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D. Stream Buffer Zones <br /> Following construction of Kenney Reservoir, water from the reservoir backed up <br /> into the alluvial well field in the vicinity of the confluence of Scullion Gulch and the <br /> White River. The operator subsequently constructed a lagoon at this location, from <br /> which water is pumped for mine use. The lagoon embankment and portions of the <br /> adjacent disturbed area are located within 100 feet of the White River. No further <br /> disturbances within 100 feet of the river are proposed. The following finding is <br /> required to allow for surface coal mining operations within 100 feet of the White <br /> River: <br /> 1. The Division approved surface or underground mining activities within 100 feet <br /> of a perennial stream or stream with a biological community. This decision <br /> was based on a finding that the original stream channel will not be affected, <br /> water quality and quantity will not be adversely affected as a result of the <br /> disturbance, and appropriate riparian vegetation will be reestablished upon final <br /> reclamation. The buffer zone variance is granted for the raw water lagoon and <br /> dike along the White River, at the mouth of Scullion Gulch. A riparian <br /> revegetation plan is provided in Section V.1.4.h of the permit application <br /> (4.05.18(l)). <br /> E. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> The probable hydrologic consequences of mining within the Deserado Permit Area <br /> are addressed within Section II.C.S of the permit application. The permittee's <br /> statement of hydrologic effects has been reviewed by the Division for compliance <br /> with Rule 4.05.1 and 2.05.6(3). <br /> 1. Impact of the Mining Operation on Surface Water <br /> Impacts to the hydrologic balance will occur as a result of the mine. Short-term <br /> impacts which will occur as a result of surface facilities appurtenant to the <br /> underground mine include reduction of water yield from the mine area to the <br /> White River, increased sediment loads from disturbed areas, and water quality <br /> degradation from the refuse disposal area and mine water discharge. Long- <br /> term impacts will center on the effects of subsidence under Scullion Gulch and <br /> Red Wash. See the subsidence section of this document for further discussion <br /> of subsidence impacts. <br /> Small, short-term surface water losses will occur as a result of two factors, <br /> retention of water in ponds and removal of water from the White River Lagoon. <br /> Runoff from disturbed areas will be routed through sedimentation ponds, <br /> thereby reducing the amount of flow to the White River. Evaporation losses <br /> will occur because the ponds will not discharge runoff until some of the <br /> 22 <br />