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1. Description of the Hydrologic Environment <br /> a.Regional Geology <br /> For information regarding the geology of the site, refer back to the section <br /> entitled Description of the Environment, Geology. <br /> b.Groundwater <br /> For information regarding the groundwater of the site, refer back to the <br /> section entitled Description of the Environment, Hydrologic Balance. <br /> c.Surface Water <br /> For information regarding the surface water of the site, refer back to the <br /> section entitled Description of the Environment, Hydrologic Balance. <br /> 2. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> a.Groundwater Effects and Mitigation <br /> There is no expected impact to groundwater by the Terror Creek Loadout <br /> due to the lack of occurrence of groundwater within the immediate area to <br /> be affected by the operation. The operation is located on colluvial <br /> material significantly above the elevation of the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison River. This colluvium appears to be in direct hydrologic <br /> communication with the North Fork alluvial aquifer. Only minor amounts <br /> of groundwater can be expected above the piezometric surface which <br /> coincides with the North Fork. Information presented by the applicant <br /> with respect to a privately owned water well south of the permit area <br /> indicates that water is not encountered until the river elevation is reached. <br /> Operations at the Terror Creek Loadout will not intersect any groundwater <br /> within the colluvial material due to limited excavation planned for the <br /> permit area. Excavation associated with the loadout pad was completed to <br /> approximately 20 feet below ground surface and no groundwater was <br /> encountered. No springs or seeps have been identified along the colluvial <br /> deposit in the vicinity of the permit area. <br /> Because no further surface disturbance is proposed, there is no potential <br /> for significant impacts to groundwater quantity in the area. There is a <br /> very slight potential for quality of water in the alluvial aquifer <br /> immediately downslope from the disturbed area to be degraded as a result <br /> of percolation of lower quality water from the coal storage piles and <br /> sediment pond. The potential for material damage is considered to be <br /> negligible and is further discussed in an upcoming section on Operations <br /> on Alluvial Valley Floors. <br /> - 15 - <br />