2011-11-10_REVISION - C1984065 (6)

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Actual operations for the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine included only minor disturbance on the surface, and developmental work for two portals. The surface disturbance totaled approximately 35 acres. NCIG has constructed drainage control structure's which treat runoff from 50 acres, only 35 of which were disturbed. Runoff from the majority of the area (37 acres) is treated prior to release in Sediment Pond A. There are 13 acres which include undisturbed area and small disturbed areas which have been designated as alternate sediment control areas, where runoff is detained in catchment sumps and filtered prior to discharge. The major water rights owned by the applicant are from the Vulcan Ditch, which originates in Canyon Creek a tributary to the Colorado River on the north side of the river. The water from this ditch is siphoned underneath the Colorado River and has historically been used to flood irrigate the alluvial valley floor north and east of the surface facilities. Since plans to operate the mine have been abandoned, there will be no consumptive use of water other than irrigation. During low -flow periods, the applicant has committed to giving priority to irrigation of the historic alluvial valley floor. Accordingly, the operation is not expected to impact flows in the Colorado River, or to have a negative impact on surface water rights holders. An analysis of Probable Hydrologic Consequences of the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine has been performed by the applicant, as required under Rule 2.05.6(3). Several effects from the proposed operations which were identified never occurred. Therefore there have not been and are not predicted to be effects which would adversely impact the overall hydrologic balance of the permit and adjacent areas. The operations proposed within the permit area were designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area. Appropriate measures within the application were implemented to ensure the protection of the quality and quantity of surface and ground waters within both the proposed permit and adjacent areas, from the adverse effects of the proposed mining activities. The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in 2.05.6(3), has been made and updated by the Division. This assessment, entitled Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment for the Upper Colorado River Basin, Volume II, is available for inspection at the offices of the Division. The Division finds that the reclamation operations proposed under the application have been designed to prevent damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area. In conclusion, no significant impacts to the hydrologic balance are projected at the Coal Ridge No. 1 facilities. Monitoring data from 1988 to present indicate no adverse impacts which could be attributed to the operation have occurred. The Division finds that there would be no, or insignificant, probable hydrologic impacts from approval of the application. IV. Topsoil Baseline soils information, topsoil removal and redistribution plans are found in permit Volume I and Volume II of the PAP. The two soil types occurring within the proposed area are the Heldt Silty Clay with an average salvage depth to 60 inches and the Nihil Stony Loam with an average salvage depth to 12 inches. Most of the surface and subsurface soil horizons rate fair to good as a source of topsoil material, exhibiting both low electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratios. Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine Permit Renewal 6 14 31 October 2011