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The F coal seam is in the Hesa Verde Formation. Overlying the coal seam is <br />the Barren Member which consists of interbedded sandstones, siitstones, shales <br />and coals. Groundwater occurs in both the sandstones and the coal seams. <br />Regional groundwater movement is northeasterly down the dip of continuous <br />stratigraphic units. Local groundwater flow is controlled through fractures <br />faults, topography, and discontinuous lenticular sandstones. Groundwater <br />discharges as springs and seeps in the area. Over 100 springs occur within <br />the life~f-mine area. These are highly ephemeral and discharge during spring <br />snowmelt. <br />Two historical sites were recorded. Neither of these sites were considered <br />eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historical <br />Preservation Officer has concurred with a no effect determination. <br />Federal Lands Review <br />Section 522(b) of SMCRA requires a review of Federal lands to determine, <br />pursuant to the standards set forth in sections 522(a)(2) and 522(a)(3) of <br />SMCRA, whether there are areas on Federal lands that are unsuitable for all or <br />certain types of surface coal mining operations. Section 522(a)(2) requires <br />that lands be designated unsuitable if reclamation is not technologically or <br />economically feasible. The unsuitability analysis was conducted by BLM and <br />included in their June 11, 1981 concurrence letter (see concurrence letters). <br />In addition, OSMRE completed a Federal Lands review in the "Environmental <br />Assessment, West Elk Coal Company, Mt. Gunnison Mine"; September 1985; page 3. <br />IMPACT ANALYSIS <br />Impacts of Alternative 1, Approval Without Special Federal Conditions. <br />The description of the impacts of the mining and reclamation operations as <br />proposed to be approved by Colorado MLRD is contained in the following <br />docwnents: <br />Colorado MLRD's decision and findings of compliance. <br />BLM. 1979. West Central Colorado Coal Environmental Statement. <br />Site specific impacts of the current operations at the Mt. Gunnison No. 1 mine <br />were discussed in the the following documents: <br />OSMRE. August 1981. Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mining Plan Approval <br />Environmental Assessment. <br />OSMRE. August 1985. Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mining Plan Modification <br />Environmental Assessment. <br />OSMRE. September 1985. Mt. Gunnison Hine Mining Plan Modification <br />Environmental Assessment. <br />These documents are being incorporated by reference into this analysis. The <br />impacts are summarized below. <br />-4- <br />