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that on Hubbard Creek, the original stream channel will be restored, water <br /> quality and quantity shall not be adversely affected, and appropriate riparian <br /> vegetation will be reestablished. On the North Fork of the Gunnison, the <br /> decision was based on the fact that the original stream channel would not be <br /> affected and water quality and quantity would not be adversely affected. The <br /> buffer zone variance was granted for the areas located at the stream crossing <br /> and pre-law bench area at the lower Hubbard Creek site and the topsoil <br /> stockpile at the upper Hubbard Creek site. The buffer zone variances on the <br /> North Fork of the Gunnison are located at the alluvial well and leach fields just <br /> above and below the town of Somerset (4.05.18(1)). <br /> 2. The Division has approved surface and underground mining operations within <br /> and through Elk Creek, an intermittent stream. The Division made the findings <br /> that: 1)the stream channel will be reconstructed in accordance with the <br /> requirements of Rule 4.05.4(4), 2) during and after mining, the water quantity <br /> and quality from the stream section within 100 feet of the surface coal mining <br /> operations shall not be adversely affected, and 3)the reclamation plan provides <br /> for the reestablishment of appropriate riparian vegetation. <br /> 3. The Division has also approved surface and underground mining operations <br /> within and through Bear Creek, an ephemeral stream. The Division made the <br /> findings that: 1)the stream channel will be reconstructed in accordance with <br /> the requirements of Rule 4.05.4; 2) during and after mining, the water quantity <br /> and quality from the stream section within 100 feet of the surface coal mining <br /> operations shall not be adversely affected; and 3) the reclamation plan provides <br /> for the reestablishment of appropriate riparian vegetation. <br /> J. Probable Hydrologic Consequences of Mining (2.05.6(3)(b)(iii)) <br /> This section reviews the Probable Hydrologic Consequences (PHC) of mining at the <br /> Somerset Mine, Sanborn Creek, and Elk Creek Mine locations. The review includes <br /> the probable consequences which will result from the three mines. The Cumulative <br /> Hydrologic Impact Assessment (CHIA) for the North Fork of the Gunnison River <br /> contains a detailed analysis of the cumulative impacts of all currently permitted <br /> mine activities within the North Fork of the Gunnison River drainage basin. The <br /> CHIA document is available for review at the Division office. This PHC is based <br /> upon information contained within the PAP for Permit No. C-1981-022 (Somerset <br /> Mine, Sanborn Creek Mine, and Elk Creek Mine) and upon the analyses contained <br /> within the CHIA for the North Fork Gunnison River. The PHC separately addresses <br /> potential effects on groundwater and surface water. <br /> 1. Effects on Groundwater <br /> Mining of the Elk Creek Mine will have some impact on the groundwater <br /> regime within the immediate area of the proposed operation, but, as with the <br /> Somerset and Sanborn Creek Mines, the impact will not cause material damage <br /> 19 <br />