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Monitoring Frequency = Ground Water <br />Four ground water wells are monitored at the site on a semi-annual basis for both water <br />level and water quality. Two wells (MW-16 and MW-65) are completed in the Jack O <br />'Lantern coal seam and two wells (MW-23 and MW-NW) are completed in the Red <br />Arrow coal seam. These four wells were visited in June and December of 2009. MW- <br />NW and MW-16 were each found dry on both visits. MW-65 and MW-23 returned <br />normal water levels, as compared to historic data, and samples were taken from both <br />wells during both the June and December visits. These samples were tested, at a <br />minimum, for the constituents as required by Exhibit 25, part III (C) (5.) <br />Water Quantity and Quality <br />Review of the 2009 data and the historic data for surface and ground water indicates no <br />evidence of any significant or unpredicted impact to water quantity in the surface and <br />ground water systems. Some decline in water level in the ground water system is <br />evident in past data, likely due to underground mining and subsidence. A slight <br />recovery is noted in MW-23 but more sampling will be needed to determine if this is a <br />trend. Impacts are likely transient and temporary and are locally of no consequence <br />due to the lack of use in the general area. At this time, well MW-NW remains dry and is <br />not recording the flooding of the workings. It could be concluded that the water has yet <br />to reach the elevation of the screened interval of this well. Continued monitoring is <br />necessary to validate the prediction that mine flooding will eventually result in recovery <br />of the local ground water level. Water levels for 2009 indicate no changes due to past <br />mining activities. <br />Water quality sampling data indicate no significant changes in water quality of the <br />surface and ground water in the mine permit area. Inflow to the workings acts as a <br />pumping well; therefore, ground water flow is from the perched aquifers surrounding the <br />mined area toward the mine workings. Until water is measured in MW-NW (completed <br />in the mine workings), no conclusion regarding ground water quality can be made. <br />Continued monitoring in accordance with the approved plan may provide more definitive <br />information in the future. Field data regarding conductivity and pH indicate no change <br />in general surface water quality. <br />The mine is in compliance with the hydrologic monitoring requirements and with the <br />predictions made in the permit application regarding impacts to the hydrologic regime, <br />to the extent that the current data can be interpreted. Thank you for your diligence in <br />completing the approved hydrologic monitoring requirements. This concludes the <br />Division's review. If you have any questions, please call me. <br />Sincer ly, <br />Kent Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist III