1- Observed and Predicted Water Levels Well Top of Screen Elevation (feet) Bottom of Screen Elevation (feet) Mean Observed Head (feet) One Standard Deviation (feet) Predicted Difference in Observed Head vs. Predicted Head (feet) (feet) MW-1 702.49 652.49 743.65 1.56 771.72 -28.07 4.55 MW-4 782.97 731.97 847.48 2.95 842.93 MW-2 764.12 714.12 817.57 1.46 816.17 790.31 753.73 1.40 -3.24 -1.89 MW-3 725.39 673.39 787.07 2.40 OW-1 S 721.63 701.63 751.84 2.39 OW-1 D 636.14 418.14 752.20 2.34 752.83 -0.63 0W-2S 750.87 730.87 747.36 1.85 750.66 -3.30 PW-1 631.75 236.75 750.18 2.33 751.44 -1.26 OW-21D 630.05 439.05 747.81 1.91 751.17 -3.36 MW-5 696.75 642.75 745.38 1.63 747.99 -2.61 Total flow is defined as a stream's direct response to a rainfall event and includes runoff into the streams, lateral flow from the soil, and base flow. Base flow is the portion of stream flow which is discharged from the aquifer. Base flows were determined by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) at four locations on Indian Creek within the model domain. The base flow simulated by Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum - Groundwater Model Model Set-up the base model was compared to these locations. The comparison of simulated stream flows to base flows determined by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) are presented in Table 2. Stream flow (specifically base flow) measurement locations that were compared to the calibrated model are shown on Figure 8. Table 2 - Simulated Base Flow and Base Flow Reported by Daniel, Smith, and Eimers (1997) Stream Reported Flow (1997) Modeled Flow Percent Number (ft3/s) (fts/s) Difference 81 0.16 0.17 5.6 79 0.75 0.69 7.3 82 1.79 1.77 1.4 75 0.28 0.26 6.5 Stream flows within the Site were measured on May 13 and 15, 2019. The USGS stream gage on Indian Creek (the adjacent watershed) was at the 95th percentile and 851h percentile daily flows for those two days, meaning elevated total flow was measured and not base flow. When these stream flows are compared to model output (base flow, so likely less than 50th percentile), all flows were less than measured and most at about 50 percent of observed. While this is a qualitative comparison, the model -predicted base flows are within observed flows and likely approaching actual base flow values. The measured stream flows and model -predicted base flow are summarized in Table 3. Additional stream flows will be measured over time and the comparison to model predicted base flow can be refined when additional lower flow data is collected. Table 3 - Simulated Base Flow and Stream Flow Measured on May 13 and 15, 2019 Stream Number Measured Stream Flow 5/13 - 15/19 Modeled Base Flow Percent Difference (ft3/s) (ft3/s) FM1 24.1 12.12 49.73 FM6 9.1 6.42 29.43 FM3 8 5.24 34.53 FM4 12.2 6.33 48.10 FM2 20.9 6.38 69.49 Weir 5 0.22 0.03 84.20 Weir 6 0.83 0.23 72.67 Weir 2 0.60 0.15 75.47 Weir 4 0.42 0.06 86.41 Preliminary Dewatering Simulation Once the base model -predicted heads and stream flows reasonably reproduced measured heads and stream flows as described above, the model was considered calibrated and was used to simulate dewatering of the mine pits. Mine pit dewatering was accomplished by Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up changing model cells within the footprint of the mine to no -flow cells in layers 1 through 5 and then simulating a drain at the base of each layer in the first active cell outside the no -flow cells. Water in the layer adjacent to the pit is removed by the drain in the same way it would seep through the face of the pit, or flows into a lower layer and is removed by the drain in that layer. The water removed by all drains simulating dewatering was summed to estimate the dewatering volumes needed to dewater the pit and drawdown of the water table was calculated as a result of this withdrawal. Each pit was simulated separately and as steady-state at the time when the pit is its largest. The estimated withdrawal rates for each pit based on these simulations