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~' 6, PROBABLE IMPACTS TO kECNARGE RATES <br />The proposed operation is not expected to significantly alter <br />the aquifer recharge rates as a result of mining. Surface <br />clearance of approximately 24 acres at the mine mouth and facilities <br />is a small percentage of the total watershed. Some infiltration <br />may be expected from the sediment holding pond during storm runoff <br />containment, however, this will be of short duration. In short, <br />any impact would result in increased infiltration rates in the area <br />of mining due to excavation, arangement of spoil materials and <br />periodic containment of runoff. No mitigation measures are <br />necessary. Any impact will remain through mining until the <br />stream channel is replaced and revegetation of barren areas occurs. <br />No additional impacts resulting from surface disturbance will <br />occur due to rte ~ min~n9 because no additional surface dis- <br />~~~ turbance is contemplated. Since retreat mining and consequently <br />subsidence is included in ike new +rrvn there is the possibility <br />that recharge rates could increase on the permit area due to <br />surface runoff entering the ground through cracks and fractures, <br />but, as described in Effects on Surface Runoff Due to Subsidence <br />Features at the Mine, this is unlikely because the Raton and <br />Vermejo strata which lie above the coal are relatively weak and <br />soft and should seal any cracks which might form. Also, by <br />designing areas where a series of adjacent panels can be re- <br />treated one at a time, the upper strata should subside uniformly <br />and lessen the chances of producing cracks on the surface. <br />During mining, water infl ow will be carefully monitored and <br />reported to the Division according to the guidelines sit forth <br />in Stipulation No. 7 of the Document of Findings for the Raton Creek Mine <br /> <br />573 <br />D. H. EMLING COMPANY <br />Revised 5/93 <br />