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The predicted impact, as detailed in Exhibit 34 of the permit application, is <br />an elevation of TDS level on the Williams Fork from 375 to 480 mg/1. The <br />effect predicted on the Yampa is from 452 to 465 mg/1. SAR levels are <br />predicted to increase on the Williams fork from 0.5 to 2.8. The Williams Fork <br />River water would still maintain a low sodium hazard and medium salinity <br />hazard during low flows. <br />Hydrologic Monitoring <br />The permit application describes elements of the applicant's proposed ground <br />water and surface water monitoring program. Monitoring station locations are <br />shown on Map 11 of the permit application. Hydrologic monitoring is necessary <br />to verify the discussion of probable hydrologic consequences in the <br />application. The purpose is to make projections of mine impacts both during <br />and after mining and to modify mining operations, if need be, to minimize <br />impact to the hydrologic balance. <br />Ground Water <br />Water level changes in monitoring wells will register changes in the quantity <br />of ground water as well as indicate potential changes in the quantity of <br />surface water having hydrologic connection to the aquifer being monitored. <br />The Division deems quarterly monitoring of ground water levels and quality to <br />be generally sufficient to monitor the impacts of mining. The results of the <br />monitoring will reviewed on a regular basis. If the ground water levels or <br />ground water quality, or the magnitude or quality of the mine discharge show <br />significant variation, an increase in monitoring frequency will be considered. <br />Because of the rather notable differences between the hydrologic monitoring <br />plans presented in Exhibit 29, Water Quality Monitoring Manual and Table 3, <br />Summary of Hydrologic Monitoring Stations, the Division is uncertain what the <br />makeup of the proposed monitoring plan will be. As a result the following <br />stipulation is made, using Table 3 as the most likely basis of the plan. <br />STIPULATION N0. 1 <br />WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE APPROVAL OF THIS PERMIT APPLICATION, EMPIRE ENERGY WILL <br />PROVIDE AND COMMIT TO A SINGLE, COMPREHENSIVE WATER MONITORING PLAN ACCEPTABLE <br />TO THE DIVISION WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE FREQUENCIES WITH WHICH BOTH WATER LEVEL <br />AND WATER QUALITY DETERMINATIONS ARE TO BE MADE AT EACH MONITORING SITE. THE <br />PLAN WILL ALSO INDICATE THE TYPES OF WATER QUALITY DETERMINATIONS THAT WILL BE <br />SCHEDULED. THE PLAN WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS ABSENT FROM TABLE 3 <br />OF THE PERMIT APPLICATION: <br />1) DETERMINATIONS OF WATER LEVELS FOR THE N0. 5 MINE WELL, THE OKIE <br />PLAZA WELL, AND THE N0. 9 MINE WELL ON A QUARTERLY BASIS: AND <br />2) DETERMINATIONS OF WATER LEVELS AND FIELD PARAMETERS FOR THE AYF-3, <br />AYF-5, AND AYF-6 WELLS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS AND FULL SUITE ANALYSIS <br />ON AN ANNUAL BASIS: AND <br />-41- <br />