2016-02-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981038A

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2.05 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT FOR SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES -- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATION AND RECLAMATION PLANS. 2.05.6 Mitigation of Surface Coal Mining Operation Impacts. (Cont'd.) (3) (b) (iii) (Cont'd.) monitoring wells in 1985. These well locations, labeled SM -1 through SM -11, are shown on Map No. 4 -1. All shallow monitoring wells were monitored for water levels and field parameters on a monthly basis with water quality samples obtained on a quarterly basis. Monitoring results were submitted in the "Annual Hydrology and Subsidence Reports ". Responsibility for SM -4 and SM -8 will be transferred to the Bowie No. 2 Mine by PR -04 since the wells will reside within the new Bowie No. 2 Mine permit boundary. A significant reduction in the groundwater hydrology monitoring program was addressed by The operator through TR -24. The operator evaluated the current five -year mine plan and considered the extensive data previously collected for monitored locations in petitioning the Division to reduce the intensity of the ongoing hydrology monitoring program. The operator evaluated previously collected data and determined that the potential for significant mine impacts to adversely effect springs and associated ponds, deep bedrock groundwater, and alluvial source groundwater is low. Selected springs, deep bedrock groundwater monitoring wells, and shallow alluvial monitoring wells were eliminated from the monitoring program as no potential in -pacts could reasonably be projected to occur given the current mine plan. Monitoring frequencies were reduced at remaining features within the potential zone of subsidence impacts. Present Groundwater Monitoring - Permit and Adjacent Area The existence of many springs in the permit area is related to the presence of saturated, mostly colluvial sediments. Monitoring is concentrated on these features because most are put to beneficial use as stockwater ponds or for domestic use, and some are adjudicated. As a result of discussions with the BLM and CMLRD during previous revision application reviews, The operator redesigned the groundwater monitoring program to include the projected five -year mine plan affected area and adjudicated water rights within the permit area. Because of past, higher production rates, a majority of the permit area was included in the five -year mine plan area. The operator has no current projections in the five -year mine plan within the permit area and hydrologic monitoring is now limited to the areas which will be affected by reclamation, adjudicated water rights and the continued operation of the Unit Train Loadout. Springs are monitored when accessible in accordance with Table 3, Groundwater Appendix, Volume 4. Generally, springs are monitored quarterly for field parameters and flow rates if they are actively discharging. Water quality samples are obtained if the springs are discharging on an annual basis with particular emphasis placed on the collection of samples during spring runoff. Collected samples are analyzed for alkalinity as CaCO bicarbonate as CaCO carbonate as CaCO dissolved calcium, chloride, conductivity @ 25° C, pH, Hardness as CaCO magnesium, dissolved sodium, sulfate, SAR in water, TDS ratio (gray. /caic.), total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids. PR -04 -122- 06/10 ffRovo n 1/i3 1)