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Walker w File March 30, 1999 Page 2 of 2 Pages There is one surface water monitoring station upstream from minim activities (New Upper Goodspring Creek station) and one downstream from mining activities (Lower Goodspring Creek station). New Upper Goodspring Creek station designates the relocation of an earlier Upper Goodspring Creek site due to advancement of mining activities to the south. A review of water quality information indicates a rise in total dissolved solids (TDS) of approximately X00 mg/l (1000 to I X00) at the Lower Goodspring Creek station beginning around 198=1(see Exhibit ~ of the report). Corresponding rises are noted in calcium and sulfates. Concentrations appear to be gradually lowering over time. A corresponding rise in TDS is noted in the same parameters at the Upper Goodspring Creek monitoring site during the same time period (Exhibit 4, 1992 AHR). The New Upper Goodspring Creek site TDS values hover around 1000 mg/1. Streeter Pond dischaz~es between the two Goodspring Creek monitoring stations. Laboratory TDS values of dischazges from Streeter Pond into Goodspring Creek ranged from 2690 to 2900 during 1999 (Dischazge Monitoring Reports, Exhibit 2). Streeter Pond is located at the base of Streeter (excess spoil) Fill. There is no appazent spoil spring surface flow from the Streeter Fill charging Streeter Pond (none reported in Division monthly inspection reports or by the operator). There is • a subdrain system in Streeter Fill. There are seep inflows at the southwest corner of the pond (see Coal Inspection Report of 3/9 Maz 1999) with field TDS measurement of 1630 ppm. The cause of elevated TDS concentrations in the waters of Streeter Pond has not been determined. Streeter Pond is located on the historic Streeter town site, in the vicinity ofpre-law abandoned underground mining activities. There is a dischazge into Goodspring Creek from the vicinity of the Streeter underground coal mine portals north (down gradient) from the Streeter Pond and the Lower Goodspring Creek monitoring site. TDS values (Field) of this discharge exceeded 1990 ppm on 8 March 1999. TDS values at the Lower Taylor Creek monitoring site have remained consistent since 1983 (average around 1000 mg/I). No deviations from historic recordings of water quality or levels were reported for alluvial groundwater monitoring sites. The probably hydrologic impact (PHC) from mining activities [Permit, page 2.05-75; Rule 2.05.6(2)] is that "Surface water will not be significantly impacted in the mi.^.e azea". The P'.-'.C con.inues (Permit, page 2.05-7~) °In summary, the Colowyo Mine will not significantly affect the hydrologic balance or water quality of the general area or the permit area and the affect to the hydrologic balance within the permit area will be insignificant. Temporary increases in TDS and associated common ions are expected to affect quality in backfilled spoils within the permit azea." From information available at this time, this review concludes that the impacts on water quality and quantin~ from mining activities as the Colovvyo Coal Mine are within the probable hydrologic consegceaces as permitted. • CC: Dan Htmandez fi le: C:`.wpdocs\ahrrvw9S.0 19.doc