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surface channels where the leachate will flow to a sediment <br /> pond. As this pile is constructed, spoil wells will be installed. <br /> There are a number of stipulations which must be addressed <br /> prior to beginning the construction of the upper refuse pile. <br /> ii. Mitigation of Groundwater Impacts - <br /> The applicant anticipates no degradation of groundwater quality <br /> during mining. The applicant will treat any mine water effluent <br /> as necessary to meet water quality standards prior to discharge <br /> and there will be no uncontrolled mine water discharge after <br /> mining is complete which might otherwise degrade surface <br /> streams or groundwater. The operation plan indicates most <br /> water used for dust control will be absorbed on the coal and <br /> carried from the mine, thereby minimizing the quantity to be <br /> treated. Any discharge will be delivered and treated in the <br /> sedimentation ponds and discharged as specified in the NPDES <br /> permit. <br /> To monitor the changes in water quantity and quality, the West <br /> Elk Mine has an extensive ongoing Hydrologic Monitoring <br /> Plan. Eighteen wells are currently being monitored in the <br /> alluvium, the Rollins Sandstone, the Barren Member, the <br /> F Seam, the B Seam and E Seam. Two wells, were been added <br /> to the monitoring program in Jumbo Mountain. A nineteenth <br /> well will be added in the B-seam down-gradient of any mine <br /> water sumps developed in as part of the Box Canyon permit <br /> revision. Sampling occurs seasonally (three times a year). <br /> Parameters monitored include, water level, pH, conductivity, <br /> temperature, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total <br /> iron, and total manganese. <br /> The quality of mine water discharges from the B seam has <br /> proven to be similar to those from the F seam. Underground or <br /> mine water is permitted for discharge at the following locations: <br /> Sylvester Gulch fan site, sediment pond MBA, the Sylvester <br /> Gulch mine water treatment facility, Lone Pine Gulch and <br /> Minnesota Creek. Mine water is usually discharged through the <br /> main portals to MB-I. Quality parameters appear to be such <br /> that B seam mine water will be suitable for treatment and <br /> discharge under current NPDES/CPDES permit requirements to <br /> the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br /> The quantity of groundwater flows which would be potentially <br /> discharged is low. Testing to date indicates the permeabilities in <br /> and near the B seam to he low. Water in storage, based on <br /> 42 <br />