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<br />2. Effects On Surface Water From Leachate Of Refuse Piles <br />The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study in 1971-1912 to assess <br />the effects of mine drainage on the quality of streams in the State of Colorado. <br />The information was published in the Colorado Resources Circular Number 21, <br />entitled, "Effects of Mine Drainage on Quality of Streams in the State of <br />Colorado, 1971-1972". <br />The following information from the report indicates that drainage sampled <br />in many locations in the Raton Basin showed little quality problems resulting <br />from previous coal mining activities. <br />Many coal refuse sites, both old and recent, were present in the area <br />and could have produced effects on surface water quality, but the sample <br />u <br />results do not show this. <br />The coal to be mined in the proposed permit area is similar in quality <br />to that mined in the past in that area, which is very low in sulfur, and <br />it is anticipated that the coal processing waste to be produced by the <br />proposed plant will have less effects on surface water than sites of the <br />past. The results of the roof and floor samples can be seen in 2.04.6 Geology <br />Description. The current compaction rules of the coal processing waste will <br />cause a much higher rate of runoff and less percolation from a rainfall event <br />than waste sites of the past. A11 runoff from the waste facility will drain <br />into the sediment pond which is designed for 24 hour detention time for storms <br />less than 10 year-24 hour frequency. In view of the lack of sediment control <br />of the existing spoil piles, the proposed facilities should lessen the amount <br />• <br />of suspended solids in the surface water downstream. <br />556 <br />