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Attachment A <br />W&t Elk .lfinc, <br />quality that need be further investigated. As a result. monitoring of these selected parameters <br />will provide a reasonable basis for detecting mining- induced changes in spring water quality. <br />Therefore, once full-suite analyses have been collected at a site for at least five years. these <br />indicator parameters (pH, conductivity. TDS, TSS, and iron) will be collected on an annual <br />basis. If not already provided in AHRs, baseline data will be provided to CDRMS prior to <br />longwall mining under or within the angle -of -draw of a monitored water resource. <br />Spring water quality samples (Exhibit 19 and Exhibit 19A) were obtained from selected <br />locations. These springs were chosen for water sampling on the basis of geographic <br />distribution, generally reliable flow. availability of previous water quality data, and ease of <br />access. Springs were selected to provide sampling points in each of the major watersheds in <br />the project area. and to provide coverage throughout the lease area. Along with the water <br />quality analysis in Exhibit 19, a comparison of the water quality analysis of the springs to water <br />quality standards recommended by the State of Colorado has been performed. Indications are <br />that sprmL- water quality is good. Most of the springs located above the F -Seam show total <br />dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations vary locally and that there is not a large contmuows <br />groundwater reservoir supplying these springs. <br />Furthermore. Mayo and Associates conducted a hydrogeologic analysis of the permit and <br />adjacent area in 1999. The complete report is included in Exhibit 18. To summarize Dr. <br />Mayo's findings: the groundwater systems are localized- are not areally extensive. and tend to <br />form discrete groundwater bodies that are not in hydrodynamic communication with each other. <br />Therefore. impacts to the water quality of a spring due to underground mining are highly <br />unlikely. <br />Monitoring of Rasen•oirs and Stock Ponds <br />Although water level measurements are not taken on Minnesota Reservoir. the Upper and <br />Lower Dn Fork flumes provide an estimate of the reservoir inflows and outflows. The <br />addition of the ditch company's flume (Middle Dry Fork) upstream of the reervoir has <br />improved the accuracy of the mervoir inflow measurement. <br />In addition, the Rest Elk Mine, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Paonia <br />Ranger District in Paonia, Colorado. has agreed to informally monitor the USFS surface water <br />resources (stock ponds). as depicted on Map 3. that are located directly over longwall panels <br />to be mined of within the angle -of -draw per the agreement letter in Exhibit 19C. In addition <br />to the commitments provided in Exhibit 19C. MCC will also photograph from the ground on a <br />yearly basis the resources that are located over longwall panels to be mined or within the angle <br />of draw. The results of the monitoring will be included in the Annual Hydrology Report. <br />Table 12 lists the USFS water resources within or adjacent to the West Elk Mine permit area. <br />L4f7: Re. I1"P1110, U3-CK PR1U Ulllb -PWf6 OYO&YRlU. UY O'_PRJ: Ni Ut PR:_ <br />20 <br />