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(3) The occurrence of water only in fracture systems indicates that <br />• the coals, sandstones, and shales of the Mesaverde Formation only <br />exhibit secondary permeability and not primary permeability. <br />The coals and shales are not primarily permeable due to the method <br />of formation. The sandstones have been so well cemented that the <br />cement has filled interstitial pore spaces. <br />(4) The only aquifer on the permit area is the North Fork of the <br />Gunnison alluvial aquifer. Due to the absence of a hydraulic con- <br />nection with the strata being mined, no effect on the aquifer has <br />been observed. No effect on the aquifer is predicted if the <br />absence of a hydraulic connection is maintained. <br />Surface Water <br />• The entire permit area is within the North Fork of the Gunnison River <br />watershed. The northern watershed boundary is part of Grand Mesa, the <br />eastern boundary is part of the Elk Mountain range, and the southern por- <br />tion of the watershed is bounded by the West Elk Mountain range. Both <br />sedimentary and igneous rocks underlie the watershed. The Elk and West Elk <br />Mountain ranges were formed by Paleozoic strata thrust upon one another <br />with laccolithic intrusions (Johnson 1948, U.S. Department of Interior <br />1978). The igneous intrusions are predominatly quartz monzonite of <br />Tertiary age. <br />The North Fork of the Gunnison River is part of the Colorado River <br />system. This perennial stream is formed by the joining of Anthracite Creek <br />and Muddy Creek just downstream of Paonia Reservoir (Exhibit 2.04.5-A). The <br />Hawk's Nest Mine is approximately three miles downstream of this junction. <br />• <br />2.04-26 <br />