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-12- Springs and seeps within the permit area were identified by the applicant. One spring, located in South Canyon, to the east of the permit area, appeared to be seeping from beneath the toe of a possible slump or old fill. The flow at this spring has always been less than 1 gpm, and is evaporated before reaching any surface water body. The spring appears to be emanating from the Mesa Verde Group. The major source of ground water along the Colorado River is provided by the alluvial deposits fringing the river which have relatively good water quality. Surface water tributaries and their alluvial bodies along the Colorado River also provide significant quantities of water for irrigation, stock, municipal and domestic purposes. Most local wells completed in the alluvial aquifers are less than 100 feet deep in the area of the mine. The alluvium in the area is recharged from contact with surface water of the Colorado River and its tributaries, and from upland sheet flow and snow melt. The alluvial bodies adjacent to the Colorado River will release water back to the surface water system during periods of low flow. Therefore, any impacts to the alluvial ground water also have potential to impact the quality or quantity of water within the Colorado River. The Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine is designed as a hydraulic mining process within the Wheeler coal seam. The hydraulic mining process is a relatively new development within the coal industry, which uses high pressure water to fracture and rubblize the coal. Entries within the coal seam are designed to move upslope so that gravity allows the slurry of coal and water to flow from the mining section to the portal. The entire mine is designed as a closed water system enabling reuse of almost all the water within the hydraulic system. The total acreage to be mined during the life-of-mine is 2,640 acres. The total surface disturbance proposed for the life-of-mine is 47 acres. The surface facilities will be built on unconsolidated sediments, including colluvium and terrace deposits between the Colorado River and the Grand Hogback. Surface runoff from the facilities will be totally contained within sediment ponds except for that from outslopes of access roads. The surface facilities in the vicinity of the portal will include the shop and office area with parking. Coal preparation and storage facilities will also be present in this area. A diversion ditch will be placed around the surface facilities to drain all natural runoff from the surface facilities area. All runoff from the surface facilities will be channeled into sediment ponds. The sediment ponds will be designed for total containment of the 10-year 24-hour storm. All excess runoff will be recycled into the hydraulic mining process. Accumulated sediment will be removed as necessary to ensure that the pond provides adequate storage at all times. The alluvium present in the vicinity of the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine and adjacent to the Colorado River is recharged by the Colorado River surface water and by surface runoff from the upland area. The subcrop of the Wheeler seam is located approximately 55 feet above the alluvium and dips steeply away from the alluvial body. Undermining of the alluvial body will not occur during the life-of-mine. Therefore, dewatering of the Wheeler seam due to mining is not expected to impact the alluvium or surface water system of the Colorado River.