2012-05-30_PERMIT FILE - C1981012A ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981012A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/30/2012
• Section_Exhibit Name: Section 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plan
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

process 650 raw tons per hour for a maximum tonnage of 3.0 million raw tons of coal per year.
The Operator estimates that 11 gallons /raw ton for make -up water is required in the processing,
while utilizing 21.0 gallons /raw ton. In the event that all of the additional make -up water is
acquired from the river, the New Elk Mine would consume 97 acre -feet annually. The recycling
of thickener slurry through the New Elk Mine workings will decrease the amount of water
consumed from the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River. Updated well permits are required to
initiate recycling of slurry. The Operator is currently working with the Division of Water
Resources on the requirements to update the slurry injection well permits.
Approximately 856,048 tons were processed through the New Elk Mine preparation plant
during 1993. An estimated 52.8 acre -feet were used in the preparation plant. Metering of water
taken at the New Elk Mine for domestic use was calculated as 0.25 acre -feet for 1993.
Water utilized in and around the mine for dust control is estimated to be a maximum of
50 acre -feet annually. Bathwater requirements, based on 180 employees and a consumption of
70 gallons per minute per man day is estimated at 1.1 acre -feet.
New Elk Coal Company has two water leases, -Hill Ranch and the City of Trinidad. Hill
Ranch is 180 acre -feet approved for diversion at the mine and storage when in priority. The City
of Trinidad lease is 50 acre -feet up to 200 additional acre -feet if needed and available in Trinidad
Reservoir as per lease and an Administrative Exchange issued by the District Water Engineer. A
6 -inch pipeline for domestic water supplied by the City of Trinidad water is expected to be
extended to the mine in 2011.
Two dewatering wells may be necessary as mining moves north and east in the Allen
Seam. They are required only if the separation pillar between flooded old works and the mine is
insufficient. Establishing that the old works are flooded will take place as mining advances to
the north and east. If the wells are required, the appropriate permits will be applied for through
the Division of Water Resources. Direct use of mine water will require an Augmentation Plan
which will be applied for through the Division of Water Resources. Augmentation plans do not
increase the amount of water available for consumptive use, but instead allows the mine the
flexibility to use mine water instead of diverting river water.
Sedimentation Control. Changes to the surface water regime during mining will include
an increase in flow to the surface drainage system from the pumping of mine inflows, and a
change in the peak hydrograph of waters flowing through the disturbed portions of the permit
area. Changes in the amount of flow will vary due to an increase in the disturbance area and
greater runoff, but downstream, the presence of sedimentation ponds will decrease the peak and
extend the release of these waters to the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire over a longer period of
time than a typical storm event. Qualitative changes will include minor increases in total
dissolved solids (TDS) from increased weathering of disturbed areas. The increased disturbance
will result in an increase in total suspended solids (TSS) in surface waters within the disturbed
area, but an overall lower TSS level in surface waters below the sedimentation ponds.
The plan for the control of surface water across the mine facilities area is shown on Map
13, Sediment and Surface Water Control.
TR56 2.05 -60 Revised 5111