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

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anticipated. There is no beneficial use of the groundwater in the mine permit area or vicinity. Mine inflow quantity has been documented in past Annual Hydrology Reports. It has been demonstrated that most of the mine inflow waters originate in the new faces of virgin coal seams. As these seams are mined, the coal seam aquifer is dewatered. New areas of the mine have a higher inflow rate than older, developed ones, which dry out after the area has been developed. Additional water originates from the Mesaverde sandstone lenses as they are dewatered by mining activity combined with subsidence. The operator has committed to a mitigation contingency plan for downstream users should they be effected by subsidence. Groundwater Quantity: Effect on the Colorado River Alluvial Aquifer Water quantity in the alluvium of the Colorado River aquifer is minimally affected by the mine operations. The quantity of surface water and groundwater in the Roadside North and South Portal facility areas and adjacent areas will not be adversely affected due to the recycling nature of the ground and surface waters in the alluvial valley floor. Mining did not occur beneath the Colorado River alluvial valley floor. Groundwater inflows to the South Mine workings discharge by gravity flow through a dewatering pipe near the reclaimed North Decline, at Discharge Site 016, into the Colorado River. Approximately 0.7 cfs of mine water is discharged into the Colorado River. III. Topsoil Soils resource information found in Volume 2, Tab 9, and the topsoil salvage and redistribution plan in Volumes 3 and 5, Tabs 13 and 14, of the application have been reviewed for compliance by the Division. Since mining at this operation began prior to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, no topsoil was salvaged in construction of the mine benches. Topsoil from the loadout area was used to build the loadout stacker pad, although a small amount was stockpiled. The majority of the topsoil salvaged was removed from the location of the Cameo refuse piles. Soils in the general area are commonly high in sodium and occasionally saline. This is reflected in the sparse vegetation which is primarily composed of salt-tolerant species and species such as greasewood, which are commonly found growing in sodic soils. The analyses of the stockpiled soil and the material presently on the surface of the disturbed areas reflect the saline and sodic conditions of the surrounding area. Upon completion of backfilling and grading operations, topsoil will be redistributed to a minimum depth of six inches, with the exception of specified areas where topsoil was not salvaged originally. These areas will be covered with a suitable amount of plant growth material and amended as necessary. Prior to redistribution of the topsoil, the graded surface will be ripped to relieve compaction and limit surface slippage. Permit Renewal No. 5 34 November 16, 2007