As the mine goes deeper, more water pushes up through the rocks and dewatering must take place to ensure a dry pit. The water is pumped out of the mine and into holding ponds. As these ponds fill they overflow into a creek bed that leads to a RIB. Hydrologically speaking, a RIB is a Rapid Infiltration Basin---in Florida we call it a retention pond. There is an elevated level of arsenic in the water, as with most water in the valley, and would have to be treated if used for any purpose. The water is also still being volcanically heated to approximately 100 degrees and, as seen in the photo above, steams on cool mornings.
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