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area caused by mining and reclamation at the Edna Mine as indicated in the AHR is the minimum that can be <br />expected from a surface coal mining operation at this location. Leachate discharges from the Edna Mine have <br />occasionally elevated the dissolved solids in Trout Creek. <br />Rule 4.05.1(2) Changes in water quality and quantity, in the depth to ground water, and in the location ofsurface <br />water drainage channels shall be minimized so that the approved postmining land use of the permit area is not <br />adversely affected. <br />The information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. The approved postmining land use is rangeland <br />[Permit Application Package (PAP) page 1.0-SJ. <br />Rule 4.05.1(3) In no case shall Federal and State water quality statutes, regulations, standards, or efjluent <br />limitations be violated. <br />This review indicates that the mine reclamation operation is in compliance with this rule. <br />Rule 4.05.12 Protection of Ground Water Recharge Capacity. <br />Surface coal mining operations shall be conducted in a manner that facilitates reclamation which will restore <br />approximate premining recharge capacity, through restoration of the capability of the reclaimed areas as a whole, <br />excluding coal processing waste and underground development waste disposal areas and fills, to transmit water to <br />the ground water system. The recharge capacity shall be restored to a condition which: <br />Information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. Coal was extracted by open pit mining operations on the <br />limb of a syncline. Premining bedrock units were exposed above the area mined in cliffs and steep slopes formed by <br />the Oak Creek valley. Premining rechazge to bedrock units was limited at these outcrops and relatively impervious <br />near-surface units on a mined synclinal limb. The mined overburden was backfilled to approximate original contour. <br />Recharge to groundwater has -ikely been enhanced, but to a small degree due to the impervious nature of the seams <br />and units, by sustained exposure of detained water in the backfill materials at the interface with bedrock units at the <br />mined pit low-wal-s and underlying bedrock unit. The more gradual discharge of spoil springs, in lieu of the rapid <br />premining surface runoff, enhances recharge of alluvial materials at the foot of the mined scopes. <br />Rule 4.05.12(1) Supports the approved postmining land use; <br />The restored recharge capacity supports the approved postmining land use. Permanent impoundments provide a <br />source of water to livestock and wildlife. Spoil springs provide an extended recharge (surface and alluvial) to Trout <br />Creek. Areas of backfill appear to support successful revegetation. <br />Rule 4.05.12(2) Minimizes disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the permit area and in adjacent <br />areas; and <br />As analyzed below, disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the permit area and in adjacent azeas has been <br />minimized. <br />Rule 4.05.12(3) Provides a rate of recharge that approximates the premining recharge rate. <br />As explained below, rechazge rates approximate premining rechazge rates. <br />Rule 4.05.13(4) Monitoring Report Requirements <br />Page 2 <br />