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Ground Water Quantity and Ouali <br />Flooding of the mine workings continues at a rate close to what is estimated in Exhibit 8 of the permit <br />application. The mine is filling at the rate of about 5 feet per year. <br />Alluvial water levels, as indicated in wells PAW-1 upstream of the mine and PAW-9 downstream of the <br />mine, continue to show normal variation due to seasonal influences and no impact to alluvial water levels <br />can be identified at this time. Water levels continue to be at or near all-time lows, likely due to the third <br />year of drought conditions. <br />Alluvial water quality remains slightly more saline than the surface water, which recharges the alluvium, <br />but is within an acceptable range for all known and current uses. TDS values in PAW-1 continue to be <br />very low, this yeaz measured at 70 mg/1(60 mg/1 in 2001, 80 mg/1 in 2000). The reason for low TDS levels <br />water at PAW-1 is not apparent. Sampling error does not seem to be the cause as this phenomenon has <br />occurred for four consecutive years. Normally, alluvial water is slightly higher in TDS, rather than <br />considerably lower. Surface water TDS at station PRS-1 on the Purgatoire River was measured at 170 <br />mg/1. <br />Quality changes due to mining are not apparent. Some alluvial water quality changes would be expected <br />due to the large amount of pre-law coal waste deposited in direct contact with alluvial and surface waters. <br />Water quality degradation from upstream (PAW-I) to downstream (PAW-9) is again apparent but alluvial <br />water quality at PAW-9 remains relatively good and is acceptable for all uses. No impact to alluvial water <br />from mining activities is apparent. <br />Sprine and Seep Survey <br />The spring and seep survey was conducted in August this year in accordance with the approved plan. <br />Spring flows have been variable over the historic monitoring period and aze generally small, having only a <br />localized importance to wildlife or livestock. There is no evidence at this time that mining activities have <br />reduced or impacted the springs in the azea. The 2002 water year was marked by extreme dryness during <br />all months and is the third consecutive year of low precipitation. Springs were found dry in 2002. <br />Summary <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was good in 2002. Surface water quantity and quality changes are small <br />to non-existent, and due to the possibility of only limited discharge, surface water impacts are not <br />anticipated. Ground water quantity impacts are not apparent. Processing activities should have only a <br />minimal impact on ground water quantity and quality. Flooding of the workings continues at the rate <br />estimated in the permit. <br />If you have any questions, please call me. <br />Sincer y, ~/a~~~ W""`" <br />Kent Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist II <br />