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West Elk Mine <br />the Mesaverde Formation, this phenomenon typically results in initial inflows of 10 to 15 <br />gpm and the flow tapering off to a trickle within a couple of weeks. The nature of the <br />goundwater occurrence has also led to a lack of water supply wells in the pemut area. <br />The BEM and 14HG faults aze exceptions in that they contained large volumes of water, <br />which resulted in very high initial inflow rates and sustained flows. Analyses by MCC and <br />its consultants has shown the residence time of these waters to be on the order of 10,000 <br />years. The fault inflows have been decreed in water court asnon-tributary water; therefore, <br />the interception of the water has not adversely impacted any groundwater users in the azea. <br />Groundwater quality effects can occur as a result of fractures allowing water to migrate <br />between geologic units. The practical significance of this phenomenon in the pemut azea is <br />minuscule due to the scarcity of water in the formation and the lack of water supply wells in <br />the vicinity. <br />Surface Water Quantity Effects <br />As discussed in Section 2.04.7, surface water resources have been studied extensively by MCC <br />since 1976. Map 34 and Table 5 shows the existing hydrologic monitoring network. The surface <br />water monitoring network at West Ells Mine consists of the following: <br />1. Streamflow and/or water quality monitoring stations on the North Fork upstream (USGS) and <br />downstream of the mine, Sylvester Gulch, Gribble Gulch, Upper and Lower Minnesota <br />Creek, Lick Creek, Dry Fork (Upper, Middle, and Lower), Horse Gulch, East Gulch east of <br />Horse Gulch, Deep Creek and Box Canyon. <br />2. Flow measurement estimates, water quality sampling and/or field water quality pazameter <br />measurements at springs above the F Seam, springs above the B Seam in the North Fork <br />drainage, springs/ponds in the Jumbo Mountain azea, springs in or below the F Seam in the <br />North Fork drainage and springs above the E Seam in the Dry Fork drainage. <br />This monitoring program information has been used to estimate the PHCs from both a quantity and <br />quality standpoint. Surface water hydrologic consequences aze described in this section for the <br />following: <br />• Streams (surface drainages) <br />• Springs <br />• Reservoirs and stock ponds <br />• Wetlands <br />• Water rights <br />• Mine water system, including North Fork water, sanitary water, mine water, and runoff from <br />disturbed areas <br /> <br />2.05-156 Revised November 2004 PRI G <br />