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units. These beds would more likely undergo ductile deformation (bed <br />bending), rather than brittle deformation (bed fracturing). Stream flows <br />and local channel elevations will continue to be monitored in the permit <br />area, as set forth in the permit application. Subsidence magnitudes of <br />stock ponds will also be monitored. Specific measures MCC will employ <br />for assessing and protecting the Minnesota Creek water supply are <br />described in Exhibit 58 of the permit application titled, "Protection of <br />Minnesota Creek Water Supply." Possible subsidence impacts to streams <br />and ponds are discussed in the following Subsidence Control section. <br />Underground mine workings will come within 800 ft. of the Monument <br />Dam and Minnesota Reservoir. MCC explains in Section 2.05.6(6) of <br />the permit application that the reservoir probably will not be affected by <br />mining because the dam and reservoir are outside the predicted angle of <br />draw and a subsidence control plan will be implemented for mitigating <br />possible impacts from mining-induced seismicity. (Possible subsidence <br />impacts to the dam and reservoir and mitigation measures are described <br />in the following discussion of the subsidence control plan.). <br />MCC's surface water monitoring plan is described in Exhibit 71 for the <br />South of Divide and Dry Fork lease areas, and in Section 2.04 of the <br />permit application for other areas. As of late 2008, MCC monitors <br />surface water quantity and quality at 22 stream stations, comprised of 10 <br />stations with continuous recording and 12 stations with instantaneous <br />recording. A minimum of one year of monthly baseline data has been <br />collected on all streams prior to mining in a watershed <br />3. Summary and Findings <br />The Division has reviewed the Probable Hydrologic Consequences due to <br />mining operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the West <br />Elk Mine. The Division finds that underground mining at the West Elk Mine <br />will not cause material damage outside the permit area and hydrologic impacts <br />will be minimized within the permit area. (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br />IV. Topsoil <br />Baseline soils information can be found in Section 2.04.9 in Volume 1 in the permit <br />document. A suitability analyses of the topsoil was performed before the site was <br />disturbed. In most areas topsoil quality as seedbed material is considered moderate to <br />good, with a few areas that are considered poor. Soil mapping and physical descriptions <br />of the soil are based on SCS soil surveys completed for the area. <br />The operator's topsoil salvage and redistribution plan can be found in Section 2.05.4. <br />Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53. <br />39