2009-07-01_REPORT - C1980007 (6)

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West Elk Mine 2008 Annual Hydrology Report 37 • 3.4 Underdrain and Mine Water Monitoring Two underdrains and nine mine water inflow sites were monitored in WY 2008. The underdrains are located at the lower refuse pile (LRP) and at the refuse pile expansion (RPE). The LRP underdrain is located above the sediment ditch at the base of the pile, east of sediment pond MB- 2R. The RPE underdrain is located just above the RPE sediment pond. Mine inflows are monitored at sites in the mine where discernable flows are greater than 5 gallons per minute (gpm) and/or where flows are present for more than seven consecutive days. If mine inflows are continuous, they are sampled for laboratory analysis at least annually. In WY 2008, only one in- mine seep was sampled, at EIHG E3 XC47. No other mine inflows met the sampling criteria (MCC, 2009). The water quality data for the underdrains and the mine water sample are presented in Appendix H. Table 8. Summary of the Underdrain and Mine Inflow Monitoring Program Monitoring Site Flow Measurement Field WQ (pH, cond, temp) Annual Lab Water Quality Underdrains LRP 3 x Year 3 x Year Low Flow Period RPE 3 x Year 3 x Year Low Flow Period Mine Inflows (if sampling criteria are met) (i) Lab parameters include TDS, Cond., pH, Ca, Mg, Na, K, SAR, hardness, bicarb., Cl, Nitrite/Nitrate, P04, SO4, Fe (tot & diss), Mn (tot & diss), Al, As (tot), Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg (tot), Mb, Se (tot), Bo, Zn 3.5 U.S. Forest Service Water Resources MCC and the U.S. Forest Service (USES) District Office in Paonia, Colorado have jointly agreed to informally monitor the USFS-appropriated water resources that are located over planned longwall panels and within the angle-of-draw of potential surface impacts of the mining operations. The applicable appropriated water resources are listed in Table 9 and shown on Map 3. June 2009 HydroGeo, Inc.