are: Table 4 - Model Predicted Dewatering Withdrawal Rates by Pit Pits Pump Rate (gpm) North 400 Central 850 South 375 East 600 Based on these dewatering withdrawal rates, predicted drawdown in wells within the Site boundary ranges from 0 feet to 137 feet with an average of approximately 11 feet. Predicted drawdown in wells beyond the Site boundary ranges from 0 feet to 39.5 feet with an average of 6 feet. Within the Site boundary, one well is predicted to experience significant loss of water column (loss of available drawdown) during dewatering of the Central Pit. Beyond the Site boundary, two wells are projected to experience significant loss of water column during dewatering of the East and Central Pits, while one (shallow supply) well is predicted to go dry during dewatering of the North Pit. Estimated drawdown in wells within and beyond the Site boundary are presented in Table 5 and shown on Figures 9a, b, c, and d. The drawdown depicted in the figures range from 0.5 ft to 400 ft of drawdown. The receptor wells and wetlands are represented with green circles and light blue, respectively. To monitor water level fluctuations as a result of dewatering activities, PLI will install sentinel monitoring wells along portions of the Site boundary. This monitoring is intended to allow for early detection of potential drawdown effects to off -site supply wells. PLI will offer residents in the immediate vicinity of the Site (within 1,500 ft.) to participate in a well inventory program and will address impacts on a case by case basis. Potential affects to local wells will be remedied by PLI, likely via replacement of existing shallow wells with deeper wells less likely to be affected by mine operations or through acquisition'. PLI will acquire in fee simple the property at 210 Hastings Road and the property at 633 Aderholdt Road as part of the mine development. ' PLI will acquire through fee simple or long term lease all of the wells within the project boundary; and therefore any loss of water column in these wells is informational purposes only, not material. 10 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum - Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up Table 5 - Model -predicted Drawdown in Local Wells Well Address Well Depth (ft) Reported Depth to Water (ft) Drawdown during Dewaterin Available Water Column during Dewaterin South Pit East I Pit Central Pit North Pit No Dewatering South Pit East Pit Central Pit North Pit Wells within the Site Boundary 1523 R W McLamb Dr. 185 15 17.0 0.7 55.5 0.1 170 153.0 169.3 114.5 169.9 819 Whitesides Rd. 180 34 0.8 0.1 17.4 0.1 146 145.2 145.9 128.6 145.9 1121 Hephzibah Church Rd. 300 40 2.5 0.6 41.4 8.6 260 257.5 259.4 218.6 251.4 901 Whitesides Rd. 56 24 0.6 0.1 5.4 0.7 32 31.4 31.9 26.7 31.3 921 Whitesides Rd 150 30 1.2 0.2 12.0 1.3 120 118.8 119.8 108.0 118.7 1266 Hephzibah Church Rd. 300 1 40 29.8 137.1 23.9 0.8 1 260 230.2 123.0 236.1 259.3 1021 Hephzibah Church Rd. 45 35 0.3 0.1 3.2 1.5 10 9.7 9.9 6.8 8.6 1029 Hephzibah Church Rd. 0.8 0.2 15.4 7.9 Wells beyond the Site Boundary 732 Whitesides Rd. 166 20 6.0 0.5 15.8 0.0 146 140.0 145.5 130.2 146.0 129 George Pa seur Rd. 63 33 3.0 1.3 1.7 0.0 30 27.0 28.8 28.3 30.0 210 Hastings RV 50 25 0.3 20.0 0.2 0.0 25 24.7 5.0 24.8 25.0 663 Aderholdt RV 62 40 0.0 0.9 11.4 39.5 22 22.0 21.1 10.6 -17.5 633 Aderholdt RV 0.1 7.0 12.4 17.9 534 Whitesides Rd. 550/690 40 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 510 509.6 509.7 509.8 510.0 Note: Yellow -shaded cells indicate potentially significant loss of storage in a well, as simulated by the model, during dewatering of an individual mine pit; red -shaded cells indicate potentially dry well during dewatering. PLI will acquire through fee simple or long term lease all of the wells within the project boundary; and therefore any loss of water column in these wells is informational only, not material and will also acquire in fee simple and property at 210 Hastings Road and the property at 633 Aderholdt Road as part of the mine development. 