Laserfiche WebLink
will be installed. There are a number of stipulations which <br /> must be addressed prior to beginning the construction of the <br /> upper refuse pile. <br /> ii. Mitigation of Ground Water Impacts - <br /> The applicant anticipates no degradation of ground water <br /> quality during mining. The applicant will treat any mine water <br /> effluent as necessary to meet water quality standards prior to <br /> discharge and there will be no uncontrolled mine water <br /> discharge after mining is complete which might otherwise <br /> degrade surface streams or ground water. The operation plan <br /> indicates most water used for dust control will be absorbed on <br /> the coal and carried from the mine, thereby minimizing the <br /> quantity to be treated. Any discharge will be delivered and <br /> treated in the sedimentation ponds and discharged as specified <br /> in the NPDES permit. <br /> To monitor the changes in water quantity and quality, the West <br /> Elk Mine has an extensive ongoing Hydrologic Monitoring <br /> Plan. Twenty-three 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, which has been <br /> completed to the B Seam and the Rollins Sandstone, have been <br /> added to the monitoring program in Jumbo Mountain. <br /> Sampling occurs seasonally (three times a year). Parameters <br /> monitored include, water level, pH, conductivity, temperature, <br /> total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total iron, and <br /> total manganese. <br /> The quality of mine water discharges from the B Seam is <br /> expected to be similar to the F Seam. Underground or mine <br /> water is permitted to be discharged at the following locations: <br /> Sylvester Gulch fan site, sediment pond MB-1, and Minnesota <br /> Creek. Mine water is usually discharged through the main <br /> portals to MB-1. Quality parameters appear to be such that <br /> B Seam mine water will be suitable for treatment and discharge <br /> under current NPDES/CPDES permit requirements to the <br /> North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br /> The quantity of ground water flows which would be potentially <br /> discharged is low. Testing to date indicates the permeabilities <br /> in and near the B Seam to be low. Water in storage, based on <br /> 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 <br /> low groundwater flow potential in the B Seam. <br /> 36 <br />