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_21_ The uppermost portal seeps are occurring along areas that are overlain by burned coal zones. Due to the good quality characteristics of the water, it is assumed that this seep is occurring due to contact of the burn zone with water that is tributary to the Grass Ualley Reservoir and{or Harvey Gap Drainage. This portal seep has been measured as 2 gpm. This yield is equivalent to .0045 cfs or 3.23 ac ft/yr. This quantity compared to the 5,800 ac ft storage capacity of the Grass Valley Reservoir is insignificant. However, as the operation plan calls for this water to be consumptively used by the applicant for dust suppression,~replacement of water or an augmentation plan is required. This subject is further addressed by a stipulation in Section VI - Water Rights and Replacement. In summary, the level of salinity in the Harvey Gap surface water system is not predicted to rise significantly during the critical irrigation season. The level of TDS could rise in a worst case scenario during the non-irrigation season. The alluvium directly recharged by the Harvey Gap surface water system could experience a rise in TDS levels. However, due to the already high level of TDS in the alluvium, this rise is not projected to diminish the agricultural use of the alluvial water. The potential for diminution or degradation of bedrock ground water in the area from mining activities at Eastside is found to be negligible. This is due to the small size of the mine, the lack of communication of the coal seam with overlying and underlying beds due to interbedded shale layers, and the lack of potential of any rock strata within the affected section to supply a quality ground water resource. Reference McWhorter, D.B., 1980, Procedures for Predictive Analysis of Selected Hydrologic Impacts of Surface Mining, Office of Research and Decelopment USEPA, Cincinnati, Ohio. IX. Cumulative Hyddologic Impact Stu -- Riilac -_nF_fiTl anri- 9~~ This Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study (CHIS) for the hydrologic basin of the Eastside Mine has been prepared by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division (CMLRD) pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c). This CHIS assesses the cumulative hydrologic impacts of all anticipated coal mining operations upon the Colorado River Ualley in the vicinity of the Eastside Mine. Included in this assessment are the proposed Eastside Mine and the proposed Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine. These mines are both located along, or in close proximity to, the Colorado River. There are no other mines located in the general area, and also, no other mines with impacts that have the potential to cumulatively add to the effects of the Eastside and Coal Ridge No. 1 Mines to diminish or degrade the hydrologic balance. The permit applications for these mines are located at the offices of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division, and are designated as follows: