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3.0 -HYDROLOGIC CONSEQUENCES <br />Hydrologic consequences of mining and reclamation activities aze considered front two primary perspectives: <br />effects on water quantity and effects on water quality. These effects are addressed through flow and water <br />quality measurements of springs and seeps, streams and rivers, ponds and direct discharges, and depths to <br />water level and water quality of alluvial wells, and bedrock wells. However, water quantity and quality are not <br />independent functions of each other. Surface water and groundwater quantities and water uses are components <br />ofthe hydrologic balance of the region. Natural water quality vazies as a function of flows, type (groundwater <br />or surface water), and location. Discharge of underground mine water and runoff or discharge from mine <br />surface activities modify natural water quality. Analysis of potential impacts associated with mining and refuse <br />disposal have been completed and aze contained in the mine permit document. This report focuses on <br />describing the water quality and quantity of the Purgatoire River, side canyons and groundwater within the <br />permit and adjacent areas. All data collected is presented in Appendices A and B of this report. <br />3.1 WATER QUANTITY <br />3.1.1 Springs and Seeps <br />The annual spring and seep survey Took place between August 22 and September 6, 2002. Assessments of <br />springs and seeps (Appendix B) indicate that mine operations at the Golden Eagle Mine have not affected <br />current uses of springs and seeps. Theoretically, these resources in the vicinity of mining activity, especially <br />overtltose areas of longwall mining, could be affected. There is some potential for the loss of spring and seep <br />flows into the underground mine workings by fracture systems developed through land subsidence. However, <br />no springs overlie the Golden Eagle Mine. Springs 15, 20, and 21 are nearest to the workings. No impacts to <br />flow have been documented to date. <br />3.1.2 Purgatoire River System (Streams, Ponds and Direct Discharges) <br />All ponds and direct discharges associated with mining have been reclaimed. All surface water monitoring <br />points have also been eliminated from the monitoring program. <br />3.1.3 Groundwater <br />Water levels for alluvial wells (PAW- series) were within historic ranges for water levels at individual sites <br />(Appendix A). The depth to water was less in the spring and greater in the fall, responding directlyto the level <br />of water in the river. Water levels were higher in May due to spring runoff flow levels in the river. <br />Baseline monitoring of six bedrock wells at Golden Eagle was completed in 1995. Well development occurred <br />in June 1995. Table 3.1-1 contains well completion and water elevation data for these deep wells. Water <br />levels were constant in the overburden well SF-2. SF-2 is located near the fault system which was encountered <br />during mining. Inflow into the mine as a result of encountering this system may be the cause of water level <br />decreases. To the north, the coal well located at NM-21 rose significantly in 2001 but dropped back to <br />consistent levels ofprevious monitoring. Overburden wells NM-20 and NM-22 were both stable during2002. <br />Further monitoring will provide additional information to complete the assessment. <br />292-2002 AH Report (Mar.03.03)_rev2 <br />