2010-04-16_REPORT - C1982056 (3)

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Rule 4.05.13(1)(b) requires formal establishment of ground water points of compliance for coal operation which has the potential for negatively impacting the quality of ground water for which quality standards have been established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. The Commision's Rule 41 sets forth Basic Standards for ground Water. These Standards are applicable to ground water at the Foidel Creek Mine. In the judgment of DRMS, these Standards are applicable to ground water at the Foidel Creek Mine, however it is also the judgment of DRMS, the Foidel Creek Mine does not have the potential to negatively impact bedrock aquifers due to the nature of the geology (i.e. synclinal basin) found at the mine's location. Wells 008-AV-2 (Foidel Creek alluvium), 008-AU-3 (Fish Creek alluvium), and well 008-AT-1 (Trout Creek alluvium) will be established to satisfy alluvial ground water points of compliance. 3.3 Surface Water Monitoring Monitoring/Sampling Requirements: Table 32 presents a summary of surface water monitoring frequencies, which was last updated for Permit Revision 6 (PR 03-06 Exhibits 14-7 through 14-101 in March of 2004. Site locations are shown on Figure 2 (a.k.a. Map 13A), Hydrologic Monitoring Plan of TR03-42 (as well as in Figure 2 of this AHR). Table A of Exhibit 14 specifies three seasonal monitoring episodes (i.e. October to February, March to May, and June to September), each of which are further divided into two general categories of sampling frequency: 1) "Regular" monitoring that is done continuously, and 2) "Contingent" monitoring that is conducted only when there is a discharge from underground mine pumping at surface discharge sites 109 and/or 115. Note is that discharge from site 109 has not occurred in several years, and is not anticipated to occur in the future. 2009 surface water data is provided in Tables 33 through 49. Water quality parameters for these sites were typically within previously established ranges, unless otherwise discussed below. An historical summary of data has been provided in Tables 35a through 51a. Stream Gaging Accurately monitoring flow at stream sites can be difficult due to continual damage of gage stations by cows, horses, and weather effects. Many stations require repair on a regular basis. In addition, erosion of stream channel banks impact flow calculations. In the summer of 2007, TCC hired consultants (Rivers Unlimited, Inc. of Steamboat Springs, and Norwest Applied Hydrology of Denver) to assist with re-evaluating key stream bed locations, including rating curves for ongoing stream gauging. This on-going study continued into the spring summer and fall of 2009. A discussion of the gage study results are attached as an appendix in this AHR. In 2008 and 2009 the consultants assisted with the temporary repair of some gage stations. In 2009, four protective enclosures were constructed at historic flow meter recorder locations. New recorders will be installed and activated at these locations in the spring of 2010. TCC will be upgrading additional stations in 2010. Additional flow meters may also be added in 2010. Foidel Creek: Four surface flow monitoring sites on Foidel Creek (in the vicinity of the TCC mine portals and facilities areas) are utilized. Site 800 and site 14 are located upstream of the portal. Site 8 is located a short distance downstream of the portal area and is monitored in conjunction with alluvial well 001-5-5. Site 900 is 10