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The operation will result in slightly increased total dissolved solids levels in the <br />North Fork of the Gunnison River. The sources are the discharge from the <br />underground workings of the Sanborn Creek Tracts, and drainage from waste piles <br />located at the site. The previously documented discharges from the Somerset Mine <br />no longer exist since mining and mine dewatering activities have ceased and the old <br />portals have been permanently sealed. Specific anticipated water quality impacts are <br />discussed within the Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study for the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River. It has been found that the Sanbom Creek Mine operation will not <br />cause significant salinity increase in the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />The mine will not adversely impact flooding processes or streamflows in the North <br />Fork of the Gunnison River. Mining operations are no[ expected to decrease flows <br />in any of the ephemeral or intermittent drainages to be undermined. The operation <br />will not adversely impact downstream water users. <br />The operator will use about 35,000 gallons per day for underground and <br />above-ground dust suppression. This water will be drawn from an existing surface <br />water right of 1.8 cfs, on the North Fork of the Gunnison River. More detailed <br />information is available in the CHIS for the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />N. Topsoil <br />1. The Division has determined that selected overburden materials may be used for, or <br />as a supplement to, topsoil. The resulting soil should be equal to or better than the <br />available fill material. This determination will be based on physical and chemical <br />analyses and field-site trials approved by the Division (4.06.2(4)(a)). Oxbow <br />Mining, Inc. has agreed to remove and/or bury coal and coaly material on the <br />pre-law Elk Creek yard area. Since topsoil is not available, the resulting surface <br />material will be tested to determine if it is suitable as plant growth medium. If it is <br />not, it will be covered by at least six inches of suitable plant growth medium or <br />topsoil salvaged from development of the present coal mine waste pile area or the <br />Sanborn Creek facilities areas. The areas stripped of topsoil for emplacement of the <br />Sanbom Creek facilities will be regraded following mining, tested and treated with <br />topsoil in a similar fashion. All stockpiled topsoil will be used in reclamation. <br />None will be left stockpiled upon final reclamation. The topsoil stockpiled at [he <br />upper Hubbard Creek area will be used to partially cover pre-law waste piles that <br />exist at the lower Hubbard Creek area. The upper Hubbard Creek bench will be <br />retained as an approved USFS parking lo[. <br />V. Sealin; of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be <br />capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed (Map E8-3298) (4.07.3). <br />22 <br />