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<br />Ground Water Ouantity and Quality <br />Flooding of the mine workings continues at a rate close to what is estimated in Exhibit 8 of the permit <br />application. Water levels in the three monitored locations that penetrate the mine workings continue to <br />increase and a trend suggested in 1998 is now apparent. The mine seems to be filling more rapidly now, <br />increasing in water level at a rate of 15 feet/year. Water elevation in NEW-2 and NEW-4 was reported at <br />7102 and 7105 feet above MSL, respectively. Water elevation seems to vary at NEW-3 in Apache <br />Canyon, and was last measured at 7034 fee[ above MSL. The reason for the increase in the rate of <br />Flooding is not clear at the present time. Water quality sampling from NEW-4 indicates water quality in <br />the mine workings is slightly degraded compared to bedrock water quality in the region. <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. TDS values in PAW-1 were measured at an abnormally low level (80 mg/I) <br />in 2000 as compared to previous years. The reason for high quality water at this location is not apparent. <br />Sampling error is suspected, especially considering conductivity readings taken during the 2000 water <br />yeaz. <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. Quality changes due to mining are not <br />apparent. Some alluvial water quality changes would be expected due to the large amount of pre-law coal <br />waste deposited in direct contact with alluvial and surface waters. <br />Sprin¢ and Seen 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 are 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 area. The 2000 water year was marked by extended dryness during <br />the summer months. <br />Summary <br />Monitoring frequency compliance was very good in 1999 and 2000. Surface water quantity and quality <br />changes are small to non-existent, and due to the possibility of only limited discharge, surface water <br />impacts are not anticipated. Ground water quantity impacts are not apparent and should be minimal due to <br />the continued idle status of the operation. No further coal mining at this location is currently planned and <br />processing activities should have only a minimal impact on ground water quantity and quality. Flooding of <br />the workings continues at the rate estimated in the permit. <br />If you have any ques[ions, please call me. <br />Since y, <br />Ke Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist II <br />cc: Dan Hernandez, DMG <br />