11 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum - Groundwater Model ��� Model Set-up Changes in groundwater flow to wetlands were estimated by comparing flow to wetlands in the base simulation with flow to wetlands in each pit dewatering scenario. Wetlands are most impacted by dewatering the East and Central Pits with six and seven wetlands going dry, respectively. Simulated dewatering of the South and North Pits each result in drying of a single wetland. Changes in groundwater discharge predicted by the model for each pit dewatering scenario are presented on Table 6. Wetland locations, as referenced in Table 6, are shown on Figure 10. Table 6 - Model -predicted Changes in Groundwater Flow to Wetlands (in gpm) Wetland Wetland Size (Acres) Calibrated Model East Pit South Pit Central Pit North Pit Flow Flow % Difference Flow % Difference Flow % Difference Flow % Difference Wetland 1 0.28 22.03 9.74 55.79 19.15 13.06 DRY DRY 3.47 84.25 Wetland 2 0.15 44.94 DRY DRY 44.71 0.52 43.67 2.83 44.64 0.67 Wetland 3 3.19 61.24 DRY DRY 60.31 1.51 17.96 70.67 32.72 46.57 Wetland 4 0.66 9.71 DRY DRY 5.89 39.33 DRY DRY 2.11 78.22 Wetland 5 2.21 1 45.21 DRY DRY 12.17 73.09 11.11 75.43 42.74 5.46 Wetland 6 0.09 24.86 DRY DRY 7.38 1 70.32 19.95 19.73 24.78 0.31 Wetland 7 0.38 34.60 1.62 95.32 21.09 39.06 32.07 7.33 34.58 0.06 Wetland 8 0.23 27.21 DRY DRY DRY DRY 15.69 42.33 27.10 0.42 Wetland 9 0.18 14.82 14.74 0.92 14.45 4.66 11.63 39.74 13.85 12.51 Wetland 10 0.12 24.05 24.02 0.13 23.89 0.65 22.69 5.66 23.73 1.32 Wetland 11 0.04 24.89 24.45 1.77 12.03 51.66 DRY DRY 24.62 1.06 Wetland 12 0.06 25.14 1 24.86 1.14 19.59 22.09 DRY DRY 24.90 0.97 Wetland 13 0.09 35.84 35.66 0.52 33.34 1 7.00 DRY DRY 35.54 0.86 Wetland 14 5.45 55.99 55.78 0.38 54.37 2.89 38.26 31.66 55.14 1.52 Wetland 15 0.04 33.95 33.93 0.08 33.85 0.29 32.64::E 3.86 32.20 5.17 Wetland 16 1 0.08 25.63 25.43 0.77 25.22 1.58 6.95 1 72.90 DRY DRY Notes: 1. Orange -shaded cells indicate where wetlands are predicted to go dry. 2. Red text indicates where groundwater flow has been reduced to a wetland by more than 50 percent. Changes in stream base flow, or the groundwater contribution to overall stream flow, was also assessed using the model. Base flow simulated during pit dewatering for each pit scenario was compared to base flows predicted in the base model in three streams that cross the Site. Decreases in base flow to Beaverdam Creek ranged from 5.3 percent when the East Pit is dewatered to 10.2 percent when the Central Pit is dewatered. Decreases in base flow to Little Beaverdam Creek ranged from 0.01 percent when the Central Pit is dewatered to 3.5 percent when the East Pit is dewatered. Decreases in base flow to an unnamed tributary to Beaverdam Creek (Stream 3) ranged from 0.06 percent when the South Pit is dewatered to 6.9 percent when the East Pit is dewatered. Model -predicted changes in base flow for the three streams that cross the Site (summed at the downstream end of the site) are presented in Table 7. The locations of the streams identified in Table 7, and the location where base flow was summed with respect to the Site, are shown on Figure 11. Table 7 - Changes in Base Flow to Streams that Cross the Site Streams Calibrated East Pit, % Dif. South Pit, % Dif. Central Pit, % Dif. North Pit, % Dif. Ft3/d Ft3/d Ft3/d Ft3/d Ft3/d Beaverdam Creek -1073419 -1016923 5.3 -1012505 5.7 -963527 10.2 -1016584 5.3 (Stream 1) Little Beaverdam -452506 -436797 3.5 -441588 2.4 -448860 0.8 -452463 0.01 Creek (Stream 2) Stream 3 -84288 -78453.00 6.9 -84235 0.06 -83485 0.95 -84088 0.24 12 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Model Limitations Model Limitations All models require generalization and many details of the groundwater flow system cannot be reasonably simulated without extensive data gathering and detailed inputs. For the most part, these details are captured in, or bounded by, the overall generalization, but they can have local effects that could be consequential to specific outcomes in