2018-01-31_REPORT - C1981018 (2)

Home Browse Search

8 other similar contributions as well as that originating from inflows from geologic formations) with occasional short term increases when localized perched water tables are encountered. The average amount pumped from underground from the active workings during the water year was 35.5 gallons per minute. Water leaking out of caved areas is routed to the sumps at the end of gateroads. A new dewatering system was installed in May 2012 to pump excess water captured underground to the surface for treatment, re-infiltration, and potentially discharge. Prior to this installation no underground water had been pumped out of the mine since the January 31, 1996 underground fire. During this interim, excess water was pumped from the B-seam to the abandoned D-seam for storage. 2.2.1.4 Bedrock Water Quality Water sampling and analysis are no longer required from most of the bedrock monitoring holes. However, as required by DRMS, prior to entering Federal leases C-8424 and C-8425, one water quality sample was collected and analyzed from each of the monitoring holes in federal leases C-8424 and C-8425. Such sampling was limited to the middle (coal facie) zone. BME has agreed to sample the point of compliance monitoring well on an annual basis starting with the 2006-2007 hydrologic year. The point of compliance in 2007-2008 was monitoring well 29-4M. Starting in 2008-2009 the point of compliance was changed to monitoring well 22-3M. Samples are analyzed for dissolved iron and manganese and total dissolved solids. Field parameters measured are pH, conductivity, and temperature. Results for this well are found in Appendix C. The Deserado Mine First Annual Hydrology Report (December 1985) contains baseline water quality data for the bedrock zones except for wells in federal leases C-8424 and C- 8425. Baseline water quality data for these wells are given in the Thirteenth Annual Hydrology Report (January 1998). Water quality data for 32-7M was collected in 2001 prior to mining it out and is included in Appendix C of the Seventeenth Annual Hydrology Report (January 2002). Comparing the 2001 data to the 1997 data indicated only slight changes with a general improvement in quality for most parameters of 32-7M. Water quality data for 30-8M was collected in December of 2006 prior to longwall mining of adjacent areas. Comparing the 2006 data to the 1997 data indicates a general improvement in water quality. Water quality data for 29-4M was collected in September of 2012 prior to longwall mining early in 2013. Comparing the 2012 data to the 1997 data indicates a general improvement in water quality.