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temperature, total dissolved solids, total <br />suspended solids, total iron, and total manganese. <br />The quality of mine water discharges from the <br />B seam is expected to be similar to the F seam. <br />Underground or mine water is discharged at two <br />locations: Sylvester Gulch fan site and sediment <br />pond MB-1. Quality parameters appear to be such <br />that B seam mine water will be suitable for <br />treatment dnd discharge under current NPDES/CPDES <br />permit requirements to the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison River. <br />The quantity of ground water flows which would be <br />potentially discharged is low. Testing to date <br />indicates the permeabilities in and near the B seam <br />to be low. Water in storage, based on testing in <br />the B seam and experience in the F seam, is of low <br />quality. Fractures, from existing data, appear to <br />be less extensive and less open with increased <br />depth and contact the B seam in localized areas. <br />All of these parameters indicate low groundwater <br />flow potential in the B seam. <br />Because there is a unit downward gradient, and MCC <br />monitors the 6 seam which is 20 feet above the <br />Rollins Sandstone, mining is not expected to impact <br />the Rollins Sandstone. <br />Springs in West Elk Mine area are also monitored. <br />Seven springs that potentially could be impacted by <br />mining are monitored. As mining progresses, <br />additional springs will be monitored. Several <br />decreed springs on the West Elk Mine lease area <br />have the potential of impairment as a result of <br />mining the F seam. Springs are also monitored <br />three times a year for pli, conductivity, <br />temperature, total dissolved solids, total <br />suspended solids, total iron and total manganese. <br />The springs, to date, show no significant trends or <br />changes which can be associated with mining <br />activity. Most springs are responsive to spring <br />runoff, but flow rates are sporadic and many times <br />do not correlate well with other seasonal <br />parameters such as snowpack, precipitation, or <br />streamflow. <br />b. Surface Water Effects <br />The West Elk Mine plan is designed to minimize the <br />impacts of the project on the surface water hydrology <br />of the region. Disturbed area drainage is collected <br />and treated on the site. Sediment pond water may be <br />discharged to the North Fork or stored when water <br />-42- <br />