2016-02-22_REVISION - C1981044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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M Rule: 4.05.13(2) Surface Water Oualitv Monitorin This is a review of the surface water monitoring program implemented at Williams Fork with respect to the above rule. The Findings documents related to Permit Renewals 06 and 05 dated December 2014 and May 2009 respectively discuss implementation of Rule 4.05.(13). Also discussed in the above mentioned documents are probable hydrologic consequences, as well as projected and observed impacts to surface waters. The 2014 Annual Hydrology Report (AHR) with respect to surface water was reviewed for this Mid Term renewal. A summary of the findings of the AHR follows. Historical comparison of data for the Williams Fork River gaging station (WF -2) and the staff gage (WF -1) show no stream depletion impacts from mine dewatering. Summaries of WF -1 and WF -2 water quality data are presented in Tables 12 and 14, respectively. POR data are provided in tables 13 and 15, respectively. A plot of upstream and downstream dissolved solids measurements for the river is presented in Figure 7. Water quality data shows no significant variation from expected values. The comparisons of data from the upstream and downstream station on the Williams Fork River indicate that there is no detectable effect of mining on river water quality. As expected, dissolved solids decrease with increasing flow rate in the rivers, due to dilution from runoff. The POR discharges for the 1 SP are presented in Figure 8 and the 2014 discharge measurements are presented on Figure 9, respectively. The site flow sporadically. The discharge typically begins in March during the spring melt, and may be dry by the end of June. 1 SP is typically dry from July through November, and freezes over from December into March. Table 16 of the AHR provides 2014 data for this site, while Table 17 provides POR data. A plot of POR total dissolved solids for 1 SP is presented in Figure 10 and POR iron concentrations are presented in Figure 11. Figure 10 indicates TDS concentrations that are consistent with historic concentrations. Figure 11 illustrates the variable nature of total recoverable iron concentrations in 1 SP discharge. Since 2002 there has been a gentle upward trend in iron concentrations, however these levels are still within historic ranges seen for this site. The mine will continue to monitor this trend. The permittee will monitor surface water in a manner approved by the Division. The monitoring plans are set forth in Exhibit 29 of the permit application. The Division has reviewed the surface water monitoring plan and found it adequate for identifying any impacts that develop. The Division has approved the following monitoring plan for surface water (4.05.13(2)(a)). This plan is followed during active mining. The operator may follow a reduced monitoring plan (Exhibit 29, Appendix D), approved by the Division for implementation while the mine is in temporary cessation. Each years' Annual Hydrologic Report (AHR) includes a map of hydrologic monitoring locations showing where water quality monitoring occurs. The permit adequately addresses the requirements of rule 4.05.13(2). Rule: 4.05.18(1) Stream Buffer Zones The Williams Fork Mines includes several structures which are located within 100 feet of the perennial Williams Fork River. The Findings documents related to Permit Renewals 06 and 05 dated December 2014 and May 2009 respectively discuss the buffer zones, variances granted, restoration of the stream channel restoration and protection of water quality. Map 26 shows structure locations with respect to stream channels. The permit adequately addresses the requirements of rule 4.05. Williams Fork Mid Term Review Prepared by: R. Reilley Date: February 2016 Document Location: M\\Coal\rar\MidTerm Reviews