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Rule Z: Permits • (3) Protection of the Hydrologic Balance In accordance with Rule 2.05.6, a plan for the protection ofthe hydrologic balance must be prepared for the project. In addition, this plan must considerthe effects to the quality and quantity ofsurface and ground water. Baseline data for the surface and ground water is provided in Exhibit Section 2.04.7. This data is the basis for the analyses of the probable effects from the Lorencito Canyon Mine. Water Quantity Effects to water quantity were considered for both ground and surface waters in the permit azea. From the data presented in the surface and ground water reports, the quantities ofwater available at the site appeaz to be limited. Data developed from slug testing indicated relatively low hydraulic conductivities (] 0~' ft/day), and therefore, relatively low pumping rates from wells at the site. Surface water baseline monitoring revealed only two stations (LC-1 and LC-4) that had water throughout the yeaz. In general, the only natural perennial surface water appears to be from springs, which will not be affected by mining operations. Surface water runofffrom disturbed areas will pass through sediment ponds to remove solids, resulting in nominal losses of downstream flow or water quality. GROUND WATER • Mining in the Ciruela coal is topographically higher (approximately 7200 AMSL) than any of the alluvial deposits onsite and wi II not affect these deposits. Ground water in the overburden ofthe Ciruela is also extremely limited and is not in use overthe projected mining areas. Groundwater in the Ciruela itself is not being utilized currently at the site, and is also extremely limited in areal extent. The ground water in the Primero Coal is also topographically isolated (approximately 6800 AMSL) from the Purgatoire River, and does outcrop south of the river. The Primero coal does exist under Lorencito Creek and will be mined in the vicinity of this creek. Between these two tazget coals is a layer ofinterburden material (approximately 400-500 feet thick). This material has low hydraulic conductivity and could be considered an aquitazd. Beneath the Primero exists an underburden material that is also considered as a material with a fairly low hydraulic conductivity (see section 2.04.7). Use ofall these water-bearing zones is very li mited, and only a small number ofwindmills were located on and in the vicinity ofthe permit azea. Surface mining is not anticipated to have significant effects on those zones in relation to water quality or quantity, due to the azea's limited extent. Also, no backfill springs or seeps aze anticipated from the mine areas. Contour Mining Cuts and Fitfs At the Lorencito Canyon contour mines, materials will be removed from the coutcrop until a removal ratio of approximately 12:1 exists. Following this removal, the overburden will be replaced to original approximate topographic grade is restored. As partof this process, some fills will be created. Mining. proposed for Lorencito Canyon contour mines will not extend disturbance above an altitude of7,000 feet • ~~,~1 2.05-83b (revised 08/30/01)