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areas, and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area in order to prevent long-term adverse changes in the hydrologic balance. Information in the AHR indicates that surface (this mine is a surface mine) mining activities were planned and conducted in compliance with this rule. The disturbance to the hydrologic balance within and adjacent to the permit azea caused by mining and reclamation at the Edna Mine as indicated in the AHR is the minimum that can be expected from a surface coal mining operation at this location. Leachate discharges from the Edna Mine have occasionally elevated the dissolved solids in Trout Creek. Rule 4.05.1(2) Changes in water quality and quantity, in the depth to ground water, and in the location of surface water drainage channels shall be minimized so that the approved postmining land use of the permit area is not adversely affected The information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. The approved postmining land use is rangeland [Permit Application Package (PAP) page 1.0-5]. Rule 4.05.1(3) In no case shall Federal and State water quality statutes, regulations, standards, or effluent limitations be violated. This review indicates that the mine reclamation operation is in compliance with this rule. Rule 4.05.12 Protection of Ground Water Recharge Capacity. Surface coal mining operations shall be conducted in a manner that facilitates reclamation which will restore approximate premining recharge capacity, through restoration of the capability of the reclaimed areas as a whole, excluding coal processing waste and underground development waste disposal areas and Ells, to transmit water to the ground water system. The recharge capacity shall be restored to a condition which: Information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. Coal was extracted by open pit mining operations on the limb of a syncline. Premining bedrock units were exposed above the area mined in cliffs and steep slopes formed by the Oak Creek valley. Premining rechazge to bedrock units was limited at these outcrops and relatively impervious near-surface units on a mined synclinal limb. The mined overburden was backfilled to approximate original contour. Recharge to groundwater has likely been enhanced, but to a small degree due to the impervious nature of the seams and units, by sustained exposure of detained water in the backfill materials at the interface with bedrock units at the mined pit low-walls and underlying bedrock unit. The more gradual discharge of spoil springs, in lieu of the rapid premining surface runoff, likely enhances recharge of alluvial materials at the foot of the mined slopes. Rule 4.05.12(1) Supports the approved postmining land use; The restored recharge capacity supports the approved postmining land use. Permanent impoundments provide a source of water to livestock and wildlife. Spoil springs provide an Page 2