2008-03-03_PERMIT FILE - C2006085 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C2006085
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/3/2008
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.04 Information on Environmental Resources
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Throughout; the approximately 700 feet of this formation in the permit
area, the strata are highly variable with significant cross-bedding and
inter-bedding. The lithology previously described the geology section of
this application include rock types that vary from very fine grained
siltstones to well-cemented sandstones. A review of the geologic data
from drill hole logs indicate that siltstones and shales comprise most of
the Vermejo formation. These strata exhibit low permeability while
both the horizontal and vertical conductivity are low. While many of
the sandstones and coal seams within the Vermejo are capable of
storing and transmitting groundwater, the lenticular nature and
significant cross-bedding and inter-bedding which characterize this
formation effectively limit lateral continuity and consequently
groundwater transmission capabilities.
The Raton and Poison Canyon Formations which lie a minimum of 500
to 550 feet above the Ocean Wave seam display similar lithologic and
stratigraphic characteristics to those previously described for the
Vermejo Formation. Relatively low permeability siltstone and shales
along with Extensive cross-bedding and inter-bedding effectively limit
potential storage and movement of any significant quantities of
groundwater.
The Ocean 'Wave Coal Seam is part of the Vermejo Formation. The
Vermejo consists of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone and coal
beds. The i:hickness of this coal seam ranges from 4 to 6 feet based
on site spec:iflc core and monitoring well data (see attached borehole
logs for NF-01, NF-02 and NF-03A). The Vermejo Formation dips to
the west and northwest at the mine location and the depth to the
Ocean Wave coal seam ranges from approximately 300 to 800 feet
beneath thE~ ground surface as illustrated in cross sections A - A' and B
- B'. We note that during the drilling of the on-site monitoring wells
and drilling of a recently constructed water supply well, located as
shown in Figure 1, there was very little ground water encountered in
the Vermejo formation including the Ocean Wave coal seam. The
Vermejo and overlying units have low permeabilities based on
information from the on-site core hole and monitoring well data as well
as well records and previous studies in the area.
The ground water hydrology of the area is characterized by the low
permeabilities (hydrologic conductivity of the coal seam and Vermejo
units) the primary direction of ground water flow is generally from
south to north towards the Arkansas River. This low hydraulic
conductivity in sandstone units of the Vermejo Formation is supported
by pumping test data reviewed by Bishop-Brogden Water Consultants.
The pumping test data referenced in Exhibit J are based on reported
2.04-18 Revised 11/05/07