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dissolved solids (TDS) and ammonia. The lab determined high TDS (chlorides) as the primary cause of the toxicity. However, a recent review shows no correlation between LCeo values and chloride or TDS levels. BME took the following measures to reduce toxicity of the effluent. ' On-site aeration structures were installed for HzS removal before discharging the effluent. • A pilot test was conducted to identify a flocculent for removing high levels of oil and grease from the effluent. ' The main water source of the mine was changed from the high TDS(>5000 ppm) alluvial well water to a significantly lower TDS (500 ppm) surface lagoon. • The raw water tank was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove sludge ' built up over years. This sludge was found to contain significantly high levels (1000 colonies/ml) of bacteria. ' - An MSHA waiver was received to stop the use of Wendon Dustrol-10 surfactant in the water spray at the longwall face. The surfactant has been ' found to be lethal to fish life at 500 ppm. The WQCD also sent an effluent sample and prior toxicity reports to the EPA laboratory in Duluth, Minnesota to investigate the cause of toxicity. WQCD never heard from EPA in this regard. WQCD does not think it is now necessary since the mine has been passing the WET testing during the three (1994-97) water years. Besides no mine water is discharged at this time requiring WET testing. A copy of the letter dated January 30, 1997 from WQCD is attached in Appendix H of the Thirteenth Annual Hydrology Report. a On December 28, 1992, WQCD wrote to WFU (now BME) asking either (i) to develop a control program which eliminates the toxicity through treatment of the TDS or (ii) to perform a study which determines if TDS is having a toxic effect on the stream and to develop a level of TDS at the discharge point at which an instream impact is not expected. On March 29, 1993, ' BME submitted a plan to use the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol III per EPA guidelines. Under this plan, BME would test the extent of impairment, if any, on the aquatic life in the White River due to the mine water discharge. It would involve sampling and testing of micro- ' invertebrates. No fish would be collected since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife refused to grant permission to do so because of the endangered squawfish being planted in the river. BME never heard from WQCD or received WOCD's approval of this plan. WQCD thinks it is now ' io