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SECTION A <br />Findings Required by Rule 2.07.6(2). <br />1. The permit application is accurate and complete. All requirements of the Act and these <br />rules have been complied with (2.07.6(2)(a)). <br />2. Based on information contained in the permit application and other information available <br />to the Division, the Division finds that surface coal mining and reclamation can be <br />feasibly accomplished at the Mine No. 1, Mine No. 2, and Eckman Pazk Mine <br />(2.07.6(2)(6)). <br />3. The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the <br />general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in 2.05.6(3), has been made by the <br />Division. This assessment entitled "Upper Yampa River Basin CHIS " is available for <br />inspection at the offices of the Division. The Division finds that the operations proposed <br />under the application have been designed to prevent damage to the hydrologic balance <br />outside the proposed permit azea (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br />Mining in the Eckman Park Mine Complex has permanently altered the hydrologic <br />regime of the mine azea with respect to ground and surface water quality. However, no <br />alteration of the hydrologic character of the Trout Creek or Twentymile Sandstones has <br />occurred and none is expected. Mining in Eckman Pazk and Mine I has removed parts <br />of the Wadge coal, while mining in Mine 2 has resulted in removal of part of the Fish <br />Creek coal seam. No offsite material damage is predicted due to mining. As of 1997, no <br />evidence to the contrary can be supported by review of the hydrologic data collected by <br />the operator. Specific alterations of the Eckman Park Complex hydrologic system will <br />include: <br />a) Removal of parts of the Fish Creek overburden aquifer at Mine No. 2 and parts of <br />the Wadge overburden aquifer at Mine No. 1 and Eckman Park. <br />b) Resaturation of backfilled spoil material [o the elevation of the lowest point of the <br />downdip mine highwall; <br />c) Development of recharge to the Wadge aquifer along the downdip mine highwall; <br />d) Development of spoils springs and seeps at the downslope edge of the spoils <br />material; <br />e) Limited degradation of ground water quality in the bedrock and spoils aquifers; <br />f) Limited degradation of surface-water quality due to spoils spring contributions to <br />surface-water flows; <br />IS <br />