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-16- Impacts on ground water due to the loadout disturbance could result through leaching of the stockpiled coal and percolation into the alluvial ground water. These impacts would probably he minimal as a result of the degree of compaction which would be expected due to heavy equipment on the surface. Increased compaction of the surface decreases the permeability of the surface material causing most of the precipitation to run off. Also, based on the relatively low concentrations of contaminants as indicated by the coal analysis, the potential for degradation would probably be minimal. Based on information supplied by the applicant pertaining to the nature of the disturbance and chemical composition of. the coal, the Division has Eound the potential effect of the loadout disturbance on the alluvial ground water to he insignificant. As standard procedure, however, the Division requires that all hydrologic resources he monitored upgradient and down gradient of all disturhances. H-G Coal Company has agreed to install alluvial monitoring wells upgradient and down gradient of the loadout disturbance. The Division has recommended monitoring frequencies and sampling parameters which were accepted by H-G Coal Company. This monitoring information is located in Section 2.05.6 of Volume I of the application. 3. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(iii), the Division finds that surface coal mining and reclamation operations will he conducted to preserve, throughout the mining process, the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors. The only aspect of the operation which is located on an alluvial valley floor is the loadout facility. The physical disturbance related to this facility is limited to the surface of the alluvial valley floor, and the natural geologic characteristics of the deposits will be preserved. Effects of the loadout on the essential hydrologic Functions of the alluvial valley floor will be insignificant as indicated by the relatively small area of drainage impacted. Surface water flow which is intercepted by the loadout will be contained within the sediment control system. These waters will be temporarily stored in ponds until they meet minimum effluent standards and can be released back into the natural drainage system. Once the loadout is reclaimed the hydrologic functions will be restored. VIII. Water Ri¢hts and Replacement - Rules 2.04.7(31. 2.05.6(3)(a)(11 The Division has reviewed the portions of Section 2.04.7 of the application dealing with water rights for compliance with tl~e Rules and Regulations. Infor- mation has also been submitted [o the Office of the State Engineer for review. The applicant has applied for surface water rights to surface water collected within sediment ponds in Hayden Gulch. This water is to be used for dust suppression at the mine. H-G also intends to retain the sediment ponds as stock ponds after mining is completed.