2008-03-03_PERMIT FILE - C2006085 (16)

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• historically been dry. Based on the available information, the small volume of ground water historically dischazged from the Ocean Wave seam rarely, if ever, significantly affected the flow of Chandler Creek, the unnamed drainages, or the Arkansas River below the proposed mine site. Projected Water Usage There is currently no mine activity, and as a result, no water use at the mine site. Future uses will include dust suppression, domestic use, and pond evaporation. The principal consumptive use of water at the mine site will be dust control inside the mine. Future production of raw coal at the mine is expected to reach 425,000 tons per year. At this production rate the annual consumptive use of water is estimated to be approximately 30 acre- feet. Conclusions In practical terms, water in the ground water system may be used at the mine site with no significant effect on the ground and surface water resources available to water users on Chandler Creek or the Arkansas Basin. • Nevertheless, due to current rules and regulations for the administration of water rights within the Arkansas Basin, the mine will require a plan of augmentation to replace the depletion to the river system that may occur due to the proposed mine operations. The plan of augmentation will be submitted before any consumptive use of water occurs due to mining activities. Alternatives Any other water usage alternatives such as attempting to store and release enough water at the mine site to ensure an amount of water equal to the mine's consumptive use would reach Chandler Creek or the other ephemeral drainages would be wasteful and impractical. There is virtually no reasonable source of water available neaz the mine site for reservoir storage, and the only likely point of required replacement will occur on the malnstem of the Arkansas River. There aze many alternative sources of water available on the Arkansas River. • -3-