2015-03-12_PERMIT FILE - C1981014A ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981014A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/12/2015
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05.6 Mitigation of Surface Coal Mining Operation Impacts
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

• ponds have proven effective in reducing levels of TSS in runoff form mine
disturbance areas with resulting effluent levels of TSS well below natural
background levels in receiving drainages. However, operation of the
sedimentation ponds also has the potential to increase levels of TDS and
specific mineral constituents through evaporation and concentration of these
components in the impounded runoff.
is
With the potential for increases in sodium and sulfate concentrations as a
result of percolation through the coal refuse pile, the possibility exists
for a shift in surface water chemistry within the Magpie and Newlin Creek
drainages from a calcium carbonate water type toward a sodium sulfate type.
Given the limited volume of flows from the mine relative to total flow volume
in Magpie and Newlin Creeks and downstream drainages, and the fact that much
of the flow will be lost to the surface water system as previously described,
any changes in water chemistry are expected to be localized and will
generally be buffered if flows reach Hardscrabble Creek by the significantly
greater volume of flow in this downstream drainage. Those flows lost to the
surface water system are expected to have a chemical character similar to
natural groundwater resources. Similar considerations apply to potential
increases in specific chemical constituents, with losses to the groundwater
system or mixing and dilution in downstream drainages resulting in effective
natural mitigation of surface water chemistry or quality changes.
Water Rights Consequences. EFCI's mining, processing and related operations
are not expected to impact any currently existing surface or groundwater
right. Other than the City of Florence's diversion rights on Newlin Creek
upstream of the mine area, there are no surface water rights in or
immediately downstream form either the Southfield mine or loadout areas.
While surface water rights do exist downstream on Hardscrabble Creek, the
City of Florence diversion and resulting dry streambed conditions in Newlin
Creek result in a limited hydrologic connection between these downstream
rights and mine disturbances areas. Both practical limitations and actual
historic water use practices effectively preclude downstream water users from
utilizing any water resources originating in the mine area.
C:\TK860\V OL.2 \REC. PLN
10/24/94 9:10am WP51 /cmc 2.05.6.50 Revised . 9/30/94