the real world. As an example, anomalously low water levels in MW-1 cannot be explained by the current model and some field work would likely be required to evaluate likely reasons for the anomaly. Other limitations of the model that need to be considered are as follows: • Subsurface conditions are varied and complex. The model simulates fractured bedrock, a highly complex network of conduits that as a whole can act like a porous media, but on smaller scales can become almost independent systems. For example, an unexpected amount of water could be produced where a large undetected fracture intersects both a stream and a newly excavated pit. The current model cannot predict such an outcome. The water budget is based on a study done in the adjacent Indian Creek watershed. It is possible that conditions either in the subsurface or climatologically could be different between the two watersheds, resulting in differing amounts of water being available, thus causing some uncertainty in the overall water balance. Note that the model does not simulate evapotranspiration, which can significantly reduce stream flows during certain times of the year. • Sensitivity analyses have not been conducted, but could show that model predictions are sensitive to one or more of the parameters used in the model. Note that model runs conducted during set up and calibration showed that the model can be sensitive to hydraulic conductivity, recharge, and stream conductance. Sensitivity analyses could be conducted if necessary. Summary and Conclusions HDR has developed a preliminary groundwater flow model to estimate the rate of groundwater withdrawal necessary to dewater four planned mine pits under steady-state conditions and evaluate the potential effects of dewatering on local water resources. The six -layer model was constructed using data from site -specific resource and hydrogeologic investigations; design - level mine plans; local USGS gaging stations; and published regional geologic and hydrogeologic data. The model was calibrated to heads measured in on -site monitoring wells, stream flow readings measured in on -site streams and tributaries, and to published data from local and regional sources. Model -predicted dewatering rates ranged from 375 gpm for the South Pit to 850 gpm for the Central Pit. Predicted drawdown in wells within the Site boundary ranged from 0 feet to 137 feet with an average of approximately 11 feet. Predicted drawdown in wells beyond the Site boundary ranged from 0 feet to 39.5 feet with an average of 6 feet. Within the Site boundary, one well is predicted to experience significant loss of water column (loss of available drawdown) during dewatering of the Central Pit. Beyond the Site boundary, two wells are projected to experience significant loss of water column during dewatering of the East and Central Pits, while one (shallow supply) well is predicted to go dry during dewatering of the North Pit. 13 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� Summary and Conclusions Potential affects to wells within the Site boundary will be mitigated via condemnation and abandonment of supply wells as mine construction occurs. Potential affects to wells beyond the Site boundary will be evaluated, at the request of NCDEQ, via installation and periodic monitoring of groundwater piezometers at the Site boundary. Should pumping effects be observed in one or more piezometers during dewatering, PLI will mitigate the drawdown effects accordingly, possibly through abandonment and re -installation of wells on a case -by -case basis. Predicted impacts to wetlands were primarily observed during simulated dewatering of the East and Central Pits with six and seven wetlands going dry, respectively. The South and North Pits each have a single wetland that is predicted to go dry during dewatering. Base flow, or the contribution of groundwater to overall flow, to three streams crossing the site decreases between 0.01 and 10 percent, depending on the proximity of the stream to the pit being dewatered. The greatest decrease in base flow was predicted in Little Beaverdam Creek when the Central Pit is dewatered. Note that PLI currently plans to return water withdrawn for dewatering to the streams at the downstream end of the Site via appropriate NPDES permitted discharge points to reduce potential pumping effects during mine operation. It is also possible that some water withdrawn for dewatering can be diverted to the wetlands most effected by drawdown. 