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<br />3. The proposed surface coal mining and reclamation operations will preserve,
<br />throughout the mining and reclamation process, the essential hydrologic functions
<br />of the alluvial valley floor.
<br />No mining or other forms of physical disruption, with the exception of the operation and
<br />construction of the mine loadout and office facilities, will take place in the Oak
<br />Creek watershed. The hydrologic functions will, therefore, not be physically dis-
<br />turbed. Some minor effects in water quality may be observed due to the loadout
<br />operations; however, monitoring of the existing operations has not indicated any
<br />detectable change in water quality in Oak Creek. Future monitoring efforts will
<br />be performed in both the alluvial ground water and the surface water of Oak Creek
<br />to ensure that measuraable changes in water guality do not occur. Following
<br />cessation of operations, the potential source of water contamination will no longer
<br />exist.
<br />References
<br />1. hlcWhorter, D.B., J.W. Rowe, N.W. VanLiew, R.O. Chandler, R.K. Skoyeboe, D.K.
<br />Sunada, G.V. Skogerboe, 1979. Surface and Subsurface t/ater Quality !lydrology
<br />in Surface hfi ned Watersheds. Office Of Research and Development, U/S.E.P.A.,
<br />Cincinnati, Ohio, EPA-600/7-79-193A.
<br />2. Bureau of Reclamation, SUDI, 1977, G7ound Water .Manual, A L•la ter Resources
<br />Technical Publication, U/S.G.P.O., [/ashington, D.C.
<br />3. Kock, P.E., T.A. Prichett, R. Sanbery, and h1. L. Voorhees, 1981. Selected Hand-
<br />Held Calculator Codes for the E wluation of the Probable Cumulative Hydrologic
<br />Impacts of Mining. Prepared for the Office of Surface Mining, Region V, Denver,
<br />Colorado, under Contract .NO. .J 5191334, p. 143.
<br />4. hlcWhorter, D.B., R.K. Skogerboe, and G.V. Skorgerboe, 1975. Water Quality
<br />Control in Mine Spoils Upper Colorado River Basin. No. EPA-670/2-75-098, U.S.
<br />Environmental Protection Aycncy, Cincinnati, Ohio, 108 pp.
<br />IX. CLIMATOLOGICAL INF0RMATIO/1 APID AIR RESOURCES (2.09.8,2.05.4(2)(h),2.05.6 (1),9.17'
<br />Pittsburg and 3fidway Coal Com~~any has prov::ded a cope of the Emission Permit from
<br />the Colorado Department of Ilcalth, round in Volume 9, ~,npcndi:: 3.7-D, pa ye 28. The
<br />applicant is in compliance.
<br />X. TGPSOIL (2.0.1.9, 2.05.3(5), 2.05.9(2)(4), a.n6)
<br />There are two distinct sections within the proposed permit area, the Nest Ridge Area
<br />and the Moffat Area. The L/est Ridge Area is unique in thaC it has been previously
<br />mined and, as a consequence, Iittle or no topsoil remains. The Edna mine proposes
<br />using overburden material in lieu of topsoil during the reclamation process. A
<br />chemical analysis of overburden material found in the area demonstrated that toxicity
<br />should pose no threat to reveyetation. In addition, a study was conducted by Edna
<br />comparing vegetative growth in overburden areas to yroth in rctopsoiled areas.
<br />This study indicated that vegetation could feasibly be established in the existing
<br />overburden materials.
<br />The Moffat Area is relatively undisturbed and contains sufficient topsoil material
<br />for reclamation purposes. Edna proposes salvaging operations in this area and either
<br />stockpiling or direct redistribtution of to~.soi1. An analysis of the proposed stripping
<br />depths indicates that Edna will redistribute an average of 11 inches of topsoil
<br />material in the Moffat Area. This should prove sufficient for reclamation purposes
<br />in this area. In addition, Edna has committed to add whatever soil amendments
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