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Mountain Coal Company West Elk Mine Mid-Term Review Responses HYDROLOGY 1. MCC has provided extensive discussion related to the surface and ground water monitoring in Volume 1, Section 2.05.3, beginning with page 2.05-62. MCC is concerned with the repeated Division requests for information on hydrologic sampling protocol. MCC has employed the same qualified hydrologic consultant for water monitoring since the start of mining at the West Elk Mine. This has provided continuity in sampling over a 15 year period. MCC's hydrologic consultant has used and continues to use standard hydrologic techniques for the collection of the information. MCC is providing this final clarification of hydrologic sampling for Division review. Springy Springs are measured seasonally as described on page 2.05-65. Monitoring measurements include spring flow, field parameters, and laboratory parameters. In sampling springs, a location is selected which approximates a channel as closely as possible. A step may be cut into the channel to facilitate positioning of the container measuring volume. Flow measurements are taken through the use of a timed volume approach. The field technician times the spring flow into a specific measured volume container, establishing flow rate. Several measurements are taken and averaged prior to recording. Field parameters of temperature, pH, and conductivity are procured at the spring by selecting a sample volume from the flowing spring and measuring the sample for the parameters using standard instruments which have been calibrated in the field. Samples for analysis of laboratory parameters per Table 54 (page 2.05-70) are collected by filling a clean, pre-fixed sample bottle from non-aerated spring flow. Care is taken to minimize any increases in turbidity. Sample bottles are capped, labelled, placed on ice, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Ground Water Ground water monitoring wells are measured seasonally as described on page 2.05-67. Monitoring measurements include field parameters, and laboratory parameters as identified in Table 54. Static water levels are measured first at each well. In obtaining samples from ground water wells, the field technician samples each well the same way each time. In general, the ground water wells at West Elk do not exhibit recovery within the time necessary to complete sampling. For this reason, as explained during the 1993 permit renewal, three casing volumes of water are not removed from the wells. A PVC thief with a brass foot valve is used to obtain samples. The bailer is rinsed with distilled water before and after each sample. After rinsing, the bailer is -1-