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study (Volume IIIA, Exhibit 19) to demonstrate that Dove Gulch is an ephemeral, rather than a <br />perennial drainage. GMUG interdisciplinary specialists including a hydrologist, wildlife <br />biologist, range management specialist and geologist reviewed this study, and applied local <br />knowledge to the known resource conditions in Dove Gulch. The result of this review is that the <br />GMUG agrees that Dove Gulch is not perennial over the course of the drainage, however we do <br />not agree that the drainage is ephemeral, rather it exhibits intermittent drainage characteristics. <br />We believe that there is sufficient ground water issuing to the surface in portions of the gulch to <br />create perennial conditions that supports the ecosystem. <br />The GMUG has reviewed the subsidence effects analysis on Dove Gulch, and finds that given the <br />thickness of overburden in the area, orientation of longwall panels and drawing from experience <br />subsiding drainages in adjacent areas, Dove Gulch could be subsided without causing <br />irreparable damage. Therefore, by this letter the GMUG is specifecally approves Dove Gulch as <br />a location where mining that causes subsidence can occur, although as we have on-going <br />interest in preserving theground-water supported ecosystem in Dove Gulch, we will need <br />additional resource monitoring in this area. We would like to discuss additional monitoring with <br />BRL and the Division. <br />A longwall panel will be developed under Dove Cave. Federal coal lease stipulations (a)(4) and <br />(i)(7) state that `the lessee/operator is required to take measures to ensure that Dove Cave is <br />protected from the negative effects of subsidence, and that it's structural integrity is maintained'. <br />BRL proposes to bolster Dove Cave with timber posts before mining within the angle of draw of <br />the cave, and then leaving the posts in place for 2 years post-mining. While this may be <br />plausible mitigation, the GMUG wishes to hold a field review with BRL and the Division at the <br />cave to assess the effectiveness of this proposed method. <br />Minine will be performed within one mile of Bruce Pazk Dam. Federal coal lease stipulation <br />(f)(B) states "The lessee shall be required to perform a study to establish baseline conditions, . <br />potential mining-induced seismicity and potential translated effects to the Bruce Pazk (Terror) <br />Reservoir and dam, The study will be completed prior to any underground mining activity <br />(including subsidence) within one mile of the Bruce Pazk reservoir and dam. The Lessee shall <br />also be required to establish a seismic monitoring program to locate, measure and quantify the <br />progressive and final effects of underground mining activities on the Bruce Pazk reservoir. The <br />monitoring system shall utilize techniques which will provide a continuing record of change over <br />time and an analytical method for location and measurement of a number of points over the lease <br />azea. The study and monitoring program shall be developed in consultation with the Dam Safety <br />Engineer, Colorado State Engineer's Office, water Division 4 and appropriate affected parties. <br />Further, stipulation (f)(C) requires `Existing and permitted surface improvements will need to be <br />protected, restored or replaced to provide for continuance of current land uses. With specific <br />regard to the Bruce Park Reservoir and dam, should structural damage result from mining-related <br />activities, the lessee shall be responsible for dam repair and compensation to the injured party or <br />parties. <br />