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C seam at Oxbow, and very little water at al] in the D-seam in Bowie I and II, with <br />inflows of approximately 10 gpm. These inflow totals lead to the conclusion that <br />there is little likelihood of eventual discharge from the portals. <br />Effects on Surface Water <br />The areas of surface disturbance at the Somerset Mine are protected by sediment <br />control systems including diversion and containment ditches, sediment ponds, and <br />other alternate sediment control features such as rock, vegetation and straw filters. <br />All point source discharges are regulated under the National Pollution Discharge <br />Elimination System (NPDES). Specific details regarding the sediment and drainage <br />control systems are found in the Sanborn Creek Mine Permit, pages 2.05-34 through <br />38 and Map 2.05-M4 (sheets 1 through 4). <br />Drainage from disturbed areas can contribute additional suspended solids to offsite <br />stream systems; however, the above-referenced sediment control systems will <br />effectively control sediment yield to offsite areas. Other applicable effluent <br />limitations will also be met, as required by the NPDES permit. There is no evidence <br />ofacid-forming ortoxic-producing materials. <br />The operation will result in slightly increased total dissolved solids levels in the <br />North Fork of the Gunnison River. The sources are the discharge from the <br />underground workings of the Elk Creek Tract, and drainage from waste piles located <br />at the site. The previously documented discharges from the Somerset Mine no <br />longer exist since mining and mine dewatering activities have ceased and the old <br />portals have been permanently sealed. Specific anticipated water quality impacts are <br />discussed within the Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study for the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River. It has been found that the Elk Creek Mine operation will not cause <br />significant salinity increase in the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />The mine will not adversely impact flooding processes or streamflows in the North <br />Fork of the Gunnison River. Mining operations are not expected to decrease flows <br />in any of the ephemeral or intermittent drainages to be undermined. The operation <br />will not adversely impact downstream water users. <br />The operator will use about 36.4 acre-feet per year for underground and <br />above-ground dust suppression at the production rate of 6 million tons/year. This <br />water will be drawn from an existing surface water right of 1300 acre-feet per year <br />on the North Fork of the Gunnison River. More detailed information is available in <br />the CHIS for the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />24 <br />