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2. The applicant will conduct monitoring of surface water in a manner <br /> approved by the Division. The monitoring plan was submitted under <br /> 2.05.6(3)(b)(iii) and includes the following: (4.05.13(2)) <br /> a. The baseline program (New Horizon 2 - July 1986 to July 1987) <br /> included monthly visits to maintain, service, take flow measurements, <br /> take field parameters and collect full suite water quality samples. <br /> Results of this program are discussed and tabulated in Section 2.04,7 <br /> of the New Horizon 2 permit application. <br /> b. The current monitoring program will consist of monthly field <br /> parameters and quarterly full suite water quality samples. <br /> c. NPDES sites (sediment pond outlets) will have monthly maintenance, <br /> service, flow measurements, field parameters and quarterly full suite <br /> water quality samples. <br /> D. Stream Buffer Zones <br /> 1. The Division proposes to approve surface mining activities within 100 feet <br /> of a perennial stream. This decision is based on a finding that the original <br /> stream channel will not be disturbed, water quality and quantity shall not <br /> be adversely affected, and appropriate riparian vegetation will be <br /> reestablished. The buffer zone variance is granted for the area located <br /> along the southern disturbed area collection ditch to Pond 007 (4.05.18(1)). <br /> The area will be no larger than .4 acre at any time during mining and <br /> reclamation activities. <br /> E. Water Rights <br /> 1. The water augmentation plan is found in Section 2.05.6(3) of the permit <br /> document. Western Fuels-Colorado has acquired approval from the <br /> Colorado Water Court for this augmentation plan and has a completed <br /> well permit for use of water from Pond 007. <br /> F. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> 1. Impact of spoil water quality on the ground and surface water quality: <br /> The available data indicate that a small proportion of the overburden may <br /> produce acid through the oxidation of pyrite. Based on laboratory tests on <br /> overburden cores, calcite is almost ubiquitous. Calcite serves two <br /> functions. First, it buffers the pH of the water,which overall tends to slow <br /> the oxidation of pyrite, slowing the production of acid. second, it will <br /> neutralize the acid that is produced. The core samples that exhibited low <br /> paste pH's are surrounded by non-acid producing, calcite-bearing rocks. <br /> The water that contacts the low-paste pH materials will have first reacted <br /> with calcite, and therefore developed a pH-buffer capacity of its own. The <br /> 18 <br />