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As a result of the extended area of mining and the inclusion <br />of subsidence in the mining plan. there is potential for an <br />increased quantity of water entering the mine workings than <br />previously expected. However, because of the poor flow rates <br />evident from springs, seeps and wells of the area, coupled with <br />the fact that past mine workings showed little water <br />problems whatsoever, it is unlikely that a large enough <br />inflow will occur to cause any significant effects on <br />water quality downstream. As stated in the <br />by Fisher, Harden b Fisher, the dilution rate for Starkville <br />Gulch to Raton Creek is 1:64, mixing is favorable and there <br />are no known uses for at least two miles downstream. <br />Concerning the long term effects on water quality after mine <br />shutdown, this is also not expected to be a problem because the <br />flow rates in the area are so small. Past mining in the area <br />has occurred over a larger extent than is currently planned <br />for RetonCreckMine sand the existing water quality effects are <br />insignificant. It is true that the Iuppa well and springs <br />located in the Vermejo formation show effects of past mining, <br />such as high dissolved solids and sulfate ions, but the flow <br />.i. <br />quantities are so small that they do not present a problem to <br />any waters downstream. <br />Water well quality should not be significantly affected anywhere <br />in the area because (1) the only wells in the Raton formation <br />in the area are the CFBI wells located in Section 4, R63W, T345 <br />and these are dry, (2) the wells located in the Trinidad <br />Sandstone, the Yarberry, Daniels and the two Sundance wells are <br />unlikely to be affected because this formation is located <br />below the coal bearing formation and its recharge area is not <br />located near the mine workings, and (3) the Howard and Cummings <br />wells are not located in a potential hydrologically affected <br />area from the mine. <br />The dob Sanders well acquired by Sundance, and the Iuppa well <br />have the most chance of being affected, however, neither well <br />is in use, and the existing quality of the Iuppa well is poor. <br />:,,.:, <br /> <br />581 <br />Revised 5/93 <br />D. H. EMLING COMPANY <br />