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• The surface disturbance in McClane Canyon will have very little impact on water quantity and quality of East Salt Creek. Only 0.01 of the drainage area contributing to the flow at the confluence of McClane Canyon and East Salt Creek will be affected by the operation. This disturbance is insignificant in itself and will have a minimal impact on the hydrologic characteristics of the East Salt Creek system. Runoff contained within the sedimentation system will be insignificant with respect to flow in East Salt Creek. Water will be retained within the sedimentation pond until it meets NPDES effluent standards. Impacts on ground water could occur in two xays; 1) through the effect of the mine workings on geologic ground water and 2) through the effect of the surface disturbance on alluvial ground water in East Salt Creek, In either case, the mine is not expected to have a significant effect on ground water quantity. The alluvial ground xater aystem in East Salt Creek could be impacted as a result of the surface disturbance in McClane Canyon. Aqy impact incurred, however, would be as a result of the effect of the mine on surface water. There is no other mechanism for recharge of the alluvium which will be affected by the operation. Furthermore, the potential for an effect on the alluvial system as a result of alteration of the surface flow will be insignificant. If the recharge of the aquifer were solely dependent on surface flow the significance of the disturbed area with respect to flow in • the alluvium xould be negligible. r All waters which could be potentially impacted by the operation will be monitored for any adverse impacts. Surface xater monitoring sites are located upstream and downstream of the disturbance so that any detrimental impacts will be determined. Ground water alluvial wells have been established upgradient and downgradient of McClane Canyon along East Salt Creek to monitor the effects of mining. Changes in flow and water quality parameters will be measured at sll of these monitoring sites. After mining is completed, all portals will be sealed and disturbances will be backfilled, graded, topsoiled and revegetated. In this reclaimed situation the hydrologic characteristics of the disturbed areas will be restored to nearly premining conditions. The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area on the hydrologic balance has been made by Colorado MLRD and the operations proposed under the application have been designed to prevent damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area. • - 9 -