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set forth below as well as in the CDRMSfindings document for the initial approval of <br />permit C-92-080. The CDRMSdiscussion of probable hydrologic consequences is <br />incorporated by reference into this document. This discussion includes a quantitative <br />analysis of the impacts of the proposed operation on the existing ground and surface <br />water resources, both quantity and quality impacts. <br />There are no regional aquifers that will be interrupted or impacted by the proposed <br />mining activity. Ground water in the area is found in discontinuouslenses within <br />lenticular sandstones, fractures and in coal seams. Ground water analysis indicates that <br />the water found in the coal seams is of good qualityand has no acid or toxic materials in <br />the analysis. <br />According to test data, little to no water will infiltrate to the Pictured Cliff Sandstones. <br />Overburden and refuse analysis indicate no acid or toxic materials are found in the <br />materials. Sulfur materials in the refuse will be placed no less than 20 feet above the pit <br />water level in reclamation although there is no available information indicating the two to <br />three percent (2 to 3%) sulfur in the reject is acid forming. <br />Regarding the concern for the lower Fruitland Formation and the Pictured Cliffs <br />Sandstone being a regional aquifer, the Division is referred to: Availability and Chemical <br />Characteristics of Groundwater in Central La Plata County, Coloradoby Robert E. <br />Brogden and T.F. Giles, U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations 76-69, <br />prepared in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of <br />Water Resources, Open File Report; Lakewood, Colorado; May, 1976. This report maps <br />the locations and summarizes water quality for 38 wells in the Durango area. None of the <br />wells investigated were completed in the referenced formations. Additionally the <br />formations are mentioned as potential aquifers, because no wells completed in either <br />formation could be located by the authors. Mr. Carl Hutchinson with the U.S.G.S. stated <br />that the purpose of this open file report was to supply the State Engineer with data on the <br />various formations acting as aquifers (personal communication February 6, 1983). The <br />results of this report tend to confirm the assertion that the Fruitland Formation and the <br />Pictured Cliffs Sandstone are not being utilized as aquifers in the Durango area (certainly <br />not within 2 miles of the mine site as State Engineer's well records indicate). Indeed, the <br />basic premise that the formations are aquifers in the Durango area becomes suspect. <br />The overall operation/reclamation plan has been established to protect the quality of <br />surface and ground water. Surface water outside of the disturbed area is diverted, as <br />much as possible, into adjacent drainages which drain to the Animas River. The <br />diversions were constructed according to Section 4.05 of the Performance Standards to <br />prevent the erosion of, or adverse effects to, adjacent areas. <br />There are no users of water from the strata in the mining operation. Consequently, the <br />use of water in the coal seams and fractures will not adversely impact any known users. <br />The mining operation usedwater for dust suppression, preparation facilities and <br />domestic/sanitary uses. Itwasestimated that the total water used amounted to no more <br />Abridged Permit Document 5-20 Permit Renewal RN04 4/2014 <br />