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61s: Sandra Emrich <br />September 10, 1982 <br />Page Two <br />• Benthic invertebrate sampling has consisted of collecting two <br />Ekman dredge samples and two Surber type square foot samples from each <br />station's pool habitat and riffle habitat, respectively, during late <br />July, early August. lYhere no flowing water is found, four Ekman dredge <br />samples are collected from the wettest portion of the stream channel of <br />that station. Samples are preserved in the field and returned to a <br />lab for enumeration and identification. <br />Benthic invertebrate species composition and diversity have stayed <br />consistent with what is typical for intermittent and turbid slow water <br />streams, however, they have varied considerably. These trends appear to <br />be related more to the variability inherent in temporary streams rather <br />than any discernable adverse affects of coal mining activity. The most <br />notable observation to be gained from reviewing several years` of <br />sampling data is the indication that the benthos population abundance <br />trends are largely dictated by the seasonal stream flow conditions and <br />to a lesser degree, temperature. <br />Discussions with John Noodling of the CDOSV reveals that the CDO~V <br />feels that the above yearly aquatic monitoring program is redundant <br />and unnecessary. This is evident from the CDOiV's recent rejection of <br />CY'CC fish shocking permit. Furthermore, water quality measures <br />required under Permit 79-177 are considered by CDOIV to be more sensitive <br />in detecting changes in aquatic community than the above monitoring <br />program. <br />• Based on the above conclusions, it is proposed that the aquatic <br />monitoring requirements in Permit 79-177 be modified so that the <br />present aquatic monitoring program be terminated. In the future, if <br />the data from CYCC's water quality monitoring program indicates a <br />significant degradation in water quality as defined in Permit 79-177, <br />CYCC will resume sampling the stream system. <br />Your quick response to this issue would be greatly appreciated. <br />If there are any questions, please contact me. <br />Sincerely, <br />COLORADO YA\1 A COAL COMPANY <br />_- <br />~Clem Parkin <br />Environmental Coordinator <br />CP:rbh <br />cc: G. <br />K. <br />K. <br />T. <br />G- <br />. G. <br />Consalus <br />1'7atson <br />Crofts <br />Johnson <br />Saunders <br />I'oung <br />