14 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum — Groundwater Model ��� References References C.C. Daniel III, D. G. Smith, and J. L. Eimers, 1997, Hydrogeology and Simulation of Ground - Water Flow in the Thick Regolith-Fractured Crystalline Rock Aquifer System of Indian Creek Basin, North Carolina. USGS Water -Supply Paper 2341. HDR, 2018, shapefile of streams and wetlands on the PLI site. T. L. Kessler, 1942 The Tin-spodumene belt of the Carolinas, a preliminary Report; Strategic Minerals Investigation, Part 2, J-R USGS Bulletin 936 pp. 245 — 269. R.G. Niswonger, Panday, Sorab, and Ibaraki, Motomu, 2011, MODFLOW-NWT, A Newton formulation for MODFLOW-2005: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 6-A37, 44 P. M. F. Schaeffer, 2019; Carolina Piedmont Groundwater System — Existence of the Transition Zone Between Regolith and Bedrock; IAEG/AEG Annual Meeting Proceedings, San Francisco, California, 2018 — Volume 2 Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. T. Spruill; USGS Coastal Plain Ground -Water Recharge; https:Hnc.water.usgs.gov/projects/coastal qw/index.html, 2003-2005. U.S. Geological Survey, NHD for North Carolina State or Territory Shapefile Model Version 2.2.1: U.S. Geological Survey, 2019. 15 Piedmont Lithium I Technical Memorandum - Aquifer Test ��� Figures Figures USGS�, FAO,INPS,IINRC!AN IGeoBa elilIGNilklilaldaster N �,lent P p Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, ,OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIs User Community `L Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Planned Pits Site Model Domain DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet SITE LOCATION LOCATION OF THE SITE AND MODELED PLANNED PITS N 0 0.2 0.4 MILES PIEDMONT FN � rF•iu.0 FIGURE 1 PATH: C:\USERS\JTROYER\DESKTOP\PROJECTS\004 PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE%GISIPIGURE 1.MXD - USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612412019 1 Illlllpr I DI'� IIII► I� �pll0jil�llll/IIIII IIII I �r -. :.,; ,Ii001 IIII Illllillliiil' =• � • .; II �� I� - � . - �: � • IIII/IIIlliiil0i .. s� . � II � . � .� I� IIIII IIII �i li. Illillllillll,r/IIII�I� /jj� /IIIIII��IIIIIIIIIIIII IIII � III // / all, I � . - .I. I. - . /IIIIII IIII IIII IIII II II II II �: °. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII/IIIIIII/���/� IIII IIII IIII IIII I III II I _ hill/Illl��llljl��lljl�llljl��l I�O� ICl/�II` .. ` _ . r . • iWll/III ��I I /� I II II ICI c , �� I • � - ' • �I/I������� �� I�IIIIII� IIIII , •: �I III II� I I�I III �II � ��I/III I I�IIIIII�Q l�l/QIIIII/II� � q�lllllll/I�/ �IIIIIII� g�yl dairy C •at r Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND Q Site Q Model Domain • Receptor Wells ® Planned Pits DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet RECEPTOR WELLS N 0 0.2 0.4 MILES P I E DMON T LISHIUM FIGURE 2 PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTSION PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE\GIS\FIGURE 2.MXD -USER: JTROYER -DATE: 6/24/2019 ram: r• Crouse J 4 C ry ire 1"d "A u Tr Iu t n•s .. Y� 4� I - vlctori �N�.'15fl�Yp T,nti'.r, f9p `�3 S tow Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp,, GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NIPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND 7 Planned Pits 7 _ Q Site Q No Flow — Streams South Fork Catawaba River Delineated Wetlands Q Model Domain Watershed Beaverdam Creek Lower Indian Creek DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet BOUNDARY CONDITIONS LOCATION OF STREAMS, WETLANDS, AND SOUTH