2021-04-14_PERMIT FILE - C1996084 (8)

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Ru/e 1.' Permits • (3) Protection of the Hydrologic Balance In accordance with Rule 2.05.6, a plan for the protection of the hydrologic balance must be prepared for the project. In addition, this plan must consider the effects to the quality and quantity of surface and ground water. Baseline data for the surface and ground water is provided in Exhibit Section 2.04.7. This data is the basis for the analyses of the probable effects from the Lorencito Canyon Mine. Water Quantity Effects to water quantity were considered for both ground and surface waters in the permit area. From the data presented in the surface and ground water reports, the quantities of water available at the site appear to be limited. Data developed from slug testing indicated relatively low hydraulic conductivities (10-~ ft/day), and therefore, relatively low pumping rates from wells at the site. Surface water baseline monitoring revealed only two stations (LC-1 and LC-4) that had water throughout the yeaz. In general, the only natural perennial surface water appears to be from springs, which will not be affected by mining operations. Surface water runoff from disturbed areas will pass through sediment ponds to remove solids, resulting in nominal losses of downstream flow or water quality. GROUND WATER • Mining in the Ciruela coal is topographically higher (approximately 7200 AMSL} than any of the alluvial deposits onsite and will not affect these deposits. Ground water in the overburden of the Ciruela is also extremely limited and will not affect these deposits. Ground water in the Ciruela itself is not being utilized currently at the site, and is also extremely limited in azeal extent. The ground water in the Primero Coal is also topographically isolated (approximately 6800 AMSL) from the Purgatoire River, and does outcrop south of the river. The Primero coal does exists under Lorencito Creek. Between these two tazget coals is a layer of interburden material (approximately 400-500 feet thick). This material has low hydraulic conductivity and could be considered an aquitazd. Beneath the Primero exists an underburden material that is also considered as a material with a fairly low hydraulic conductivity (see section 2.04.7). Use of all these water-beazing zones is very limited, and only a small number of windmills were located on and in the vicinity of the permit area. Surface mining is not anticipated to have significant effects on thos zones in relation to water quality or quantity, due to the azea's limited extent. Also, no backfill springs or seeps are anticipated from the mine areas. Contour Mining Cuts and Fills At the Jeff Canyon contour mine areas, materials will be removed from the outcrop until a removal ratio of approximately 15: I exists. Following this removal, the overburden will be replaced to original approximate topographic grade. As part of this process, some fills will be created. Mining proposed for Jeff Canyon contour mines will not extend disturbance above an altitude of 7400 Feet 2.05-83b (revised 2/20/03)