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minimize disturbance of the prevailing hydrologic balance in both the mine plan and adjacent <br />areas, and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area in <br />order to prevent long-term adverse changes in the hydrologic balance. <br />Information in the AHR indicates that surface (this mine is a surface mine) mining activities were <br />planned and conducted in compliance with this rule. The disturbance to the hydrologic balance <br />within and adjacent to the permit area caused by mining and reclamation at the Edna Mine as <br />indicated in the AHR is the minimum that can be expected from a surface coal mining operation <br />at this location. Leachate discharges from the Edna Mine have occasionally elevated the <br />dissolved solids in Trout Creek. <br />Rule 4.05.1(2) Changes in water quality and quantity, in the depth to ground water, and in the <br />location of surface water drainage channels shall be minimized so that the approved postmining <br />land use of the permit area is not adversely affected. <br />The information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. The approved postmining land <br />use is rangeland [Permit Application Package (PAP) page 1.0-5]. <br />Rule 4.05.1(3) In no case shall Federal and State water gualiry statutes, regulations, standards, <br />or efjluent limitations be violated. <br />This review indicates that the mine reclamation operation is in compliance with this Wile. <br />Rule 4.05.12 Protection of Ground Water Recharge Capacity. <br />Surface coal mining operations shall be conducted in a manner that facilitates reclamation <br />which will restore approximate premising recharge capacity, through restoration of the <br />capability of the reclaimed areas as a whole, excluding coal processing waste and underground <br />development waste disposal areas and fills, to transmit water to the ground water system. The <br />recharge capacity shall be restored to a condition which: <br />Information in the AHR indicates compliance with this rule. Coal was extracted by open pit <br />mining operations on the limb of a syncline. Premising bedrock units were exposed above the <br />area mined in cliffs and steep slopes formed by the Oak Creek valley. Premising recharge to <br />bedrock units was limited at these outcrops and relatively impervious near-surface units on a <br />mined synclinal limb. The mined overburden was backfilled to approximate original contour. <br />Rechazge to groundwater has likely been enhanced, but to a small degree due to the impervious <br />nature of the seams and units, by sustained exposure of detained water in the backfill materials at <br />the interface with bedrock units at the mined pit low-walls and underlying bedrock unit. The <br />more gradual discharge of spoil springs, in lieu of the rapid premising surface runoff, likely <br />enhances recharge of alluvial materials at the foot of the mined slopes. <br />Rule 4.05.12(1) Supports the approved postmining land use; <br />Page 2 <br />