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testing in the B seam and experience in the F seam, is of low <br /> quality. Fractures, from existing data, appear to be less <br /> extensive and less open with increased depth and contact the <br /> B seam in localized areas. All of these parameters indicate low <br /> groundwater flow potential in the B seam. <br /> Because there is a unit downward gradient, and MCC monitors <br /> the B seam which is 20 feet above the Rollins sandstone, mining <br /> is not expected to impact the Rollins sandstone. <br /> Eighteen springs in the area are also monitored. In 1998 <br /> Mountain Coal Company performed an extensive study of the <br /> springs in the vicinity of the West Elk Mine. The study showed <br /> that nearly all the springs tapped shallow meteoric groundwater <br /> in the colluvial deposits rather than bedrock sources. As a <br /> result of the study, a revision was made in the monitoring <br /> program, with the eighteen springs monitored to include all <br /> decreed springs and those which might have some bedrock <br /> groundwater component. Springs are also monitored three times <br /> a year for pH, conductivity, temperature, total dissolved solids, <br /> total suspended solids, total iron and total manganese. The <br /> springs, to date, show no significant trends or changes which <br /> can be associated with mining activity. Most springs are <br /> responsive to spring runoff, but flow rates are sporadic and <br /> many times do not correlate well with other seasonal parameters <br /> such as snowpack, precipitation, or streamflow. <br /> b. Surface Water Effects <br /> The West Elk Mine plan is designed to minimize the impacts of the <br /> project on the surface water hydrology of the region. Disturbed area <br /> drainage is collected and treated on the site. Sediment pond water may <br /> be discharged to the North Fork or stored when water rights are in <br /> priority for reuse within the mine area. Drainage from undisturbed <br /> land is diverted around the site. Eight sedimentation ponds have been <br /> built for the surface facilities area. These are: <br /> MB-1 Large upper pond <br /> MB-211 Large lower pond <br /> MB-3 Small lower pond <br /> MB-4 Train loadout pond <br /> MB-5 Bear pond <br /> SG-1 Upper Sylvester Gulch pond <br /> NSSA North Soil Storage Area pond <br /> RPE ponds Refuse pile expansion area <br /> 43 <br />