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fluctuation in quality and quantity of groundwater in the seam. Initial Rollins <br /> Sandstone water quality is included in the Graystone report. The Unit Train <br /> Loadout piezometers show seasonal fluctuations in the water level due to their <br /> close connection with the Colorado River. <br /> (iv) There are three wells listed with the State Engineer which are in or close to the <br /> permit area. Information for these wells is given in Figures 7-1, 7-2 and 7-4. The <br /> Benitendi well is in shallow alluvial material adjacent to Rapid Creek. The Public <br /> Service well is in shallow alluvial material adjacent to the Colorado River. <br /> Applying the definition of adjacent area from Rule 1.04, we do not consider these <br /> two wells to qualify as beneficial use within an adjacent area. The Benitendi well <br /> is at a lower elevation than our closest mining operations. The old Blue Flame <br /> Mine lies between the Roadside South mine and this well. The Public Service <br /> well is in the Colorado River alluvium at a lower elevation than water standing in <br /> the Roadside South portal and is located over 1/2 mile away from the portal. <br /> The Powderhorn Coal well was approved for the diversion of ground water from <br /> the Roadside mine for use in coal washing, dust control and fire suppression. <br /> (v) Quality of subsurface waters in the Mesa Verde formation north of the permit <br /> area has been monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey. Analysis of the <br /> groundwater determined that levels of iron, manganese, sulfate, fluoride, and <br /> total dissolved solids are unusually high. (Grodgen and Giles, 1977, see Table <br /> 4, Appendix 7-1). The Mesa Verde formation in the permit area is believed to <br /> be hydrogeologically the same as the Mesa Verde to the north (Giles, 1977). A <br /> regional investigation by the U.S.G.S. which includes the permit area was <br /> conducted by Price and Waddle in 1973. They reported that groundwater from <br /> bedrock aquifers in the area would typically be of poor chemical quality from <br /> most uses and that total dissolved solids typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 <br /> milligrams per liter. In short, groundwater from Mesa Verde formation in the <br /> permit area can be expected to be of poor quality and not suited for most <br /> TR-66 7-5 Rev 08/15 <br />