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been detected to date. Lastly, there is a slim probability that subsidence-related impacts to <br />springs might result in the modification of springs water quality due to a change in routing <br />of the water. The operator is monitoring springs in currently affected areas quarterly for <br />major cations and anions, and no changes have been detected. <br />Water utilized for mine operations is obtained from a well in the Steven's Gulch well field. <br />Consumption from this alluvial/ colluvial deposit is measured with a wellhead gage. From <br />July 1990 through June 1991, BRL produced 720,000 tons of coal and imported <br />approximately 18,000 gpd from the Steven's Gulch well. Water quality information is also <br />collected and reported to the Division. In 1986, CWI produced 333,292 tons of coal and <br />consumed 8,700 gpd while in operation. In 1983, the Bowie No. 1 Mine produced 1.3 <br />million tons of coal and consumed 27,400 gpd. There has not been any detectable impact <br />to the groundwater/surface water regime in this well field since they initiated pumping at <br />the site. <br />Dewatering will occur at the Bowie No. 1 Mine but will be insignificant in extent. Mine <br />inflows may be derived from fractures associated with perched aquifers within the overlying <br />Mesaverde, surficial alluviaUcolluvial sediments, and stream flows associated with fracture <br />systems as well as from dewatering of the coal aquifer itself. In 1983, approximately <br />300,000 gallons of water flowed into the mine from perched, discontinuous, water-bearing <br />sandstones overlying the D seam. A Division inspection in March 1986 documented <br />inflows of 200 gallons per day. This inflow gradually slowed once this perched aquifer was <br />completely dewatered. Inflows during 1991 failed to produce over 3 gpm for any significant <br />period of time. Because the portals at the Bowie No. 1 Mine were sealed in 2001 and the <br />Bowie No. 1 West Mine portals were sealed in 2000, there is no current information on <br />mine inflows. <br />BRL has established an extensive monitoring system to monitor water levels in <br />colluvial/alluvial deposits in the permit area and in the alluvium of streams overlying mine <br />entries. Permeability tests on colluvium in the East Roatcap Creek drainage averaged <br />7.2x1 Ozft/day. No significant water level fluctuations have been noted in conjunction with <br />mine inflows. Mine inflows in the mains underlying East Roatcap Creek averaged less than <br />1 gpm from 1987 to 1993. <br />The permeability of the coal aquifer was measured in 1986 at 1.4x1 Ozft/day. This <br />insignificant aquifer has yet to make a visible contribution to mine inflows. Bowie <br />Resources Limited imported water for dust suppression from their wells in Steven's Gulch. <br />In 1983, for example, the operator estimated that approximately 6.24 million gallons of <br />water is consumed as moisture on the coal, 0.5 million gallons is consumed through <br />increased humidity in the ventilation air, and less than 0.5 million gallons is lost through <br />seepage into the Floor of the mine. <br />Surface Water - <br />The Bowie No. 1 Mine area will not significantly affect the local surface water hydrology or <br />the regional hydrology. Sediment control measures will ensure protection to stream quality. <br />No mine water will discharge from the portals and no water will be withdrawn from the <br />creek. An overland ditch will divert water into West Roatcap Creek thus bypassing the <br />Bowie No. 1 West Mine site. Clean water diversions above the main facilities minimize <br />surface water runoff through the site. Mine inflows under and adjacent to the creek are <br />27 <br />