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<br />-5- <br /> <br />VIII. Probable Hydrologic Consequences and Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study - <br />Rules 2.05.6(3) and 2.07.6(2)(c) <br />A determination of the probable hydrologic consequences of the proposed mining <br />and reclamation activities at the Mine No. 3 site has been made by the <br />applicant and is found under Rule 2.05.6(3) of the permit application. This <br />section includes an evaluation of quantity and quality effects on ground and <br />surface water systems, the Interaction of ground and surface water systems, <br />the possible mechanisms of impact, the effects of reclamation and time, and <br />proposed mitigative measures to be taken. <br />The effects of mining on the ground and surface water systems are identified <br />by the applicant as follows. <br />i. Increased post-mining ground water recharge rate; <br />it. Leaching of soluble material 1n backftlled areas; <br />iii. Transport of accumulated dissolved salts through the overburden <br />aquifer out of the proposed permit area; <br />iv. Increased runoff and erosion within the proposed permit area <br />during operations; <br />v. Increased sediment load in drainages within the proposed permit <br />area during operations; <br />vi. Temporary increased salt loading in streams draining the proposed <br />permit area; and <br />vii. Along-term change in the tan balance of surface water drainage <br />to the proposed permit and adjacent area. <br />The Probable Hydrologic Consequences section of the permit application is <br />divided into two main subsections: Ground Water Effects and Surface Water <br />Effects. The following comments and questions are addressed under these <br />headings. <br />GROUND WATER EFFECTS <br />Dewatering <br />It is stated on pages 2.06-165 and 166 that existing data and field <br />observations of the existing pits at Nine No. 3 substantiate that surface <br />mining has not 1n the past, and is not expected in the future, to dewater the <br />overburden aquifer under the proposed mining plan. Therefore, no drawdown of <br />water levels in the overburden aquifer is predicted from the surface <br />operations. However, 1t is stated on page 2.05-168 that the increased rate of <br />