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:` <br />would normally be the impact on Hubbard Creek from water that seeps <br />through the pile. <br />No coal waste remains at the Blue Ribbon Mine site, so this is no <br />longer an issue. <br />Summary and Findings <br />The Division has examined the probable hydrologic consequence due to mining <br />operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the Blue Ribbon Mine. The <br />Division finds that underground mining at the Blue Ribbon Mine will not have a <br />significant impact on these water systems. The mine will take the necessary measures to <br />ensure that mining will not affect the hydrologic regime (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br />IV. To soil <br />Little topsoil was salvaged during construction of the mine due to the fact the majority of the <br />disturbance took place before topsoil salvage was a requirement under Colorado law. Previous <br />disturbances to the area associated with the old Blue Ribbon Mine and the highly variable soil <br />depths on the steep slope areas made topsoil salvage impractical. However, topsoil that was <br />salvaged was combined with material from Pond No. 1's embankment and has been shown <br />through soils analysis to be suitable as a plant growth medium. This will result in a respread soil <br />depth of four inches over the entire disturbed area. Suitability of the existing disturbed area soils <br />as plant growth media was limited in two of the six samples taken by a low pH (pH = 5.5). The <br />severity of the limitation is slight and no hazard to reclamation success is expected with the <br />proposed plan. Prior to redistribution, the disturbed area was ripped to eliminate slippage <br />surfaces, relieve compaction, and provide for adequate root penetration. Prior to seeding, the <br />opera~~tor sampled all soils and treated with the appropriate amendments as required. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />The alluvial well drilled in the Hubbard Creek alluvium for the mine's water supply has been <br />backfiilled and sealed (4.07.3). For a diagram of how the well was sealed, see Plate 17 in the <br />permit application. <br />VI. Use of Explfosives <br />There were no explosives used at the Blue Ribbon Mine, therefore this section does not apply <br />(4.08). <br />VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br />The Blue Ribbon mine did not require a disposal area for excess spoil (4.09). <br />26 <br />