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Stollsteimer Creek exceed the material damage suspect levels for alluvial valley floors, the post- <br />miningvalues do not exceed the baseline values (see following table). This compazison indicates the <br />Chimney Rock Mine has not caused material damage to the waters of the Stollsteimer Creek AVF. <br />Comparison of observed EC values to material damage suspect EC values during October <br />through January in Stollsteimer Creek and in AVF monitoring well W-5 <br />Observed baseline <br />Material mean 1980-1 <br />damage Observed post-mining mean, <br />suspect level 1985 - 2002 <br />Surface water in <br />Stollsteimer Creek (baseline <br />site S-1, post-mining site S- 700 942 (n=3) 801 (n=15) <br />2) (electroconductivity in <br />micromhos/cm) <br />Alluvial water well W-5 on <br />AVF (electroconductivity in 1,050 993 (n=3) 972 (n=10) <br />micromhos/cm) <br />Comparison of Observed Impacts to Predicted Impacts -All of the previously described <br />hydrologic impacts are consistent with those predicted in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />(PHC) section of Kaiser's pemut application and the Division's Piedra River Cumulative Hydrologic <br />Impact Assessment. The PHC predicted the Formation of spoil leachate, the discharge of the <br />leachate, and possible loading of stream water with salts. Kaiser's annual hydrology reports have <br />identified monitoring data that may indicate leachate influence. The Piedra River Cumulative <br />Hydrologic Impact Assessment predicted Stollsteimer Creek would experience increased salt content <br />of less than I %, consistent with monitoring data. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site <br />inspections, the Division finds that Kaiser Ventures, Inc., has replaced topsoil in accordance with the <br />approved reclamation plan. Kaiser Ventures, Inc., has established vegetation which supports the <br />approved post mine land use and meets the approved success standard for vegetative cover. The <br />Division fmds that the reclaimed azea subject to this bond release is not contributing suspended <br />solids to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area in excess ofpremining levels or in excess of <br />adjacent nonmined azeas. The Division also finds that the essential hydrologic functions and <br />agricultural production of the AVF area have been restored. <br />13 <br />