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_42_ ', ~~J ~" revised to reflect the mine plan described in the current application. The probable hydrologic consequences of most of the Individual mines in the general area are summarized in the 1982 Study. The probable hydrologic consequences of the Eagle No. 5 and No. 9 Mines have been discussed above. The probable hydrologic consequences of the Foidel Creek Mine and the proposed Sugarloaf Mine are discussed below. This discussion is followed by an assessment of the cumulative hydrologic impacts for the ground water general area and then by a discussion of the cumulative hydrologic impacts for the surface water general area. Probable Hydrologic Consequences of the Foidel Creek Underground Mine This underground mining operation was recently permitted as an amendment to Colorado Yampa Coal Company's Eckman Park mining operation. The operation shares the surface facilities constructed for the ad3acent surface mines with the portal area constructed in the final pits of the mine No. 1. The underground mining activities will occur in an area between Foidel Creek and Fish Creek on the southeast side of the Twentymile Park structural basin. Anticipated surface water impacts during mining operations result from discharges from the sediment and runoff control system, discharge of mine water from the underground workings, and a slight depletion of Fish Creek. The discharge of water from underground workings potentially has the greatest impact. Long-term, post-mining impacts to the surface water would occur mainly as a result of indirect ground water effects. Small amounts of affected ground water would discharge to the Fish Creek system. This operation was examined in a CHIS prepared (for the Upper Yampa River) by the Division with assistance from the U. S. Geological Survey. The results of this cumulative assessment are discussed in detail in the Proposed Decision and Finding of Compliance Document far the Foidel Creek Mine (April 18, 1983). Probable Nydrologlc Consequences of the Sugarloaf Mine The Sugarloaf Mine is a proposed multiple seam, open pit mine to be located in an area near Lay, Colorado. The reclamation plan would restore part of the area to approximate original contour, and would create a non-discharging permanent impoundment in the final mine pit area. The applicant has predicted no effects to the surface water during operations. Following the cessation of mining operations, a slight reduction in the runoff to the Yampa River would occur as a result of creating the permanent impoundment in the final pit area. The Sugarloaf permit application is still in the Division's review process. The preliminary adequacy review has identified significant inadequacies in the hydrology sections of the permit. For the purposes of this findings document, the proposed Sugarloaf operation is considered to have no effect on the Yampa River. Upon review of the applicant's response to the Division's adequacy review, it may be necessary to rewrite this CHIS to more accurately reflect the effects of the Sugarloaf operation.