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9. Rule 3.03.2(2) Pollution of Ground Water <br />The Division will determine the degree of pollution of ground water. <br />The Division has considered, among other things, the results of inspections and monitoring conducted <br />pursuant to Rules 4.05 and 5.02, to determine whether pollution of ground water is occurring. In <br />addition, the Division reviewed information on the effects of mining activities upon ground water <br />quantity. The permittee complied with the requirements of Rules 4.05.13(2). Monitoring programs, <br />approved by the Division, were developed and administered (Permit, Chapter G, and Annual <br />Hydrologic Reports}. In April of 1986, Enron Coal Company was permitted to reduce monitoring <br />activity to that of sediment dischazges. Thereafter, well water analyses (including water levels) were <br />neither required nor performed. (Permit, page M~OA) (Water quality samples were taken in 1997 to <br />evaluate current conditions.) <br />The Division conducted a review of ground water quantity in 1996 and concluded that there had been <br />no significant adverse impacts to ground water quantity [1995 Annual Hydrologic Report Meeker Area <br />Mines (C-81-032)]. Flows have been observed from wells (French drains) developed in wet (both <br />prior to mine development and post reclamation) areas in the vicinity of Northern #1 and Rienau #2 <br />portals (Annual Hydrologic Reports and Division monthly inspections). No loss of flows has been <br />noted in Curtis Creek in the vicinity of the Rienau #2 mine (workings below the elevation of Curtis <br />Creek). Flows from the wells developed at the Northern #1 and Rienau #2 portal sites were noted <br />during the 19 November 1997, 14 August 1997, and 22 May 1997 inspections; at Northern #1 during <br />the 31 July 1997 and 17 June 1997 inspections; and Rienau # 2 during the December 19, 1997. <br />inspection. An artesian well near the Northern # 1 mine, developed before mining, was flowing at [he <br />time of a March 28, 1997, inspection. The applicant states in the application that impacts to quantity <br />of ground water anticipated were not realized, probably due [o termination of mining well short of <br />plans at both mine sites, and no longwall mining at the Rienau # 2 mine. According to the Application <br />and information in the Permit, [he mining method was room and pillar. No subsidence was <br />experienced that fractured overlying sandstones (Application, page 17). The Division finds that the <br />quantity of ground water has recovered and is within the Potential Hydrologic Consequences (Permit, <br />Paragraph 4.2, Page G-86-88). <br />Ground water quality data for the two seams that were mined [FF seam at Northern # 1 (Permit, Table <br />G-21 and page G-90h) and G seam at Rienau # 2 (Permit, Table G-21 and page G-90e); Table 21 of <br />the Application] is presented at Documents 21 and 22. The Division, in 1985, concluded that ground <br />water sampling could be suspended (Technical Revision 1 to the Permit). With regard to the FF seam <br />at Northern # 1, parameter values of 1985 sampling were within baseline limit values except for pH <br />(9.5, below the baseline minimum of 11.91). All pazameters of the 1997 sampling (from the developed <br />well) except magnesium [52 milligrams/liter (mg/I) vs the baseline maximum of 39], a pH of 7.1 <br />versus a baseline minimum of 11.91) and sodium (28 mg/I versus a baseline minimum of 119) were <br />within FF seam baseline limits. <br />2 5 20 January 1998 <br />