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2.05.6(3)(b)(iii) Probable Hydrologic Consequences of Mining <br />•` In 1986, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a review of the <br />potential hydrologic effects of underground coal mining in the Rapid Creek <br />Basin (Brooks, 1986). This report is site specific in its evaluation of probable <br />hydrologic consequences of mining at the Roadside North and South Mines, <br />and it will be cited throughout this discussion. <br />Possible hydrologic consequences of mining at the Roadside North and South <br />Mines include effects from subsidence, effects from groundwater discharge, <br />and effects from surface disturbances. Subsidence effects have been <br />subdivided and include: <br />• Effects on surface water in the Rapid Creek basin. <br />• Effects on dams and reservoirs in the Rapid Creek basin. <br />• Effects on springs in the Rapid Creek basin. <br />• Effects on water pipelines in the Rapid Creek basin. <br />• Effects on groundwater in the Rapid Creek basin. <br />• Effects on giodp~0,k~i~t~i'eN~padci. __NO~th.Mine. <br />Each possible effect will be addressed in order. <br />As with any underground mine, coal extraction may cause subsidence. The <br />effects of which may vary. At a minimum, subsidence will cause fractures and <br />sloughing of bedrock material above and adjacent to the coal seam. <br />Subsidence may also cause lowering of the overlying land surtace and surface <br />fractures near the edges of these subsidence zones. The extent and effects of <br />subsidence depends on mining method, mining rate, room-and-pillar design, <br />overburden depth, overburden material, and topography. <br />Powderhorn has measurable subsidence in areas where high coal extraction <br />has taken place. Experience at the Roadside South Mine's 3rd East Panel <br />'• 19-1 (New 3/1/96) <br />