Laserfiche WebLink
Probably Hydro(ngic Cansepuersces- Chimnry Rock Mine <br />• FRUITLAND FORMATION IMPACTS <br />The Fruitland Formation is the coal-bearing unit in the area. This unit has small yields of water <br />from the coal seams. A former groundwater well W-3 screened in the "B" coal seam exhibited <br />poor water quality as indicated in the original permit document. This well had elevated levels <br />of sodium calcium and sulfate. Comparison of these original results to the results from the well <br />W-16 located in the spoils pile of the former east pit are mixed; however, great deviations in <br />quality are not observed. Water quality in the original coal seams was not potable. <br />Two other wells, W-9 and W-10 were also screened th the Fruitland Formation. The well W-9 <br />was considered the downgradient point-of-compliance well in this formation at the site. This <br />well has shown no effects from activities at the site. Well W-10, installed next to the former <br />Barren Ridge Pit and completed in the Fruitland Formation, has exhibited elevated levels of iron, <br />manganese, and sulfate above the human health standards (CDH, Water Quality Con[rol <br />Commission, 1994). In addition, elevated levels of TDS are also exhibited as Tables 2 and 3. <br />The Fruitland Formation is generally not considered an aquifer due to the poor water quality <br />associated with the coal seams and the low yield of the formation. Piteau and Associates <br />determined the transmissivity of this formation as 130 gld/ft, which is poor to fair well potential <br />for domestic use. Additionally, the alluvium and surface waters in the area are considered better <br />water sources. The Fruitland Formation in this area does not appear to be used as a source of <br />groundwater for domestic, agricultural, or industrial purposes. A review of water well permits <br />in the area of T34N, R4W, did not reveal wells completed in this formation. Since no usage <br />appears to be occurring from this groundwater, and the groundwater originally is considered <br />non-potable, impacts associated with mining would appear to present little risk to the <br />environment. <br />OTHER POSSIBLE IMPACTS <br />Flooding or streamflow appears not to have been affected in the past by operations, and since <br />reclamation, does not appear likely. Surface and groundwater availability in the area does not <br />appear affected and does not appear to be affect likewise in the future. Well owners in the area <br />have apparently not had decreases in the available water, nor have the flows of Stollsteimer <br />creek been affected. Acid or toxic forming materials do not appear to be present, and currently <br />adverse affects to water quality do not appear to be present in surface or groundwaters near the <br />former mine. <br />J <br />R7.053\3\03.28-95(9:39am) 13 <br />