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Groundwater <br />Hydrogeological field studies, including the establishment of a groundwater monitoring <br />system of the NCIG Permit Area, began in late 1981. These studies included spring and <br />seep surveys, alluvial, colluvial, and bedrock groundwater monitoring, water quality and <br />quantity analyses, aquifer testing and geologic mapping. <br />Potential water-bearing zones were identified in the Rollins, Middle and Upper Sandstone <br />and the Wheeler Coal. The first three units have been recognized as regional aquifers <br />where the hydrogeologic conditions are suitable. <br />All water from the three sandstone zones are of asodium-bicarbonate water type. Total <br />dissolved solids range from 575 to 1,340 mg/1. This water type and range of concentrations <br />are very similaz to analyses from the same geologic units taken from other locations along <br />this structure and stratigraphy sequence. <br />Climatoloev <br />The mine site has a typical alpine climate, experiencing long, cold winters, averaging from <br />low teens at night to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the day, and moderate summers. The mine <br />site experiences "mountain top" air flow of frequent cold night air drainage from the <br />mountain sides down to the Colorado River Valley. Prevailing winds blow from west and <br />northwest to the southeast with an average velocity of 5.3 mph. <br />Precipitation varies little seasonally, averaging one to two inches per month. Snowfall can <br />reach up to 60 inches in higher elevations. <br />Soils <br />Two soil types have been identified at the mine site. These are the Heldt silty clay, found <br />on the lower slopes, and the Nihil stony loam found on the steeper slopes. <br />The Heldt silty clay occurs on alluvial fans and side slopes of the mountain valleys. The clay <br />is fine, slightly montmorillic and is grayish-brown in color. It varies from 10 to 60 inches <br />in depth and is well drained. <br />The Nihil stony loam occurs in alluvial fans and side slopes of the mountain valleys. It also <br />is a deep (60 inches), well drained soil with rapid permeability and low water retention <br />capability. The color is a very pale brown classified as aloamy-skeletal mixture of sand and <br />clay. <br />Vegetation <br />Vegetation baseline information is contained on pages 3-124 through 3-142 of Volume I, <br />Appendices 3.6-1 in Volume II, and 3.6-2 and 3.6-3 in Volume VI; the revegetation plan is <br />contained on pages 4-68 and 69, and 4-71 through 74 in Volume I. <br />Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine 6 Permit Rencwal No. 3 <br />