FORK CATAWABA RIVER N MILES Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, FN USGS, FAO, NPS NRCAN, GeoBa�lse, IGN, Kadaster,NL; Ordnance ; P I E fl�11QN T 0fr41UM Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong)„swisstopo, © FIGURE 3 OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community,.. PATH: C:\USERS\JTROYER\DESKTOP\PROJECTS\004 PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE%GISIPIGURE 3.MXD - USER: JTROYER - DATE: 6/24/2019 x �y C ty O _3 Sao Crouw Rc d v - h � �4niry C14-+ V rt dLry i.ea. ;F .F - rove Crtu rcrS '60 fi V V[!r1 �'f c � 0.6'tp 3 36 Al n rie rgg �� `ISoI v a 8 A _ s ?_ Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, crorse F, - . Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, n vrh o r'' �\�z9 C� a m a S�nrrry� S+udy lies! rap, a V° "100IS A yp�p�u' A °Slip. G R �1 P❑,tParK k; Sources, Esri, HERE, -Gam in, Intermap, increment P-Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NIPS, NRCANIIIIGeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NIL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS Use ,Community LEGEND Site Model Domain Material Layer 4,5 E:— Soft Rock 0 Hard Rock DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet DISTRIBUTION OF SOFT ROCK AND HARD ROCK IN LAYERS 4 AND 5 N 0 1 2 MILES FN PIEDMONT W n I10* FIGURE 5 PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTS1o0/ PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE\GIMFIGURE 5.MXD -USER: JTROYER -DATE: 6/24/22019 DRAFT rxamoie ora wie,�auon W',,. ooservaam IaNei eimr oars Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin' Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, {-lead 1000.0 970.0 940.0 910.0 8w.0 850.0 820.0 790.0 760.0 730.0 700.0 DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 19832011, feet CALIBRATED HEADS DISTRIBUTION OF CALIBRATED HEADS AT THE SITE N ead 0 1 2 MILES PIEDMONT ��1 LIT HIWA FIGURE 6 PATH: PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINEIGIS\PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE.MXD - USER: JTROYER - DATE: 6113/2019 Computed vs. Observed Heads 860 840 820 G1 3 cL 800 E O U 780 • 760 • 740 - - 720 740 760 780 800 820 840 Observed 860 4 MW-1 4 MW-4 • MW-2 0 MW-3 OW-1S OW-1D • OW-2S • PW-1 OW-2D M W-5 • • • • • • Trendline PIEDMONT Computed Heads vs. Measured Heads Figure L17H141M z e $w. crvuaa F� scram Rd /J/! 79 Source : E ri, HERE, Garmin, P Intermap, increment Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, —NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND Q Site Q Model Domain ® Pits Ti '4 0 Daniel, Smith, and Eimers 8 HDR Flow Measurements ib DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet STREAM FLOW MEASUREMENTS LOCATION OF HDR MEASUREMENTS AND DANIEL, SMITH, AND EIMERS MEASUREMENTS N 0 1 2 MILES � r B�d+rch .� FN Sources: Esri, HERE, iiGarmin, Intermap, increment F Corp., GEBCO, � �� E ❑���T USGS, FAO, NIPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NIL, Ordnance q 1 zSurve , Esri Ja an, METI, Esri China Hon Kong), a �t�M�a FIGURE 8 y p (Hong g), swisstopo, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Communi[y a NA �X Jr,eT,. PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTSIOOI PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE\GIS\FIGURE 8.MXD -USER: JTROYER -DATE: 6/24/2019 so 0 r Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NIPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Receptor Wells 25 Drawdown (ft) 50 0.5 75 5 100 10 200 15 300 20 — - 400 DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet MODEL PREDICTED DRAWDOWN FROM DEWATERING IN THE CENTERAL PIT N III II III III I IIIII III IIIIIIII III 0 0.5 1 MILES Sour�c,�P Esri, HERE, Garmin, Inter ap, increment P Corp., GEBC I E D���1`l T FN IIIISGS!IIFAO1, KIPS, �NR i AN�,���GeoBasle�� IGN,��Kadaster INI Ordn�anice urwtuM Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, Op"enStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community FIGURE 9a PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTS\002 