Laserfiche WebLink
Aquifer tests performed in the Wadge Coal seam indicate that the Wadge aquifer <br />exhibits a semi-confined condition with a transmissivity value of 377.1 <br />gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft). Wadge water levels, dependent upon well <br />proximity to the recharge area, show some seasonal variation. <br />The quality of the undisturbed Wadge aquifer (well GW-S44) is a <br />calcium/magnesium bicarbonate type, with an average TDS value of 490 mg/1. <br />Well GW-519, which is down-gradient of mining, exhibits a sodium sulfate water <br />type with an average TDS concentration of 855 mg/1. <br />Peabody Coal Company has committed to completing an additional Wadge Coal <br />monitoring well, in the southeastern portion of the permit area, during the <br />1987 field season. <br />There are three alluvial aquifer systems present within the Seneca II permit <br />area: the Grassy Creek alluvial aquifer, the Cow Camp Creek alluvial aquifer <br />system (drainage from below 004 pond to Fish Creek), and the Bond Creek <br />alluvial aquifer (drainage from below 007 pond to Fish Creek). The Fish Creek <br />alluvial aquifer is not within the Seneca II permit area, but may be affected <br />by water discharging from the permit area. <br />Currently, the Grassy Creek alluvial aquifer and the Cow Camp. Creek alluvium <br />are monitored by 6 wells which are used to monitor depth-to-water and water <br />quality. <br />In order to quantify the effects of mining to the Bond, Cow Camp and Fish <br />Creek alluvial aquifers, Peabody Coal Company has committed to completing two <br />alluvial wells: one in the Cow Camp Creek drainage, and one in the Bond Creek <br />drainage (Exhibit 7-2) during the 1987 field season. These wells will be <br />added to the approved ground water monitoring program and will be placed in <br />such a manner so as to intercept any TDS plume which may migrate through the <br />alluvial aquifers toward the Fish Creek system. <br />The resaturation of portions of the backfilled pits has been expressed as <br />spoils aquifers. Water, through various proposed mechanisms, percolates <br />through the replaced spoils materials and flows down-gradient (topographic) <br />until it reaches the lower-most highwall. When the elevation head of the <br />spoils aquifer exceeds the ground surface elevation, the spoils water <br />discharges in the form of springs, at the topographically lowest point along <br />the reclaimed highwall. Five spoil springs have been identified and are being <br />monitored by Peabody Coal Company. In addition, Peabody Coal Company monitors <br />six spoils wells as part of the approved monitoring plan. In order to further <br />quantify and define the impacts of mining to the hydrologic system, Peabody <br />Coal Company has committed to completing eight spoils wells by the end of <br />1988. The locations of these spoils wells will be mutually determined by <br />Peabody Coal Company and the Division prior to construction. <br />The quality of the spoils water usually exhibits elevated concentrations of <br />sulfate, manganese, and magnesium. TDS concentrations are variable, but <br />average values upwards of 3,000 mg/1 are not uncommon from spoil well samples, <br />while spoils springs exhibit TDS concentrations which are much lower, usually <br />-14- <br />