2011-05-18_PERMIT FILE - C1981012A ‎(14)‎

• Permit No: C1981012A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/18/2011
• Section_Exhibit Name: SECTION 2.04 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT FOR SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

below ground surface. Experience from previous mining operations suggests that the water
source for the windmills will not be affected by mining in the Apache and Allen coal seams.
The existing workings for the New Elk Mine extend under the Purgatoire River beneath
Wells 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 14. Well owners did not report adverse effects on either water quality
or quantity during previous mining.
(2) Surface water Information
The surface water quality and quantity information has been developed through a study by
Water, Waste and Land (1980) and updated by Whetstone Associates (2011). The reports of the
quality and quantity of water associated with the permit and adjacent areas to the New Elk Mine
are found in Exhibit 8, Hydrology and Geology Information. In addition, water quality analyses
are show in Exhibit 10, Water Quality Analysis. All surface waters in the New Elk permit area
and adjacent area are shown on Map 8, Regional Hydrology. Discharges of surface water
associated with both mine discharges and existing surface water at the New Elk Mine are also
shown on Map 8. Quality of water associated with both mine discharges and existing surface
water is shown in Exhibit 10, Water Quality Analysis. Updated water quality analyses for mine
water and surface water monitored between 2001 and 2008 are summarized in the 2011
Whetstone report contained in Exhibit 8.
The existing surface water rights in the permit area and adjacent areas were compiled from
records of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, and are summarized in Table 10A. The
primary sources of diversion are the Las Animas River, and various seepage locations. Irrigation
is the primary use of surface water diversions in the areas adjacent to the permit area. Other uses
include domestic, industrial, stock, municipal and fisheries.
WFC has conducted further surface water baseline and operational monitoring. Baseline studies
include establishing flumes in Apache and Santistevan Canyons. Quality and flow
measurements were taken during 1984 and 1985 in these canyons as well as the Middle Fork of
the Purgatoire River. Monthly flow and water quality data are currently being collected in Wet,
Lopez and Cherry Canyons and the Purgatoire River. WFC also evaluated springs and seeps in
and adjacent to the permit area. Exhibit 10, Annual Hydrologic Monitoring Report, contains all
surface water data taken since WFC acquired the Golden Eagle Mine.
TR -56 2.04 -25 Revised 1/31/11