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West E!k Mine • Hvdrologic Protection During Oaeration Once constmction of the mine facilities was completed and mining operations commenced, surface facilities site runoff was diverted into the surface site sedimentation ponds (see the Collection and Diversion Channels Section of this Chapter). Any discharge of water from the ponds to the North Fork of the Gunnison River is in accordance with effluent limitations and monitoring requirements stipulated in the NPDES permit. See Exhibit 7 to this Mining and Reclamation Plan. Should monitoring data indicate a violation of any effluent limitation specified, MCC will notify the State, and proceed immediately to correct the violation. MCC will periodically conduct maintenance and install erosion control in channels to minimize contributions of sediment to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area. Management of the refuse disposal azeas and sedimentation ponds to minimize water pollution are the major hydrological concern during operations. During operations, water will be discharged from the mine. The water from the mine is routed through the surface drainage system into the sedimentation ponds or dischazged via the Lone Pine Pipeline or Sylvester Gulch Dewatering Facility. No appreciable amounts of water discharges from the portal tunnels. The discharge water is treated, if necessary, to meet water quality standazds. Should more groundwater be encountered than anticipated, prior to discharge of excess mine water, an analysis of anficipated water quality and quantity and its effects on the receiving stream will be provided. The F, E and B coal seams are !, not of an acid- or iron-producing nature. The dischazge from the mine has a minimal effect upon the existing hydrologic balance. The loadout facilities consisting of the silo, loadout conveyor, and loadout building are designed to prevent negative impacts to the river. Transfer points at the silo and the loadout building are enclosed, and have dust suppression systems (water sprays). The loadout conveyor is in an enclosed gallery where it crosses the river and the CDOT highway bridge. The loadout building is totally enclosed and runoff from the area impounded within the limits of the facility where it is treated before dischazging. Impacts of Overtopping Hydrologic Structures All diversion structures aze designed for use throughout the life of the West Elk Mine. See Exhibit 44, Exhibit 47, and Exhibit 66 for details of the design of these structures, including stability analyses, where appropriate. The ditches have been designed and constructed to follow existing drainage routes. Overtopping the collection and diversion ditches would create localized flooding of the immediate area; however, damage would be minimal as flows would most likely enter the next downstream ditch or culvert and flow to the sediment pond. The future access road to the upper waste rock disposal azea would be closed to traffic during such times. Since most of the ditches are lined with shotcrete or other such energy dissipaters, problems would be minimal. 2.05-34 Revised November 2004 PRIO