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<br />-1s- <br />The permit application lacks baseline information on the flow characteristics <br />of streams in Apache, Ciruela and Pete Canyons. In order for the Division to <br />assess any potential depletions of stream flow due to subsidence resulting <br />from secondary or retreat mining, and in order for the Division to verify the <br />assessment of these potential impacts, the applicant will have to monitor <br />stream flows in Apache, and Ciruela Canyons during this permit term. A <br />description of stream flow characteristics and water use in the Canyon wili be <br />provided prior to approval of secondary or retreat mining in the drainage <br />basin. A monitoring requirement is addressed in stipulation No. 14 in Section <br />VII of this document which covers the data requirements for these streams. <br />Water that is periodically discharged from the underground workings poses a <br />potential hazard to surface water quality in the Purgatoire River System. <br />Mine waters are collected and allowed to settle at an underground sump before <br />being pumped to the surface and into the river. In this way, the operator <br />attempts to minimize the impact of mine waters on the sediment load and water <br />quality of the river. <br />The potential for detrimental effects of the mining operations on local <br />surface water quantity is predicted to be minimal. However,additional <br />information to verify this conclusion is necessary. Therefore, the following <br />stipulation is necessary to comply with Rule 2.05.6(3)(b)(iv): <br />Stipulation No. 1: <br />THE PERMITTEE MUST DEVELOP AND SUBMIT A SURFACE WATER BUDGET THAT <br />ADDRESSES THE AMOUNT OF WATER REMOVED FROM THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE <br />PURGATOIRE RIVER OR WELLS, THE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT IS CONSUMPTIVELY <br />llSED DURING MINING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES, AND THE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT <br />IS DISCHARGED TO THE RIVER. THIS INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN <br />30 DAYS OF PERMIT ISSUANCE. <br />As previously stated, the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River flows through <br />the middle of the surface disturbance at the Allen Mine, In places, the <br />surface disturbance extends to the edge of the river banks. These areas were <br />disturbed prior to SMCRA. Therefore, the Division hereby approves a variance <br />from the 100 foot stream buffer zone requirement of Rule 4.05.18 for those <br />areas already disturbed by surface operations. However, where an undisturbed <br />buffer zone exists, the operator must place buffer zone signs in accordance <br />with Rule 4.05.18(2). The application contains no commitment for this. <br />Therefore, the following stipulation is necessary. <br />Stipulation No. 2: <br />WITHIN 60 DAYS OF PERMIT ISSUANCE, THE PERMITTEE SHALL ERECT STREAM <br />BUFFER ZONE SIGNS ON ALL UNDISTURBED AREAS BORDERING THE MIDDLE FORK OF <br />THE PURGATOIRE RIVER WITHIN AND DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE PERt4ITTED <br />DISTURBED AREA. THESE SIGNS MUST BE ERECTED AT THE EDGE OF THE <br />DISTURBED/UNDISTURBED AREA OR 100 FEET FROM THE EDGE OF THE STREAM, <br />WHICHEVER IS LESS. <br />