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3.3.9.3 Bedrock Aquifers Four bedrock zones which are either water-bearing or potentially water-bearing have been identified in the permit area. These units are the Rollins sandstone, the Wheeler coal, and the Upper and Middle sandstones (Figure 3.3-3). Other minor, apparently perched, bedrock zones have also been identified. However, most of these bedrock units are dry within the permit area since they are significantly above the identified or estimated potentiometric surface. Potential water-bearing zones have been identified in the Rollins, Middle and Upper sandstone and the Wheeler coal. The first three units have been recognized as regional aquifers where the hydrogeo- logic conditions are suitable. Ground water in the Rollins sandstone has been encountered in hole SIC-3H only (completion #2). However, several, of the exploration holes were not deep enough to intersect the Rollins. Elevation of the water surface at the point of intersection with the horizontal hole SK-3H was about 6060 feet above MSL (Figure 3.3-7). Other deep exploration holes intersect the Rollins at or above this elevation and are, therefore, unsaturated (Figure 3.3-8). Because - the probable slope of the Rollins' potentiometric surface is down dip, to the south, holes several thousand feet deep would be required to intersect the Rollins below the suspected poten- tiometric surface. The Wheeler coal was intersected in nearly every exploration hole, three of which were completed as monitoring holes. The elevation of the water surface in SK-3H was about 6060 feet or about 140 feet above the elevation of the wellhead. Monitoring hole SK-BA encountered the Wheeler coal but proved to be dry at an elevation of 6874 feet. SK-3.75 was also completed as a monitoring hole in the Wheeler, and water level data and water quality data during the period for which it was monitored are included in the database • NCSC - Coal Ridge #1 3-24 ASC/1145/900301