HASTINGSIGIS\CONTOURS FIGURE.MXD-USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612612019 t ]-® Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Receptor Wells 25 Drawdown (ft) 50 0.5 75 5 100 10 200 15 — 300 20 400 DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet MODEL PREDICTED DRAWDOWN FROM DEWATERING IN THE PACT PIT 0 01 1 .5 1 MILES Sourceso Esri, HERE, Garmin, Interma increment P i rp. E C h I E D���1`l T FN w iil Ili Ilniln III II a III II IIII 111 ' USGS, FA II lPS,11NRIIAN, GeoBase,1IGN, F'�adaster�N 0If11Ordin, utRIUM Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, __.J ♦L.. - I . ___.._.... FIGURE 9b PATH:C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTS1002 HASTINGSIGIS\CONTOURS FIGURE.MXD-USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612612019 i110 0 .0.0 map, increment P Corp., �"II III I'I III , II Receptor Wells 25 DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet FROMOEwPIT �aIxG IN2. MODEL PREDICTED — l ,.,., Survey,E�_� ,.o�k�oFN �o"" �kr ,IS NO IN :A11'V����"8[,0w�..o,�.�aEa.,gym:,,,:....,..u.m.M ,I5 PATH:C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTS1002 HASTINGSIGIS\CONTOURS FIGURE.MXD-USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612612019 0 v� gei+�di+� C eat 1 �. Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, 4`ea� Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, �e NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Receptor —Wells 25 Drawdown (ft) 50 0.5 75 5 100 10 200 15 — 300 20 400 r a Sourceso Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increm nt P C rp., GEBC In I n In I IIIIdllll III I, IIIII UBGS��� FAO NPS����NRCAN, GeoBam IILG, Ncl Kadlasiter N liJ Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, Open'StreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet MODEL PREDICTED DRAWDOWN FROM DEWATERING IN THE SOUTH PIT N 0 0.5 1 MILES PIEDMONT FN Lit 141VM FIGURE 9d P ATH: C:\USERSIJTROYER\DESKTOP\PROJECTS1002 HASTINGSIGIS\CONTOURS FIGURE.MXD-USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612612019 lafhd 15 o i II'. • 1 � �lilllll�l� ply i' � Illloc:lll/ IIII�I�I OIIIO�,I QI j1011�i/l �I,IQII /III II rl ' lol�lp/IIII Illrr IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII Illlr Ilr IIII Dill iiil �li�� 10�j1o�ll III IIII IIII IIII IIIII �j01 II��III�� ;��� � ,i IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIII I II rl i - . II �/ICI Illlllllll III/�III I �I ., n I� IIII'' I�/�II� IIIIIII�IIII II � � IIII I/rllll%II�IIIIIII�III��III/ "' u II/I/r 111 I/III 1/I i�il�►-_ . ���ji�l�lllll�ll�iill�l���jl� II III I I I�r /I/IIIII/II/ /j01 IIIII/Illlr /IIII III /I II 10!� 10� i Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NIPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Planned Pits 0 Delineated Wetlands Q Site Q Model Domain DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet HDR DELINEATED WETLANDS LOCATION AND NAME OF DELINEATED WETLANDS INSIDE THE SITE N 0 0.2 0.4 MILES PIEDMONT FN 511 "4 0IA FIGURE 10 PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYER\DESKTOP\PROJECTS\004 PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE%GISIPIGURE 9.MXD - USER: JTROYER - DATE: 6/2412019 N Stream 1g 1e r m �a 5� III 1112 T -_j Sources: EII ii, HERE, ,Garmin, Interrtli Alin I�eil�ilein II I'orp., EBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NR'- GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community E14 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, LEGEND ® Planned Pits Q Site Q Model Domain Streams Stream 2 Stream 3 Stream 1 Total Flow Measurement DATA SOURCES: State Plane Coordinate System, Zone: North Carolina (FIPS 3200), NAD 1983 2011, feet HEIR STREAM REACHES LOCATION AND NAME OF STREAM REACHES N 0 0.5 1 MILES PIEDMONT FN Lit 141UM I9[e111111C MMI PATH: C:\USERSIJTROYERIDESKTOP\PROJECTS\004 PIEDMONT LITHIUM MINE\GIS\FIGURE 10.MXD - USER: JTROYER - DATE: 612412019 440 S Church Street, Suite 1000 Charlotte, NC 28202-2075 704.338.6700 hdrinc.com © 2019 HDR, Inc., all rights reserved