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B Seam in localized areas. All of these parameters indicate low <br />groundwater flow potential in the B Seam. <br />Because there is a unit downward gradient, and MCC monitors <br />the B Seam which is 20 feet above the Rollins Sandstone, <br />mining is not expected to impact the Rollins Sandstone. <br />Twenty-four springs in West Elk Mine area are also monitored. <br />Mountain Coal Company performed an extensive study of the <br />springs in the vicinity of the West Elk Mine. The study showed <br />that nearly all the springs tapped shallow meteoric groundwater <br />in the colluvial deposits rather than bedrock sources. As a <br />result of the study, a revision was made in the monitoring <br />program, with the twenty-four springs monitored [o include all <br />decreed springs and those which might have some bedrock <br />groundwater component. Springs are also monitored three times <br />a year for pH, conductivity, temperature, total dissolved solids, <br />total suspended solids, total iron and total manganese. The <br />springs, to date, show no significant trends or changes which <br />can be associated with mining activity. Most springs are <br />responsive to spring runoff, but flow rates are sporadic and <br />many times do not correlate well with other seasonal parameters <br />such as snowpack, precipitation, or streamflow. <br />b. Surface Water Effects <br />The West Elk Mine plan is designed to minimize the impacts of the <br />project on the surface water hydrology of the region. Disturbed area <br />drainage is collected and treated on the site. Sediment pond water may <br />be discharged to the North Fork or stored when water rights are in <br />priority for reuse within the mine area. Drainage from undisturbed <br />land is diverted around the site. Eight sedimentation ponds have been <br />built for the surface facilities area. These are: <br />MB-1 Large upper pond <br />MB-2R Large lower pond <br />MB-3 Small lower pond <br />MBA Train loadout pond <br />MB-5 Bear pond <br />SG-1 Upper Sylvester Gulch pond <br />NSSA North Soil Storage Area pond <br />RPE pond Refuse Pile Expansion area <br />Two freshwater ponds, FW-1 and FW-2, are proposed for water <br />storage. Pond FW-1 is currently in operation. Pond FW-2 will be <br />constructed in the event that additional water storage is needed and is <br />41 <br />