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upon funding. A solicitation for funds will be made to the <br /> Office of Surface Mining in early 1994 . <br /> Contamination of the Crystal River <br /> The Division has undertaken an analysis of available water <br /> quality data to determine the extent, if any, of water quality <br /> degradation to the Crystal River as a result of the Coal Basin <br /> operation. The analysis and supporting documentation is attached <br /> as Appendix 13 . <br /> The analysis of the water quality data brings to light a number <br /> of factors which have not been specifically addressed by any <br /> agency to date. Some of the specific findings which are relevant <br /> to the allegations are: <br /> - It would appear that the Crystal River, from a point above its <br /> confluence with Coal Creek to a point some distance down stream <br /> historically has not supported a fishery. Although the reason <br /> for this is not known, it is evident that the Coal Basin Mine <br /> contribution of sediment to the Crystal is not sufficient to <br /> preclude a fishery. Further, the absence of a fishery above the <br /> confluence of Coal Creek certainly indicates that other, <br /> undefined factors impact the Crystal River fishery. <br /> - The Crystal River has exhibited high metal concentrations in <br /> specific segments of the stream below Coal Creek. The segment of <br /> the Crystal immediately below Coal Creek has not exhibited high <br /> metals concentrations, but areas further down stream have. No <br /> direct correlation to the Coal Basin mine is evident. <br /> - Coal Creek does exhibit detectable metals (Cu, Pb, As, Mo, Ni, <br /> Zn) . These concentrations are below aquatic life standards. <br /> - The high Total Dissolved Solids values do not appear to be <br /> harmful to aquatic life. <br /> - Water quality, as measured by Total Suspended Solids, has <br /> improved since implementation of the Colorado Coal Regulatory <br /> Program. <br /> - Total Dissolved Solids concentrations are increasing. This may <br /> be due to the recently saturated condition of the Mancos Shale <br /> through which the Rock Tunnel is driven. <br /> As recommended in the report, the Division will conduct regular <br /> sampling of Coal Creek at Station 120 for full suite analysis. <br /> This sampling program will be initiated during the Spring of <br /> 1994, and continue through base flow of 1994. At that time <br /> analysis of the data will ascertain more fully the flow <br /> -9- <br />