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• Mining of coal will extract the lower Starkville coal seam <br />in the Vermejo Formation. Through this activity two changes are <br />possible in the Vermejo aquifer water quality. First, some water <br />formerly transmitted through the area may become mine drainage <br />due to the increased open surface area within the mine. Second, <br />any water quality changes will result from the introduction of <br />oxygen into the water, which then flows down dip. <br />No mitigation measures are indicated. The probable length <br />of any impact occurance will be short term until equilibrium <br />conditions are established. <br />Considering the fact that no new springs and seeps were <br />located within a one mile radius of the revised permit <br />area, it is highly unlikely that there will be a significant <br />• impact. Of the springs previously identified, it is recognized <br />that the extended area of mining for the new permit term will <br />increase the potential of affecting certain springs. These <br />springs are: <br />(1) that located in Section 30 which is in the <br />Vermejo formation, produced 6 gpm during the <br />sunnier with an odor of hydrogen sulfide. <br />(2) that located in Section 36 behind the trailer <br />park. It is also in the Vermejo formation, <br />produced .038 gpm during the summer with a <br />strong iron coloration. <br />Complete quality data on both springs is given in the existing <br />permit. Overall, the quality of the water from both springs <br />i s poor. <br />There is an increased possibility that both springs could go <br />• dry as a result of the increased extent of mining. The loss <br />of the springs would actually improve the quality of water <br />downstream. <br />575 <br />