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• Section 780.21(c) Continued. <br />from the existing and proposed operations. Due to the ephemeral <br />nature of runoff in the proposed permit area, data from several <br />runoff seasons, as mining progresses, will be needed to project the <br />amount of salt loading on Bolton, Bush, Williams and Sudduth Draws. <br />Lona Term Effects <br />The only long-term effects of mining on the hydrologic balance are <br />dissolved salt load and changes in the ion balance of runoff from the <br />disturbed area. Data on water chemistry will be collected and <br />reported in the annual monitoring reports. <br />A detailed study of the changes in ion balance caused by mining <br />activities in Northwest Colorado has been published (Skogerboe, et. <br />al., Jan. 1979, Environmental Effects of Western Coal Surface Mining, <br />Part III - The Water Quality of Trout Creek, Colorado, EPA-600/3-79- <br />• 008). This report states conclusions very similar to those reached <br />in this Section regarding water chemistry, based on a considerable <br />data record. According to this study, the change in ion balance of <br />runoff from mined areas is a long-term effect in the immediate <br />vicinity of the mine. Dilution of effluent in the receiving stream <br />dampens the effect downstream from active mining areas. In no event <br />will changes in the ion balance of surface water result in element <br />concentrations toxic to aquatic biota. <br />780-126 fffR Revised - January, 1991 <br />