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percolation of snowmelt and precipitation downward through fractures. While no site-specific <br /> aquifer characteristics for this unit are available from the permit area, indications are that saturated <br /> portions of the Mesaverde Formation are not viable aquifers (Section 2.04.7,Volume 1). <br /> Groundwater occurrences in the stratigraphic interval of the Mesaverde Formation above the D <br /> seam are a function of the depositional environment and are characterized by saturated horizons <br /> of localized lateral and vertical extent, separated by low porosity, unsaturated intervals. These <br /> saturated horizons do not appear to contribute significantly to overall regional groundwater flow. <br /> When in operation,the Bowie No. I Mine experienced maximum inflows of around 1,500 gallons <br /> per day (gpd). This inflow came from both the floor and roof, namely roof drips or wet areas on <br /> the floor. Mining progressed below East Roatcap Creek and mine inflows increased but still <br /> remained insignificant to the local hydrologic regime. The portals of the East Mine were sealed in <br /> 2001 and the portals at the West Mine were sealed in 2000, so no recent mine inflow information <br /> is available. <br /> Inflows from faults and fractures located outside stream valleys (such as in the Bowie No. 1 Mine) <br /> generally dry up with time or flow intermittently at discrete points along the fault or fracture. <br /> Those which continue to flow have flow rates which diminish to a trickle. Such inflows may <br /> represent the dewatering of lenticular sandstone units with limited recharge areas,or may represent <br /> flows through fracture zones extending to the surface,which have narrow recharge zones on steep <br /> slopes. <br /> Surface Water <br /> Surface water information is found in Volume 1, Sections 2.04, and 2.05.6, and in Volume 4 of <br /> the PAP. Water rights tabulations and an augmentation plan are found in Volumes 5 and 5A. <br /> Annual hydrologic reports have been prepared since 1982 and exist as stand-alone volumes. For <br /> a description of the surface water hydrology of the mine permit area and a discussion of the impacts <br /> of mining on surface water, please refer to the Hydrologic Balance portion of Section B of this <br /> document. <br /> BRL's baseline surface water collection for the permit area consisted of reviewing existing <br /> baseline studies on the area, compiling a list of water rights on file with the State Engineer, <br /> identifying water resources using aerial photographs, and actual on-the-ground surveys. In the <br /> 1988 Findings, only one concern with the baseline study that pertained to a proposed area to be <br /> mined outside that five-year permit term was noted. Colorado Westmoreland, Inc. had not <br /> obtained right of entry to conduct on-the-ground baseline surveys on two tracts of land totaling <br /> 286 acres within the East Roatcap Creek drainage basin. Cyprus Orchard Valley Coal Company <br /> (successor to Colorado Westmoreland) obtained the required rights of entry during 1992-93 and <br /> performed ground reconnaissance for surface water sources on these areas as baseline data for <br /> Permit Revision No. 3. <br /> The Bowie No. 1 Mine permit area is drained by East Roatcap Creek, West Roatcap Creek, the <br /> main stem of Roatcap Creek, Stevens Gulch, Coal Gulch, and Terror Creek, all of which are <br /> tributaries to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br /> 10 <br />