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West Elk Mine <br />Hvdrologic Protection During Operation <br />Once construction of the mine facilities was completed and mining operations commenced, <br />surface facilities site runoff was diverted into the surface site sedimentation ponds (see the <br />Collection and Diversion Channels Section of this Chapter). <br />Any discharge of water from the ponds to the North Fork of the Gunnison River is in accordance <br />with effluent limitations and monitoring requirements stipulated in the NPDES permit. See <br />Exhibit 7 to this Mining and Reclamation Plan. Should monitoring data indicate a violation of <br />any effluent limitation specified, MCC will notify the State, and proceed immediately to correct <br />the violation. MCC will periodically conduct maintenance and install erosion control in channels <br />to minimize contributions of sediment to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area. <br />Management of the refuse disposal areas and sedimentation ponds to minimise water pollution are <br />the major hydrological concern during operations. During operations, water will be discharged <br />from the mine. The water from the mine is routed through the surface drainage system into the <br />sedimentation ponds or discharged via the Lone Pine Pipeline or Sylvester Gulch Dewatering <br />Facility. No appreciable amounts of water discharges from the portal tunnels. The discharge <br />water is treated, if necessary, to meet water quality standards. Should more groundwater be <br />encountered than anticipated, prior to discharge of excess mine water, an analysis of anticipated <br />water quality and quantity and its effects on the receiving stream will be provided. The F, E and <br />B coal seams are not of an acid- or iron-producing nature. The discharge from the mine has a <br />minimal effect upon the existing hydrologic balance. <br />The loadout facilities consisting of the silo, loadout conveyor, and loadout building are designed <br />to prevent negative impacts to the river. Transfer points at the silo and the loadout building are <br />enclosed, and have dust suppression systems (water sprays). The loadout conveyor is in an <br />enclosed gallery where it crosses the river and the CDOT highway bridge. The loadout building <br />is totally enclosed and runoff from the area impounded within the limits of the facility where it is <br />treated before discharging. <br />2.05-38 Revised November 2004 PR10; Rev. March 2006; Rev. Apri12006 PRIG; Rev. May 2006 PR10; Rev. January 2009 MR-350 <br />