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West Elk Mine <br />in water quality. Monitoring data, along with a discussion of any impact observed or projected will <br />be provided and will be submitted by June 30 each year. Based on information presented in <br />previous AHRs, groundwater quality, as observed from monitoring wells, has not been impacted by <br />mining activities. <br />Surface and underground protection measures for groundwater are presented in Section 2.05.6(6). <br />Augmentation and other mitigation measures for surface water rights that may be impacted are <br />presented earlier in this section. <br />Wetlands <br />The wetlands identified during surveys of the SOD area in 1996 and again in 2004 and reported <br />in Exhibit 32B will be monitored for impacts due to subsidence. A qualified biologist will <br />perform a baseline survey of the wetlands one year prior to those wetlands being subsided. The <br />survey will include transects through the wetlands to document the variety, type and health of the <br />vegetation. These transects will be resurveyed annually for at least two years after the wetlands <br />have been subsided or until it is determined there has been no significant negative impacts to the <br />wetlands due to mining activities. Additionally, wetlands associated with the Dry Fork that are <br />within the reaches of the stream and are part of the thalweg survey, will be monitored by the <br />personnel performing the thalweg survey for general changes in vegetation, i.e., wilting, <br />flooding, uprooting, etc. If changes are noted and appear to be significant, the Division and U.S. <br />Forest Service will be notified before mitigation efforts, as described in Section 2.05.6(3)(a-i) <br />Protection of Hydrological Balance are implemented. Results of the annual wetland survey and <br />general observations made during the thalweg survey will be included in the Annual Hydrology <br />report. <br />2.05-297 Rev. 06105- PR10; 03106- PRIO; 05106- PR10; 05109- TR117