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There were five bedrock wells and three piezometers which were used to evaluate water bearing <br />zones and monitor the effects of dewatering and subsidence. One well in the coal seam (NM -21) <br />will evaluate the Maxwell seam. Three piezometers into the mine workings (GEM -1, GEM -2, <br />and GEM -3) provided direct information on the flooding of the workings and its recharge. Four <br />wells in the overburden (LA -264, SF -2, NM -22 and NM -20) evaluated water bearing zones <br />above the coal which could conceivably be utilized for beneficial use and which might be <br />impacted by mining. Well LA -264 was tested in the Fourth Quarter of 2001 at which time a <br />blockage was discovered in a zone approximately 65 feet below ground level. The Division was <br />informed of the defect in the well and the decision was made to abandon the well in December of <br />2001. <br />Monitoring wells NM -20, NM -21, NM -22, and SF -2 were established in 1994 to provide ground <br />water monitoring in areas to be approached by anticipated future mining of the Maxwell seam to <br />the north of, and southeast of, the permitted mine plan. With the mine closure in 1995, these <br />plans were never implemented. Approval was received from the Division to reduce monitoring <br />of these locations to annual monitoring of water levels in Mid -2003. Subsequently the applicant <br />demonstrated that ground water monitoring was no longer necessary and the Division approved <br />the termination of ground water monitoring as documented in the SL -06 bond release written <br />findings (August 2008) (4.05.13(1). <br />Responsibility for monitoring wells NM -20, NM -21, NM -22, NM -23 and SF -2 was assumed by <br />the New Elk Mine in September 27, 2011 with the Division's final approval of the New Elk <br />Mine's PR -02. <br />Point of Compliance <br />Ground water monitoring data for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from Alluvial Monitoring Wells <br />PAW 5 and PAW 6 show no deterioration in water quality (TDS) from the baseline year 1994 <br />through 2000 (five years after cessation of mining). Well NM -21 was installed in 1995 to provide <br />baseline data for the Maxwell (Golden Eagle) Coal Seam. Gem -1 monitored water quality of <br />mine -water inflow into the Golden Eagle Mine. Table 26 compares data for PAW 5 and PAW 6 <br />and NM -2 1 with current data for the Golden Eagle Mine water. <br />TABLE 26 <br />TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (mg/I) <br />AnnualMaximum Value <br />Monitoring Well Baseline 2000 Percent Change <br />PAW5(1994) 390 320 -22% <br />PAW6(1994) 330 330 0% <br />NM -21 (1995) 1400 <br />GEM -1 1380 -0.1% <br />Based on analysis of present TDS levels as compared to baseline data, these has been no <br />negative (increase in TDS >1.25) impacts on water quality. The determination therefore was that <br />there is no requirement for point of compliance monitoring. <br />TR -57 2.05 -47f Revised 08/15/12 <br />