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• The Annual Hydrology Reports contain baseline water quality data for these selected pazameters <br />measured in the North Fork at both the USGS and MCC water quality stations on the North Fork <br />downstream of the old Beaz No. 2 Mine. Both stations were downstream of the surface facilities <br />azea and downstream of all dischazge points. <br />Comparison of pre-mining water quality data with operational water quality data shows no <br />change in water quality within the North Fork. Based on this analysis and the available data, <br />mine facility construction and operation at West Elk Mine has not affected North Fork water <br />quality. Specifically, the data notes that potential water quality impacts to the North Fork arise <br />from; (1) Surface flow from disturbed azeas carrying higher sediment concentrations than natural <br />runoff, (2) Dischazge of mine water from underground workings, and (3) Seepage from waste <br />rock or coal refuse piles to the stream alluvial aquifer system. The effects of each of these <br />impacts were determined and the data show that: (1) Increased sediment load carried by disturbed <br />flows would not be expected to reach receiving streams; (2) No significant impacts will occur <br />due to mine dischazges at the maximum extent of mining and no water uses will be precluded; <br />and (3) The contribution of salts to leachate from existing and proposed waste piles would be <br />insignificant. <br />• <br />C~ <br />2.04-1 I2 Revised November 2004 PR/0 <br />