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800 feet, BRL conducted limited coal extraction under streams to minimize the potential <br />for any subsidence. <br />Should damage to any pipeline, spring, pond, etc., be identified as the result of mining, <br />BRL will repair the damage in accordance with their" Subsidence Repair Handbook." This <br />handbook, incorporated into Volume 3 of the application, contains detailedprocedures that <br />will be implemented to repair water resources and structures should they be impacted. <br />A general water replacement plan had been prepared by the operator to augment water to <br />water users while any mine related damage is being repaired. BRL has demonstrated water <br />is available and can be transported to affected water users if damage occurs. BRL's water <br />rights consist of both springs and ditch water that could supply a variety of users. Impacts <br />on muter users would not be all at once. Rather, impact mould progress slowly over areas <br />as coal mas mined. The applicant also agreed to reduce leaks and seeps on some ditches <br />and has changed the point of diversion of the Overland Ditch from East Roatcap Creek to <br />West Roatcap Creek to further protect the rights of present water users. T o protect stock <br />and wildlife, the applicant committed to maintaining a designated number of stockponds <br />on the permit area which will be protected from damage. <br />When BRL mined under Steven's and East Roatcap Creek, there was the possibility that <br />water could have been encountered even if there was no subsidence. Faults an d fractures <br />could have been encountered underground that are in communication with the stream and <br />its associated alluvial/colluvial deposits. Dewatering of these faults and fractures could <br />have diminished streamflow and the alluvium/colluvium when water was present. The <br />limited depletions were not predicted to be significant enough to cause a major change in <br />stream characteristics or impact the hydrologic balance. The only concern with <br />diminishment of Steven's Gulch or East Roatcap Creek stream flow wnuld be to water users <br />within those drainages. BRL has responded to this concern in theirwaterreplacement plan. <br />The Division's findings on this issue are included in the Water Rights and Replacement <br />discussion in Section VII of this document. <br />Based on data from other mines in the valley, the Division anticipated stream related <br />inflows to be only a few hundred gallons per minute at vwrst case during certain times of <br />the yearwhen the streams are flowing. Following a detailed investigation and analysis, the <br />applicant has predicted that vmrst case inflows from East Roatcap Creek would be 5.2 gpm <br />and inflows from Steven's Gulch would be 5.7 gpm. These vmuld increase to 33.5 gpm for <br />the life of mine. Inflows below East Roatcap Creek have averaged less than 1 gpm. A <br />mitigation plan has been approved that will replace any water lost by mining. <br />The hydrologic consequences of the mine are expected to be minimal. The applicant <br />reports that no degradation of water quality in surface streams is expected. Any effluent <br />will be treated as necessary to meet quality standards prior to discharge. <br />Conclusion <br />An assessment of the probable hydrologic consequences of the mining operation and an <br />assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all anticipated mining in the general area <br />27 <br />