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Evaluation of Potential Subsidence Impacts of Longwall Mining in the Spruce Stomp Lease Area <br />to Aquatic Life and Water Supply <br />These ongoing natural processes result in the deposition of sediment, the removal of riparian <br />vegetation, the input of large woody debris and the movement of the channel from one side of <br />the drainage bottom to the other. The question is, would the Potential Project intensify or <br />introduce new geologic hazards to the point where West Fork Terror Creek would have <br />measureable and significant changes? Based on an analysis of the subsidence model, <br />consideration of nearby subsidence mining projects and the field observations and experience of <br />WWE staff and Mr. Dunrud at many coal mines in the North Fork valley, it is unlikely that the <br />Potential Project would result in new or additional geologic hazards that would adversely impact <br />aquatic life in West Fork Terror Creek. <br />6.3.1 Changes in Water Quality <br />Changes in water quality resulting from the Potential Project's possible increase to geologic <br />hazards are not anticipated to be significant. If changes were going to occur, they would likely <br />be as a result of increased sediment transport into West Fork Terror Creek from new landslide <br />activity or general land instability. Because these impacts are expected to be minimal and short <br />lived, it is unlikely that changes in water quality resulting from new /increased geologic hazards <br />would adversely impact aquatic life in West Fork Terror Creek. <br />6.3.2 Impacts Resulting from Discrete Events <br />Adverse impacts to aquatic life resulting from discrete events would include the deterioration of <br />habitat from landslides. Since the Potential Project's possible increase in geologic hazards are <br />anticipated to be significant, new and adverse impacts to aquatic life are not expected. <br />7.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS <br />Based on the existing physical and biological conditions and the extent and scope of impacts <br />expected from the Potential Project, longwall coal mining in the Spruce Stomp Lease Area <br />would not result in significant adverse impacts to water quality, water quantity or fish. This <br />conclusion is based on the best available information and professional judgment. <br />Z.\Project Files \12 \121- 014 \121 -014 000\ Engineering \Report\Jan_2013_report\Bowie Report - Final January 2013 docx <br />121 - 014.000 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 25 <br />January 2013 <br />