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Menefee Formation, the Cliffhouse Sandstone, or the Point Lookout Sandstone <br />because, as explained above, the King I and II Mines lack the potential to negatively <br />impact these units. <br />Surface Water Effects <br />With the exception of two small area exemptions, all runoff from the disturbed azea at <br />the mine site will be routed through sediment ponds. Effects of mining on this water <br />will involve changes in the magnitude and duration of runoff and changes in water <br />quality. <br />The effects on water quantity are expected to be minimal. A decrease in permeability <br />due to the construction or roads and buildings can be expected to cause an increase in <br />runoffamounts. The rate ofnmoffwill increase over natural conditions because ofthe <br />increased efficiency of conveyance channels. However, these effects are moderated by <br />the detention of runoff in the pond and subsequent evaporation of pond water. In <br />general, only slight changes in the hydrologic balance of surface water are expected <br />due to the underground mining operations proposed at the King I and II Mines. <br />Changes in water quality can be expected to occur as a result of mining. Increases in <br />erosion rates are expected from the disturbance of soils and vegetation, however, these <br />are compensated by deposition of sediment in the sediment ponds. An increase in total <br />dissolved solids (TDS) may occur from well water pumped and used for dust <br />suppression and other operational use. Evaporation of water standing in the ponds <br />may also cause an increase in TDS, although the increase above background <br />concentrations (1500-2000 mg/1) is not expected to be large. <br />The Division has determined that probable hydrologic effects on surface water <br />identified above will not preclude use of the water below the point of discharge from <br />the mine. This conclusion is based on the small and infrequent flows relative to the <br />large amount of dilution available in receiving waters. The quality of surface water is <br />limited on site and the treatment systems should act to mitigate any adverse effects on <br />surface water. <br />Protection of Hydrologic Balance <br />Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), the Division has assessed the probable hydrologic <br />impacts to ground water and surface water at the King I and II Mines. The Division <br />finds that the mine operations have been designed to prevent material damage to the <br />hydrologic balance outside the permit area. <br />18 <br />