_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (259)

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III. The following conditions existing at the mine site should be described and their potential impact detailed: 1. Mine discharges The Nos. 1 and 2 mines are presently the only mines pumping in Coal Basin. No. 1 mine averages approximately 360 GPM the year around, while No. 2 mine will go from zero up to a maximum of 360 CPM in the spring (May/June) . Mine discharge samples have been taken since 1975 and although slightly elevated in TDS and salinity, (which is diluted by the time it reaches Coal Creek) they appear to be stable, that is they have not changed with greater depth of size or type of the mining operations. The new graphs at Attachment #1 do not show any great fluctuations of TDS or salinity against flow. Upon the completion of the tunnel complex (new buildings , water, sewer, etc. , 1987-88) the final plans call for bringing all of the mine discharge water out of the tunnel to be utilized in the new bathhouse and office facilities. Any excess would be routed (if necessary, elevated TSS, etc. ) through the sediment ponds. A constant clean water supply is also needed at the wash plant in the spring (high turbidity in Coal Creek) and a pipe line may be laid from the tunnel portals to the wash plant. The 1984 Findings Document also addresses mine discharge. 2 . TSS off road system The Findings Document for our Permit (1982) , Stipula- tion No. 12 (copy enclosed) addresses the TSS of the road system. Seven samples were taken along the roads in 1982/83 and a report made to Jim Herron (12/23/83) . Jim Herron analyzed the data reviewed other information, and summarized a report in a letter of February 17, 1984 (copy enclosed) . These roads are currently the main truck haul roads for the mine and carry some 1. 7 million tons of raw coal a year. This means some 60,000 truck trips a year. This road is also constantly plowed, graded, repaired and watered to maintain its surface. All of this activity will cease by the end of 1986 when the tunnel is completed to Nos. 1 and 2 mines. The roads will only be partially cleared in the winter (50o width) and begin partial reclamation in 1987. The activity level will drop to a light use road for inspection, maintenance and repair use only. The actual disturbance to the road surface would decrease by approximately 80 to 90 percent. 3. Ground water seepage from the refuse and development rock piles and their associated sediment ponds A. Old Coal Refuse Pile The seepage associated with the upper northwest Corner of the pile comes from natural springs and seeps that were in that area before the pile was constructed. These seep areas