Prediction of the effects of mine dewatering on four lakes near Crandon, Wisconsin, by use of a water-budget model

The effects of dewatering a proposed zinc and copper mine on water levels of four lakes near Crandon, Wisconsin, were predicted by use of a digital water-budget model of the lakes.

The average lake-stage reduction predicted by the model for expected ground-water levels after mine dewatering ranged from 0.21 feet for Duck Lake to 6.9 feet for Little Sand Lake. These stage reductions assume that no water is pumped into the lakes and that no changes are made to the outlet structures. The predicted flow augmentation to the lakes to offset lowering of ground-water levels by mine dewatering range from 8 gallons per minute for Duck Lake to 580 gallons per minute for Little Sand Lake.

Because of uncertainty in variables used in the model and in the data used to calibrate the model, the predictions of the model are subject to an undetermined degree of uncertainty.