PERMFILE47013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Sundance Resource, M-2006-073 Second Adequacy Response April 3, 2007 Page 3 Rule 6.4.7 -Exhibit G Rule 6.4.7, defining Exhibit G, states the requirements for a study provided by the applicant, detailing water-related information. One component of the study is a characterization of the aquifer, if any, lying under the affected area. This Exhibit G includes an attached study by Martin and Wood Water Consultants, concerning the Fountain Creek alluvial aquifer and effects of mining on groundwater in the vicinity. The Martin and Wood study includes discussion of depletions during mining, dewatering operations, slurry walls, a recharge trench, and other mitigation principles to be applied to the site. As modeled for the study, the drawdown potential of dewatering is significant in a few specific years of operation. However, the Sundance property is large, and many of the significant effects are contained before they adversely impact the protected interests of any surrounding property. The Division has recently contended that regulation of hydrologic balance includes the protection of trees in the vicinity of mining. Trees on the property of the applicant are the property of the applicant. The hydrologic balance cannot be accurately measured using tree mortality as an indicator. There are many causes of forest collapse and succession, and the objective of the plan for the property is to restore the site to its natural and economic functions. The reclamation plan as previously submitted includes new trees, and the applicant has, in addition. to measures identified in the Ground Water Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (see below), added a note to Exhibit F, the Revised Reclamation Plan, providing: "Tree Replacement. At the time of final reclamation, or sooner, but not to occur prior to the cessation of dewatering operations, the operator shall plant replacements at a minimum 1:1 replacement ratio in quantity, at the discretion of the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, in the place of any healthy canopy tree that is stressed by dewatering to the point of irreparable damage." In most cases, as emphasized in the Ground Water Monitoring and Mitigation Plan, mitigation of impacts (e.g., techniques such as irrigation, limitations on dewatering, hydraulic structures) will be possible, making drastic measures to preserve the applicant's own property unnecessary. Corrective measures, to be taken in the event of hydrologic impacts on some regulated interest, are specifically defined in the attached Ground Water Monitoring and Mitigation Plan. Rule 6.4.19 -Exhibit S This Rule has been addressed with the mailing of an Agreement for Compensation by Mining Operations to all owners of structures within 200 feet of