2007-11-16_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981041 (3)

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The overland conveyor system and a portion of the disturbed area at the loadout facility are within 100 feet of the Colorado River. A portion of the overland conveyor crosses the Colorado River. That portion of the overland conveyor is completely enclosed. This conveyor is an existing structure; therefore, the Division authorized those activities associated with the overland conveyor and disturbed areas near the loadout facility within 100 feet ofthe Colorado River. No further disturbances within 100 feet of the river are proposed. The following finding is required in order to allow Powderhorn Coal Company to conduct surface coal mining operations within 100 feet of the Colorado River: The Division approved surface or underground mining activities within 100 feet of a perennial stream or stream with a biological community. This decision was based on a finding that the original stream channel will be restored, water quality and quantity shall not be adversely affected, and appropriate riparian vegetation will be reestablished. The buffer zone variance is granted for the area located under the conveyor system and located near the loadout (4.05.18(1)). 1. Probable Hydrologic Consequences The protection of the hydrologic balance is outlined in Volume 5, Tab 19 of the permit application. This permit section addresses possible impacts due to mine subsidence, possible impacts due to mine water discharge, and effects related to surface disturbance. Possible hydrologic impacts due to construction of coal refuse piles are also discussed in this document. The permittee's statement of hydrologic effects has been reviewed by the Division for compliance with Rule 4.05.1 and 2.05.6(3). Surface Water Surface Water Quantity Possible hydrologic impacts on quantities of surface water due to the Roadside and Cameo Mines include impacts to: 1. Quantity of flow in the Colorado River, 2. Quantities of flow in Rapid and Cottonwood Creeks, 3. Surface seeps and springs above the Roadside Mine, 4. Dams and reservoirs above the Roadside Mine, and 5. Impacts due to water consumption by mine operations. The permittee states that approximately 0.47 cfs of mine discharge water is added to the Colorado River, increasing the flow by an average of 0.01 percent. Most of the water pumped from the Roadside North Portal ultimately comes from the Colorado River by way of aquifers which subcrop below the alluvium of the river. In addition, the water pumped from the Roadside Mine would naturally contribute to base flows in the Colorado River through aquifer discharges to the river. Therefore, the mining operation should have an insignificant effect on the quantity of water in the surface and groundwater systems of the Colorado River. Permit Renewal No. 5 29 November 16, 2007