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either the upstream or the downstream water sample data reported. No identifiable impact to surface water <br />quality or quantity is evident in the data collected and reported. <br />Ground Water Ouantitv and Oualitv <br />Flooding of the mine workings continues at a rate very similaz to that established prior to 2002. The rate <br />of flooding slowed in 2002-2003 for some unknown reason, possibly drought related. More normal <br />precipitation may have caused the rate of flooding to have returned to the previously established inflow <br />rate. The mine is filling at the rate of about 5 feet per yeaz. <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 vaziation due to seasonal influences and no impact to alluvial water levels <br />can be identified at this time. Water levels have returned to more historic levels following drought <br />conditions in 2000-2002. <br />Alluvial water quality generally remains slightly more saline than the surface water, which rechazges the <br />alluvium, but is within an acceptable range for all known and current uses. TDS values in PAW-1 <br />continue to be very low, this year measured at 60 mg/1(70 mg/1 in 2002, 60 mg/l in 2001, 80 mg/t in <br />2000). The reason for low TDS levels water at PAW-1 is not appazent. Sampling error does not seem to be <br />the cause as this phenomenon has occurred for many consecutive years. Normally, alluvial water is <br />slightly higher in TDS, rather than considerably lower. Surface water TDS at station PRS-1 on the <br />Purgatove River was measured at 120 mg/1. <br />Quality changes due to mining aze not apparent. Some alluvial water quality changes would be expected <br />due to the large amount of pre-law coal waste deposited in duect contact with alluvial and surface waters. <br />Water quality degadation from upstream (PAW-1) 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 appazent. <br />Spring 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. Springs had minimal flows and quality measurements in the <br />previously established range. There is no evidence at this time that mining activities have reduced or <br />impacted the springs in the azea. <br />Summary <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was good in 2003 and 2004. Surface water quantity and quality changes <br />aze small to non-existent, and due to the possibility of only limited discharge, surface water impacts are not <br />anticipated. Ground water quantity impacts aze not appazent. Future activities that may occur at this site <br />should have minimal to negligible impact on ground water quantity and quality. Flooding of the workings <br />continues at the rate estimated in the permit. <br />If you have any questions, please call me. <br />Sinc ly, <br />Ke orham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist II <br />