GENERAL33894 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Colorado Water Quality Control Division for livestock, the permanent pond water quality data will be suitable for livestock. During mining, the Canadian Strip Mine open pit received inflow from the Sudduth Coal seam, the adjacent underburden and the overburden. The inflow to the pit from these sources was estimated to be less than two gallons per minute. The inflow was predicted to locally lower the potentiometric surface in these units. The depletion was expected to have only localized consequences due to the impermeable nature of these units and the relatively small area of impact. Results of the past several hydrologic reports show that water levels in the spoils aquifer has risen over the past several years as anticipated. Total well depth is 110 feet and water level has risen 45 feet in the past ten years. The rise in water levels indicate the recovery of the potentiometric surface attributed to the cessation of mining and reclamation of the Canadian Strip Mine and also the Kerr Mine to the north. Water quality in the spoil aquifer is slightly alkaline sodium bicarbonate water of moderate salinity (TDS of 1430 mg/1). Based upon premining TDS concentrations in the coal, overburden and underburden, the spoil aquifer quality is equal to or better than that of the other three units. Using standards set by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division for livestock, the water will be suitable for livestock. No water supply wells are completed in the Sudduth Coal seam, the adjacent underburden or the overburden and no effects to local water users have been observed. Also, no springs have been identified emanating from these units in the area of the mine. If surface discharge as springs or seeps does occur in the future, the quantity of the discharge should be limited and the quality acceptable for livestock use. The postmining ]and use at the Canadian Strip Mine is rangeland and wildlife habitat. In 1996, the operator brought in 200 cow/calf pairs to test the reclaimed area for grazing. The cattle were allowed to graze the area for twenty days. No negative impacts were observed and grazing in the reclaimed area was deemed successful. Wildlife observations on the reclaimed mine site are common as documented in many inspection reports. Antelope, deer, elk, rabbits, coyotes and many duck and bird species have been frequently reported. The grazing test and the wildlife observations demonstrate that the reclaimed mine site will beneficially serve the postmining land uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat. Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application and site inspections, the Division finds that Slurco Corporation has successfully completed all surface coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan in Permit No. C-81-026 and has me[ all requirements of the Act and the Rules. Canadian Strip Mine 6 November I8, 1998 Permit No. C-81-026 Final Bond Release