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ItiIPACTS ON SURFACE WATERS <br />• ~ The Division, based on review of the permit applications for the mining operations considered in this assessment, <br />has identified several possible effects of mining on surface water quality and quantity (Table 2). Disturbed areas <br />will generate an increase in suspended solids in the area. Surface water quality might be affected by the dischazge <br />of mine water from underground workings or by seepage from waste rock or coal refuse piles to the strean/alluvial <br />aquifer system. The underground mining operations, through subsidence effects, may reduce stream flows or flows <br />from springs and seeps. Future mining in the Minnesota Creek drainage basin may result in flow reductions to <br />springs and streams associated with alluvial valley floors. This will result in the need to develop augmentation plans <br />to protect holders of water rights. The withdrawal of surface water for mine usage may deplete surface flows. <br />Lastly, the discharge of poor quality water from flooded underground workings could be a long-term impact. The <br />likelihood and relative importance of these impacts are described in greater detail below. <br /> <br />'~' ll <br />