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r <br />6 <br />A variance from approximate original contour (AOC) was granted to Colowyo. In general, <br />Colowyo will return all mined lands to AOC, with reclaimed surfaces resembling the general <br />surface configuration of the area. However, the removal and redistribution of overburden <br />will result in these materials expanding in volume approximately 20 percent. This will result <br />in the overall topography being approximately five feet higher than was the case in the <br />original landscape. In addition, one temporary spoil pile and three permanent excess spoil <br />fills are permitted. The three permanent excess spoil fills are valley fills and will thus <br />change the topography of those areas. <br />A variance from contemporaneous reclamation was granted to Colowyo for mining in the <br />East and West Pits. Backfilling and grading cannot begin with multi-seam operations until <br />the lowest seams are mined. Therefore, backfilling and grading cannot be completed within <br />180 days of removal of the uppermost coal seams. In addition, the number of spoil ridges <br />may exceed four at multi-seam operations. <br />Section V[- Hydrologic Monitorine <br />Groundwater Monitoring <br />Three alluvial wells are monitored quarterly. The wells are located upgradient of <br />Goodspring Creek (A6), down gradient on Goodspring Creek (North Goodspring Well) and <br />downgradient at the mouth of Taylor Creek (Gossard Well No. 1). Wells are sampled on <br />a quarterly basis and submitted to the Division in an annual report. The data provided by <br />Colowyo indicate normal seasonal fluctuation in groundwater quantity and quality that fall <br />into expected ranges. There do not appear to be any significant impacts to groundwater as <br />a result of the mining operation. <br />Surface Water Monitoring: <br />Three surface water sampling sites are monitored monthly for flow, temperature, pH and <br />electrical conductivity. The sampling sites are located near the mouth of Taylor Creek, <br />lower Goodspring Creek (downstream from the mine) and upper Goodspring Creek <br />(upstream from the mine). Quarterly analysis of the three sites is performed when the <br />Creeks are not dry or frozen. There is no sampling site upstream of the mine on Taylor <br />Creek because the head of Taylor Creek watershed will be mined through by the Section <br />16 pit. <br />In addition to the monthly and quarterly sampling mentioned above, the operator is required <br />to monitor discharges from all NPDES discharge points (sediment ponds) as required by the <br />mine's NPDES permit. Results of this monitoring are reported to the Colorado Department <br />of Health on a quarterly basis and to the Division on a yearly basis. <br />