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MCC permit shows the disturbed areas within the buffer zone. The Division <br /> approved this variance on August 6, 1981, according to Rule 4.05.18(1). <br /> This variance has been amended and clarified as a result of Minor Revision <br /> No. 111, approved.December 16, 1993. <br /> 2. The Division approved underground mining, construction of haul/access <br /> roads, and installation of a sediment pond (SG-1) and road embankment <br /> within 100 feet of Sylvester Gulch. Sylvester Gulch is a stream with a <br /> biological community as defined by Rule 4.05.18(3). A map of the <br /> Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area, which delineates the area within 100 feet of <br /> Sylvester Gulch is incorporated into Exhibit 69 of the permit document. The <br /> Division approved this stream buffer zone variance in accordance with <br /> Rule 4.05.18(1) based on a finding that the original stream channel will not <br /> be disturbed, water quality and quantity will not be adversely affected, and <br /> appropriate riparian vegetation will be reestablished. These conditions will <br /> be met by the effective use of slope stabilization methods including Best <br /> Management Practices, appropriate use of sediment control structures during <br /> construction, revegetation, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. <br /> K. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> Under Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), the Division is required to make an assessment of the <br /> probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area, on <br /> the hydrologic balance and to make a finding (as discussed in Section A of this <br /> document) that the operations proposed in the permit application have been <br /> designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside of the <br /> proposed permit area. This section of the findings document is divided into the <br /> following subsections: Description of the Hydrologic Environment, Probable <br /> Hydrologic Consequences of the West Elk Mine, and Summary and Findings. A <br /> separate Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study (CHIS) is available for review at <br /> the Division of Minerals and Geology. The Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study <br /> (CHIS) filed at the DMG office assesses the projected cumulative hydrologic <br /> impacts of all anticipated mining operations in the general area of the West Elk <br /> Mine on the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley. <br /> 1. Description of the Hydrologic Environment <br /> a. Regional Geology <br /> For information regarding regional geology, see Section A, Description <br /> of the Environment, Geology in this Findings Document. <br /> b. Groundwater <br /> Seven categories of potential aquifers occur in the Somerset Coal Field. <br /> These are: 1) the alluvial and terrace deposits associated with the North <br /> 28 <br />