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RULE 2 - PERMITS <br />considerations are also discussed under Ground Water Protection Measures, as these effects also <br />• apply to alluvial aquifers in hydrologic connection with the surface streams. <br />Mine surface disturbance areas will be reclaimed on completion of mining or when they are no <br />longer required to support ongoing mining and related operations. Reclamation, reestablishment of <br />vegetative cover, and restoration of effective surface drainage will minimize disturbed area runoff <br />to the sedimentation ponds. Restoration of natural drainage and direct discharge to the receiving <br />drainages once the non - permanent sedimentation ponds are removed at the end of the extended <br />liability period will effectively eliminate any potential surface water impacts related to the <br />sedimentation ponds. <br />Protection of Ground Water Ouantity and Ouality <br />SCCC has incorporated specific control and mitigation measures in the proposed mining and <br />reclamation plans to effectively prevent or minimize significant mining related impacts on ground <br />water quantity, quality, and recharge, storage and discharge relationships. Ground water systems <br />will be protected by limiting surface disturbance and mining- related subsidence both of which can <br />alter runoff and infiltration characteristics; controlling mine drainage and recycling any significant <br />mine inflow volumes in the operational mine water system; handling earth materials, mine drainage, <br />and runoff in a manner that minimizes acidic, toxic, or other harmful infiltrations to groundwater; <br />and managing excavations and other disturbances to prevent or control discharge of pollutants to the <br />ground water system. <br />PSCM operations have the potential to affect ground water quantity through inflows to the mine <br />• workings from the overburden and underburden, and the resulting cone of depression in the <br />groundwater potentiometric surface around the mine workings, and from alteration of surface <br />infiltration characteristics. Mining and related operations may also affect ground water quality by <br />modifying ground water chemistry, altering pH, and increasing concentrations of TDS and specific <br />chemical constituents. Specific activities which may potentially impact ground water quantity and <br />quality include the following: <br />• Mine dewatering <br />• Underground coal removal <br />• Surface placement of coal (stockpiling) and overburden <br />• Retention of drainage in sedimentation pond structures <br />Operational measures that will be implemented to mitigate these impacts are discussed in the <br />following sections. <br />PSCM's planned underground mining operations may result in passive drainage requiring handling <br />of mine inflows. Mine inflows will be collected and routed to temporary underground sumps for <br />retention and recycling to the operational mine water system. Excess mine inflows beyond those <br />required for operational use will be transferred to the surface and ultimately discharged through a <br />CDPS discharge point. As mining proceeds, ground water inflows will result in a temporary <br />localized reduction in the potentiometric surface in the adjoining bedrock units. While a localized <br />cone of depression will develop during mining operations, the mine workings will fill with water <br />• after operations cease and water levels in the mined area will reach equilibrium with those in the <br />surrounding units. As discussed in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences, the vertical extent of <br />PSCM Permit App. 2.05 -99 Revision 12/17/09 <br />