Laserfiche WebLink
_ 2 2 _ <br />As previously stated in Section VIII (the Probable Hydrologic Consequences of <br />the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine), there is little potential for cross-communication <br />between strata within the Mesa Verde Group due to the interbedded impermeable <br />shales located throughout the section. Also, in the vicinity of the mines, <br />the Mesa Verde Group is underlain and overlain by impermeable thick shale <br />members of the Mancos and Wasatch Formations respectively. Therefore, the <br />ability of ground water to migrate upward or downward through the section is <br />extremely limited. For these reasons, the bedrock ground water impacts of <br />each mine are localized to the immediate vicinity of the mine. It is assumed <br />that ground water will not migrate along the strike. However, cumulative <br />impacts to the hydrologic balance due to localized degradation or diminution <br />of bedrock ground water could affect the nature of surface water and alluvial <br />aquifers of the region. <br />The Eastside and Coal Ridge No. 1 Mines are both located within the Colorado <br />River Basin. The Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine is directly adjacent to the Colorado <br />River, with the surface facilities located on alluvial/colluvial fan terraces <br />approximately 50 feet above the Colorado River. The Eastside Mine is located <br />on Harvey Gap, a tributary to the Colorado River. The probable hydrologic <br />consequences of mining on Harvey Gap (Eastside Mine) are detailed in the <br />following section. This CHIS addresses the potential of the hydrologic <br />impacts predicted for the two mines to cumulatively affect the Colorado <br />surface water system and the related ground water of the alluvium. <br />TABLE 2 <br />DISTURBED ACREAGE DUE TO COAL MINING IN THE CHIS AREA <br />Disturbed Acreage <br />Permit Term Life of Mine <br />Mine Status Surface Underground Surface Under round <br />Eastside Permitted 12 54 unknown 167 <br />Storm King Permit Pending 81 213 256 5900 <br />(No Disturbance <br />To-Date) <br />