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I . Discharge of Water into an Underground Mine <br /> 1 . There will not be any discharge of water into an underground <br /> mine (4.05. 16(2)) . <br /> J. Stream Buffer Zones <br /> 1 . The Division proposes to approve underground mining <br /> activities within 100 feet of the North Fork of the Gunnison <br /> River, which is a perennial stream with a biological <br /> community. This decision is based on a finding that the <br /> original stream channel will not be disturbed, water quality <br /> and quantity shall not be adversely affected, and appropriate <br /> riparian vegetation will be reestablished. The buffer zone <br /> variance is granted for the water intake gallery, sediment <br /> pond overflow ditches , railroad siding and railroad loadout <br /> facility. These facilities are located on the north and <br /> south banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The <br /> Division approved this variance on August 6, 1981 , according <br /> to Rule 4.05. 180 ) . <br /> K. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br /> Under Rule 2.07.6(2)(c) , the Division is required to make an <br /> assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated <br /> coal mining in the general area, on the hydrologic balance and to <br /> make a finding (as discussed in Section A of this document) that <br /> the operations proposed in the permit application have been <br /> designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance <br /> outside of the proposed permit area. This section of the findings <br /> document is divided into the following subsections: Description of <br /> the Hydrologic Environment, Probable Hydrologic Consequences of the <br /> West Elk Mine, and Summary and Findings. A separate Cumulative <br /> Hydrologic Impact Study (CHIS) is available for review at the <br /> Division of Minerals and Geology. The Cumulative Hydrologic Impact <br /> Study (CHIS) filed at the DMG office assesses the projected <br /> cumulative hydrologic impacts of all anticipated mining operations <br /> in the general area of the West Elk Mine on the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison River Valley. <br /> 1 . Description of the Hydrologic Environment <br /> a. Regional Geology <br /> For information regarding regional geology, see Section A, <br /> Description of the Environment, Geology. <br /> b. Ground Water <br /> Six categories of potential aquifers occur in the <br /> Somerset Coal Field. These are: 1 ) the alluvial and <br /> terrace deposits associated with the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison River; 2) the localized , shallow alluvium <br /> along creeks tributary to the North Fork; 3) the <br /> -30- <br />