PERMFILE47017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page '?. Larry Shults March 3, 1999 The impacts of subsidence from mining activities on the upper and lower aquifer are not adequately discussed or reflected in a water- monitoring plan. It is our understanding that there are substantial data to suggest that there are presently hydrologic connections between surface hydrology and bedrock hydrology near the project site. The alkali flats area just to the north of this site is an example. In addition, data supplied with the DEIS for this project could suggest that this connection exists as far upstream as the project area. All aquifer systems, including local springs, Piceance Creek, and the Piceance Creek valley fill aquifer, should be included in awater-quality monitoring program. The summary discussion of the cumulative impacts from this project on groundwater (page 5-4) suggests that potential impacts would be local and not regionally significant. This may not accurately reflect the situation. The protection and maintenance of the existing water quality of the region has been identified as a major issue in Rio Blanco County's Master Plan. This project has the potential to impact both surface and bedrock hydrology and could impact water quality locally, regionally, and beyond. For example, any increase in dissolved solids could seriously impact agricultural viability along Piceance Creek as well as local springs and wells used for domestic purposes. Any significant degradation of water quality also could affect future development of nahcolite, oil shale, and other industries in the basin. The aquifers impacted by this project interact with Piceance Creek and ultimately the White River. These rivers are the major source of domestic, agricultural, and industrial water for the western half of Rio Blanco County. The White River also is home to several endangered species of fish and ultimately supplies water to the Colorado River and much of the southwest U. S. The mining and water-monitoring plans for this project should address these potential impacts. Rio Blanco County requests to be a participant in the design of the water-quality monitoring program for this project. This plan should include the establishment of accurate baseline conditions, which includes existing U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) data, EPA QA/QC approved labs or the USGS lab for water analysis, and independent verification of sampling and data analysis. All sampling should be conducted along accepted procedures of the hydrologic community.