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flows (via spoil springs), and surface water infiltration has not been largely impaired. If recharge to the <br /> spoils is larger than pre mine conditions,direct surface runoff will be reduced, and an increased amount <br /> of groundwater discharge to spoil springs would be expected. Any increased groundwater discharge <br /> augments water availability for livestock and wildlife for a greater portion of the year. <br /> Protection ofHydrologic Balance <br /> Observed hydrologic impacts are consistent with those predicted in the Division's Colorado River <br /> Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment. Based on the foregoing observations,the Division finds <br /> that the Trapper Mine has minimized disturbance of the hydrologic balance within the bond release <br /> block and adjacent areas, and prevented material damage outside the permit area. The Division also <br /> finds that the Trapper Mine has not caused hydrologic changes adversely affecting the approved post <br /> mining land use in the permit area. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> Based upon a review of the mine permit, discharge monitoring reports,the applicant's bond release <br /> application,the October 2021 bond release inspection and other prior site inspections,the Division finds <br /> that Trapper Mining, Inc.has replaced topsoil in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. <br /> Trapper Mining,Inc.has established vegetation which supports the approved post-mine land use and <br /> meets the approved success standards. As no TDS (Total Dissolved Solids),values for active outfalls <br /> and other than a short term,mid-summer 2021 pH excursion,no exceedances of primary effluent <br /> limitations have been reported through TMI's monthly and annual water quality reports,the Division <br /> finds that the reclaimed area subject to this bond release is not contributing suspended solids to <br /> streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess of pre-mining levels. <br /> The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area on <br /> the hydrologic balance, as described in Rule 2.05.6(3),has been made by the Division. This assessment, <br /> entitled: Yampa River Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Statement,was completed in May 2010. This <br /> report is available for inspection at the offices of the Division. <br /> In the past,the Division has found that the operations proposed under the Trapper Mine PAP have been <br /> designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area [in compliance <br /> with Rule 2.07.6(2)(c)]. The Division is in the process of updating the 2010 version of the Yampa River <br /> Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Statement. This update will include an analysis of recent data from <br /> water quality sampling of the Yampa River and tributaries potentially impacted by the Trapper Coal <br /> Mine. See the heading: Evaluation of Hydrologic Impacts above, of this findings document for <br /> additional discussion of the hydrologic consequences of mining operations at the Trapper Mine. <br /> Permit Number. C1981010 Page 15 of 16 <br />