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once. Rather, impact will progress slowly over azeas as coal is mined. The <br />applicant also agreed to reduce leaks and seeps on some ditches and has changed <br />the point of diversion of the Overland Ditch from East Roatcap Creek to West <br />Roatcap Cteek.to further protect the rights of present water users. To protect stock <br />and wildlife, the applicant has committed to maintaining a designated number of <br />stockponds on the permit area which will be protected from damage. <br />When BRL mined under Steven's and East Roatcap Creek, there was the possibility <br />that water could have been encountered even if there was no subsidence. Faults <br />and fractures may be encountered underground that are in communication with the <br />stream and its associated alluvial/colluvial deposits. Dewatering of these faults and <br />fractures could diminish streamflow and the alluvium/colluvium when water is <br />present. The limited depletions are not predicted to be significant enough to cause <br />a major change in stream characteristics or impact the hydrologic balance. The <br />only concern with diminishment of Steven's Gulch or East Roatcap Creek stream <br />flow would be to water users within those drainages. The operator has responded <br />to this concern in their water replacement plan. The Division's Findings on this <br />issue are included in the Water Rights and Replacement discussion in Section VII <br />of this document. <br />Based on data from other mines in the valley, the Division would anticipate <br />stream-related inflows to be only a few hundred gallons per minute at worst case <br />during certain times of the yeaz when the streams aze flowing. Following a detailed <br />investigation and analysis, the applicant has predicted that worst-case inflows from <br />East Roatcap Creek would be 5.2 gpm and inflows from Steven's Gulch would be <br />5.7 gpm. These would increase to 33.5 gpm for the life of mine. Inflows below <br />East Roatcap Creek have averaged less than 1 gpm. A mitigation plan has been <br />approved that will replace any water lost by mining. <br />The hydrologic consequences of the mine are expected to be minimal. The <br />applicant reports that no degradation of water quality in surface streams is <br />expected. Any effluent will be treated as necessary to meet quality standards prior <br />to discharge. Although mine inflows are cun•ently small, if inflows are encountered <br />the application contains a plan for a collection and treatment prior to discharge. <br />Conclusion - <br />An assessment of the probable hydrologic consequences of the mining <br />operation and an assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all <br />anticipated mining in the general area on the hydrologic balance has been <br />made. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), the Division finds that the Bowie No. 1 <br />mining operation has been designated to minimize hydrologic impacts within <br />the permit boundary, and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance <br />outside the permit area. <br />34 <br />