2008-03-21_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1980007 (3)

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the permit application that the reservoir probably will not be affected by mining because the dam and reservoir are outside the predicted angle of draw and a subsidence control plan will be implemented for mitigating possible impacts from mining-induced seismicity. (Possible subsidence impacts to the dam and reservoir and mitigation measures are described in the following discussion of the subsidence control plan.). MCC's surface water monitoring plan is described in Exhibit 71 for the South of Divide and Dry Fork lease areas, and in Section 2.04 of the permit application for other areas. As of early 2008, MCC monitors surface water quantity and quality at 22 stream stations, comprised of 10 stations with continuous recording and 12 stations with instantaneous recording. A minimum of one year of monthly baseline data typically has been collected on all streams prior to mining in a watershed, including the Dry Fork lease area where monitoring will continue at stations on the Deep Creek Ditch, the channel of Deep Creek, and the channel of Dry Fork. 3. Summary and Findings The Division has reviewed the Probable Hydrologic Consequences due to mining operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the West Elk Mine. The Division finds that underground mining at the West Elk Mine will not cause material damage outside the permit area and hydrologic impacts will be minimized within the permit area. (2.07.6(2)(c)). IV. Topsoil Baseline soils information can be found in Section 2.04.9 in Volume 1 in the permit document. A suitability analyses of the topsoil was performed before the site was disturbed. In most areas topsoil quality as seedbed material is considered moderate to good, with a few areas that are considered poor. Soil mapping and physical descriptions of the soil are based on SCS soil surveys completed for the area. The operator's topsoil salvage and redistribution plan can be found in Section 2.05.4. Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53. Topsoil will be removed ahead of surface disturbance activities. Any vegetative cover that would interfere with topsoil removal will be removed first. The West Elk Mine had already completed the majority of topsoil and vegetation removal when the mine facilities were constructed in 1981. Since the majority of reclamation will occur upon completion of mining, topsoil stockpiles have been designed and maintained so as to minimize wind and water erosion and to preserve the seedbed material. Stockpiles in place for five years or more have been or will be seeded with the permanent seed mix. 39