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Matthew S. Hayes June 28, 1989 Page 6 2. Hydrology information and data submitted in this application, as well as the Mt. Gunnison Mining and Reclamation Plan indicates that the Mesaverde Formation exhibits unit downwazd gradient with respect to generalized water movement in the formation. No aquifers have been identified in the upper coal member, lower coal member, or barren member in the Mt. Gunnison mine block. Well 23-H-2 is completed in the E seam near the Dry Fork -Deer Creek confluence. This well is dry. Over 120 coal exploration holes were drilled in the Mt. Gunnison Mine block. Records and consultation with project geologists indicate that water was encountered only sporadically in the Mesaverde Formation, indicating groundwater is localized and of limited areal extent. Sandstones comprising the Upper Marine Sandstone lies between the D and E coal seams. The Upper Marine Sandstone is not continuous through the mine block and runs northwest -southwest across the eastern portion of the mine block (See Exhibit 2.8.A.8). Proposed B seam mining in the permit area is west of the Upper Marine Sandstone by more than one-third of a mile. The Upper Marine Sandstone is not considered an aquifer in the mine block. The Lower Marine Sandstone also occurs in most of the mine block (see Exhibits 2.7.A.2 through 2.7.A.4). This sandstone lies below the D seam. The Lower Marine Sandstone is not considered an aquifer due to the sporadic occurrence of water recorded during drilling. B seam mining below the Upper and Lower Marine Sandstone units is not expected to alter the unit downwazd gradient observed in the formation. Additional monitoring wells placed in the Upper and Lower Marine Sandstone units would not be expected to yield any useful data with regard to the B seam miring activities. More useful data would be obtained by monitoring B seam wells and mine inflows and dischazges. The Upper and Lower Marine Sandstone units outcrop on the mine block above the North Fork of the Gunnison River. No significant dischazge of water emanating as springs or seeps is noted in this azea. Small springs and seeps are noted in this area. Small springs and seeps coinciding with spring snowmelt and runoff are evident indicating limited localized flows.