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rock chemistry throughout this stratigraphic section. An increase <br />in overall TDS is the only changE~ one might expect. • <br />Regardless of the effects on quantity or quality, the overall <br />impact will be minimal for the following reasons: <br />1. The Wheeler Coal is not considered a regional aquifer, <br />2. The water-bearing zone in the Wheeler is not being used <br />for any purpose, <br />3. The nature of the geoloc3ic structure and low permeability <br />of the coal economically preclude development in the fu- <br />ture, and <br />9. Water quality would be er.pected to degrade down-dip by <br />natural processes. <br />All other water-bearing zones, above and below the wheeler, will <br />not be directly influenced by mining activities. when the Rollins <br />sandstone is involved in the mining, the walls of the tunnels will <br />be sealed with cement as required, to limit discharge from the • <br />aquifer. The zone of disturbance due to post-mining subsidence <br />will extend three to four times the bed thickness or 120 to 160 <br />feet above the mined coal (Appendix 9.6-1) The first potential <br />water-bearing zone above the coal is the Middle Sandstone which is <br />300 feet stratigraphically, and 600 feet vertically, above the <br />Wheeler. <br />Because of the nature of the hydraulic mining process and the <br />ground water regime, there will be no mine drainage. Any mine <br />inflow from the coal grill be intercepted and incorporated into the <br />hydraulic mine system. If mine inflow is detected, an application <br />for water rights will be filed with the State Engineer's Office. <br />This mine and its facilities will operate on a no-discharge basis <br />(Section 4.3.3.3). Seepage into the coal from the hydraulic <br />process and coal transportation will most likely re-enter the mine <br />as mine inflow in the deepest portions of the mine. <br />NCIG - Coal Ridge #1 4-82 ABC/1145/910509 • <br />