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~_MOUNTAIN COAL <br />A Subsidiary of Arch Western Resources, LLC <br />October 28, 2004 <br />Ms Cazla Lenkey <br />Colorado Depaztment of Public Health and the Environment <br />RECEiv~n <br />NOV O1 2004 <br />DIYi5i0n of Minerals & Geology <br />Water Quality Control Division (WQCD), Enforcement and Compliance Section <br />4300 Cherry Creek Drive South <br />Denver, CO 80222-1530 <br />West Elk Mine <br />P O Bax 591 <br />5174 Highway 133 <br />Somerset, CO 81434 <br />(970)929-5015 <br />Fax (970) 929.5595 <br />Re: Mountain Coal Company, LLC (MCC), West Elk Mine, CDPS Permit No. CO-0038776, <br />Discharge Monitoring Reports for the Third Quarter 2004. <br />Dear Ms. Lenkey: <br />Attached are the Dischazge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) for the third quarter of 2004. Also attached <br />aze the Biomonitoring reports from the SeaCrest Group dated August 13, 2004, September 1, 2004, <br />September 22, 2004, and September 23, 2004, for Outfa11017. <br />The discharge from Outfa11017, is experiencing high alkalinity value resulting in failure of the <br />biomorutoring tests in Daphnia magna populations. In consultation with Mr. Ken Fucik of SeaCrest <br />Labs, Dr. Robert Weiner and David Mehan of Wright Water Engineers, and Mr. Chris Gates of the <br />WQCD, MCC has determined the effects of high amounts of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The new <br />NPDES (CDPS) Permit requires the effects of the TDS be accounted for in subsequent testing. <br />Accordingly, SeaCrest performed a series of tests in conjunction with the original effluent, as part of <br />the permit requirements to confirm the effects of TDS against other possible contaminants. The reports <br />detail the results of the tests. The fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, populations were unaffected. <br />MCC has established through the testing that alkalinity is at issue with the Daphnia magna <br />populations. <br />MCC also participated in the DMRQA 24, the results aze attached. <br />Should you or your staff have questions or need additional information concerning these Dischazge <br />Monitoring Reports, please contact me at (970) 929-2238. <br />Sincerely, <br />0~" <br />HC~be <br />Environmental Engineer <br />Enclosures; NPDES Forms (DMRs) for 3rd Quarter 2004; DMRQA Permittee Report <br />cc; James Burnell - CDMG <br />C. Gates -WQCD <br />