2018-09-04_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (18)

Home Browse Search

MCC West Elk Mine Sunset Trail Lease Modifications 2011 Hydrology Survey 15 4.0 CONCLUSIONS/ RECOMMENDATIONS The surveys were conducted from October 10 - 21, 2011 in late fall, typically a period of low surface water flow and low groundwater levels, an optimal time for conducting spring and seep surveys. A total of 70 spring/seep, pond, and/or wetland sites were identified in the 2011 Sunset Trail Spring Survey. The highest concentration of springs and seeps is the upper reaches of the Lick Creek, South Prong Creek and Horse Creek drainages on the north to northwest flanks of Mount Gunnison. "Significant" spring features were determined as sites having average flows greater than 2 gpm and/or areal extent greater than 0.3 acres. "Significant" pond and wetland features were defined as sites greater than 0.3 acres in size. Thirteen significant spring features, 6 significant pond features and 1 other (wetland without associated pond or spring) were identified in the surveys as indicated by shaded cells in Tables 1-4. Measuring stream flows and describing channel characteristics and delineating wetlands are tasks that should be completed if project development moves forward, but were beyond scope of work for this survey. Conditions vary from year to year and seasonally; therefore, springs and seeps present in 2011 may or may not be present in future years. Conversely, some springs may be present in future years that were not visible or flowing in the fall of 2011. The STLM study area is extensive and every effort was made to locate all springs, seeps and ponds; however, it should be noted that additional springs, seeps, ponds, and wetlands may exist. 5.0 REFERENCES Groundwater Foundation, 2011. http://www.groundwater.ora/ accessed September 21, 2011. United States Department of Agriculture, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, 2011. Opportunity to Comment, Modifications to Federal Coal Leases COC - 1362 and COC -67232, Paonia Ranger District, Gunnison County, Colorado. http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa project exp.php?project=32459 accessed September 21, 2011. February 2012 HydroGeo, Inc.