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Highland Wells <br /> r The highland wells (windmills) to the south of the Purgatoire River <br /> are all owned by WFC. Water levels were measured at numbers 4, 5, 6, 7 and <br /> 9; the respective water levels were 25 ft, 15.5 ft, 46.5 ft and 7.5 ft. <br /> The water quality is similar to the water quality of seepage from coal and <br /> very different from the surface water quality in streams and stock ponds. <br /> Similarity in water quality suggests that windmill water is coming from an <br /> upper coal seam(s) . Additionally, it is doubtful that their is sufficient <br /> head in lower coal seams or sandstone to produce such a high water table. <br /> The water is not coming from the Allen seam at the New Elk or the Apache <br /> seam at the Golden Eagle as the mine workings are relatively dry. <br /> Geologic logs from the highland areas show a series of coal seams <br /> approximately 100 to 150 feet below the ground surface. It is believed <br /> this is the source of water for the windmills. Further evaluations of <br /> water quality and geologic interpretations will be made in response to <br /> other permit stipulations to substantiate this hypothesis. <br /> ImDact Assessment <br /> WFC does not expect any impacts on the wells within the Purgatoire <br /> Valley nor the highland areas as a result of mining at the New Elk or <br /> Golden Eagle Mines. This based primarily on empirical data from past <br /> mining operations and partly on water user information presented here and <br /> past data in the permit application submitted by CF&I. <br /> New Elk Mine development extends under the Purgatoire River beneath <br /> _ls 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14. Well owners have not experienced any <br /> adverse effects on the quantity or quality of water in these wells. The <br /> Allen seam is approximately 200 ft below these wells. Since no additional <br /> mining is anticipated under these wells no impact is expected. Additional <br /> development mining has occurred in Apache Canyon (highland area) . Windmill <br /> Number 7 is located over this area. The windmill is still functioning and <br /> water quality is comparable to other windmills where no mining has occurred. <br /> It appears development mining has not impacted this well. <br /> -3- <br />