2009-03-03_REPORT - C1982056 (2)

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Alluvial well AVF-15 and associated surface site SW-15 are located between the two sets of upstream and downstream sites, presently within a ponded subsidence zone. Localized ponding occurred in this area in September/early-October of 2004. The creek bed flow path has subsequently reestablished itself. A portion of Fish Creek was last subsided in 2006. In that year, a short segment of Fish Creek crossed approximately 160 feet into the zone of anticipated subsidence (based on the subsidence limit line) along the extreme eastern edge of the 19-Right Longwall Panel. Minimal subsidence impacts were noted along roughly 500 linear feet of Fish Creek, in this area. Note that during 2008, no significant ponding effects were observed in this area, with the exception of site AVF-15, which appears to be in a permanently ponded area. Hydrologic monitoring in 2008 did not indicate significant water quality impacts to Fish Creek. Iron concentrations for surface sites SW-14, SW-15, and 305 ranged from 290 ug/1 to 4460 ug/l. Note that seasonal fluctuations in the concentrations of some analytical parameters (e.g. iron, conductivity, 'IDS, etc.) do occur at the surface sites. Increases in iron concentration are often related to accumulation and leaching of iron-bearing strata/sediments during spring runoff. Some elevated iron concentrations may also be related to ponding effects (e.g. increased solids in ponded samples) Foidel Creek: was historically undermined and subsided by TCC's mining of the 9 Rt, 8 Rt, 7 Rt, and to a very limited extent, the 6 Rt panel, and extreme eastern end of panel 12 Rt. Mining in 12 Rt was completed in 2001, and subsequently sealed in September 2001. No significant changes to the creek channel were noted in 2008. Middle Creek: was historically undermined and subsided by TCC's mining of the 2 through 6 RT. No ponds were formed over the mined out panels. Mining in 6 RT was completed in 2000. No significant changes to the creek channel were noted in 2008. 5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Overall, no significant hydrology impacts, attributable to activities at the Foidel Creek Mine, were noted during 2008. See discussion below, summarizing data assessments. Note that eventual treatment of the TORT effluent discharge is still an ongoing concern. Resolution is expected in 2009. Water Wells: Water levels monitored in the Twentymile Wadge Overburden wells wells remained stable and comparable to previously collected data, and no significant water quality influences were evident from data obtained during 2008. Similarily, Twentymile Sandstone wells remained stable and comparable to previously collected data, and no significant water quality influences were evident from data obtained during 2008. Localized dewaterin€; of the Trout Creek Sandstone appears evident in the vicinity of the TCC potable water well 001-83-106 (Figure 18), although the level stabilized in 2000, and continues to be stable through 2006. The historical declining water level trend at well 001-83-107 (Figure 19), continued in 2008. This decline may be attributable to the pumping of well 001-83-106. Well monitoring at 95M001 (Figure 20) indicated a continuing decline in water levels which began in 1997, and appears to have stabilized in 2003. No significant inflows from the Trout Creek formation 16