2008-03-31_PERMIT FILE - C1980007A (34)

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West Elk Mine • If not already provided in AHRs, baseline data will be provided to CDRMS prior to longwall mining under or within the angle-of-draw of a monitored water resource. Spring water quality samples (Exhibit 19 and Exhibit 19A) were obtained from selected locations. These springs were chosen for water sampling on the basis of geographic distribution, generally reliable flow, availability of previous water quality data, and ease of access. Springs were selected to provide sampling points in each of the major watersheds in the project area, and to provide coverage throughout the lease area. Along with the water quality analysis in Exhibit 19, a comparison of the water quality analysis of the springs to water quality standards recommended by the State of Colorado has been performed. Indications are that spring water quality is good. Most of the springs located above the F-Seam show total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations vary locally and that there is not a large continuous groundwater reservoir supplying these springs. Furthermore, Mayo and Associates conducted a hydrogeologic analysis of the permit and adjacent area in 1999. The complete report is included in Exhibit 18. To summarize Dr. Mayo's findings: the groundwater systems are localized, are not areally extensive, and tend to form discrete groundwater bodies that are not in hydrodynamic communication with each other. Therefore, impacts to the water quality of a spring due to underground mining are highly unlikely. Monitoring of Reservoirs and Stock Ponds Although water level measurements are not taken on Minnesota Reservoir, the Upper and Lower • Dry Fork flumes provide an estimate of the reservoir inflows and outflows. The addition of the ditch company's flume (Middle Dry Fork) upstream of the reservoir has improved the accuracy of the reservoir inflow measurement. In addition, the West Elk Mine, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Paonia Ranger District in Paonia, Colorado, has agreed to infonnally monitor the USFS surface water resources (stock ponds), as depicted on Map 37, that are located directly over longwall panels to be mined or within the angle-of-draw per the agreement letter in Exhibit 19C. In addition to the commitments provided in Exhibit 19C, MCC will also photograph from the ground on a yearly basis the resources that are located over longwall panels to be mined or within the angle of draw. The results of the monitoring will be included in the Annual Hydrology Report. Table 12 lists the USFS water resources within or adjacent to the West Elk Mine permit area. 2.04-91 Revised A'ovember 2004 PRIO, Alarch 2006; Rev. April 2006 PRIO; Rev. May 2006 PR10; Sep. 2007 PR12. Feb. 2008 PR12