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J. Stream Buffer Zones <br />A buffer zone is proposed along Dry Creek. No mining activities are permitted <br />to take place within 100 feet of Dry Creek with the exception of: <br />1. The Rail Loop Pond (Pond 2) <br />2. The tracks and right of way for railroad loop <br />3. HGLF water line <br />4. Electric substation <br />1. The Division proposes to approve surface mining activities within 100 feet or <br />through a perennial stream or stream with a biological community. This <br />decision is based on a finding that the original stream channel will be <br />restored, water quality and quantity will not be adversely affected, and <br />appropriate riparian vegetation will be rerstored (4.05.18(1)). <br />K. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />A discussion of the probable hydrologic impacts of mining and reclamation <br />operations is contained in Volume 2, Tab 15 of the permit application. <br />Probable Effects on Surface Water Quality: <br />Surface water runoff from the loadout area passes through one of two <br />sedimentation ponds. Discharges from these ponds are subject to effluent limits <br />in the mine's NPDES permit. The existing ponds have performed adequately and <br />no discharges in excess of NPDES effluent limits have been reported to date. <br />Concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) are four times higher for water <br />coming from the Rail Loop Pond than from the Truck Loop Pond, however, TDS <br />concentrations coming from the ponds are generally less than ambient <br />concentrations in Dry Creek upstream. Existing water quality in Dry Creek is <br />unsuitable for irrigation and only marginally suitable for livestock. <br />Most runoff from the rail loop, as well as, the runoff from the three small area <br />exemptions are not treated, however, runoff from these sources do not appear to <br />be affecting water quality. No adverse impacts from mining operations were <br />projected in the HG Mine permit application and none have been observed to <br />date. <br />Probable Effects on Surface Water Quantity: <br />Runoff from the loadout area not diverted around the area of disturbance is <br />retained in sedimentation ponds for a maximum of 36 hours. Water retained in <br />these two sediment ponds result in some evaporative and seepage losses. The <br />20 <br />