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Exceptions to the buffer zone rule are listed for Dry Creek(railroad crossing and <br /> Pond 2) and Sage Creek(Tie-Across Haul Road). These have been accepted by <br /> the Division. <br /> No Loadout activities are permitted to take place within 100 feet of Dry Creek or <br /> Sage Creek with the exception of: <br /> 1. The Rail Loop <br /> 2. The tracks and right of way for railway loop <br /> 3. Loadout facilities water line <br /> 4. Electric substation <br /> 5. TAHR <br /> 1. The Division approved surface mining activities within 100 feet of a perennial <br /> stream with a biological community. This decision was based on a finding <br /> that the original stream channel will be restored,water quality and quantity <br /> will not be adversely affected as a result of the disturbance, and appropriate <br /> riparian vegetation will be reestablished upon final reclamation. (4.05.18(1). <br /> K. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> The probable hydrologic consequences of mining within the Loadout permit area <br /> are addressed within Volume 3, Tab 15 of the PAP. The permittee's statement of <br /> hydrologic effects has been reviewed by the Division for compliance with Rule <br /> 4.05.1 and 2.05.6(3). <br /> 1. Surface Water Impacts <br /> Surface water runoff from the Loadout area passes through one of two <br /> sedimentation ponds. Discharges from these ponds are subject to effluent <br /> limitations identified in HGL's NPDES permit. The existing ponds have <br /> performed adequately and no discharges in excess of NPDES effluent limits <br /> have been reported to date. <br /> Concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) are four times higher for water <br /> coming from the Rail Loop Pond than water from the Truck Loop Pond; <br /> however, TDS concentrations coming from the ponds are generally less than <br /> ambient concentrations in Dry Creek upstream. Existing water quality in Dry <br /> Creek is unsuitable for irrigation and only marginally suitable for livestock. <br /> The majority of the runoff from the rail loop, as well as the runoff from the <br /> three small area exemptions in the Loadout area, is not treated; however, <br /> runoff from these sources passes through a vegetative filter and does not <br /> appear to affect water quality. No adverse impacts from mining operations <br /> were projected in the HGL PAP and none have been observed to date. <br /> 21 <br />