2012-10-04_REVISION - C1981022 (5)

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C- 1981 -022 PR -7 Findings October 4, 2012 vegetation will be reestablished. On the North Fork of the Gunnison, the decision was based on the fact that the original stream channel would not be affected and water quality and quantity would not be adversely affected. The buffer zone variance was granted for the areas located at the stream crossing and pre -law bench area at the lower Hubbard Creek site and the topsoil stockpile at the upper Hubbard Creek site. The buffer zone variances on the North Fork of the Gunnison are located at the alluvial well and leach fields just above and below the town of Somerset (4.05.18(1)). 2. The Division has approved surface and underground mining operations within and through Elk Creek, an intermittent stream. The Division made the findings that: 1) the stream channel will be reconstructed in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4.05.4(4), 2) during and after mining, the water quantity and quality from the stream section within 100 feet of the surface coal mining operations shall not be adversely affected, and 3) the reclamation plan provides for the reestablishment of appropriate riparian vegetation. The Division has also approved surface and underground mining operations within and through Bear Creek, an ephemeral stream. The Division made the findings that: 1) the stream channel will be reconstructed in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4.05.4; 2) during and after mining, the water quantity and quality from the stream section within 100 feet of the surface coal mining operations shall not be adversely affected; and 3) the reclamation plan provides for the reestablishment of appropriate riparian vegetation. K. Probable Hydrologic Consequences of Mining (2.05.6(3)(b)(iii)) This section reviews the Probable Hydrologic Consequences (PHC) of mining at the Somerset Mine, Sanborn Creek, and Elk Creek Mine locations. The review includes the probable consequences which will result from the three mines. The Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study (CHIS) for the North Fork of the Gunnison River contains a detailed analysis of the cumulative impacts of all currently permitted mine activities within the North Fork of the Gunnison River drainage basin. The CHIS document is available for review at the Division office. This PHC is based upon information contained within Permit No. C -81 -022 (Somerset Mine, Sanborn Creek Mine, and Elk Creek Mine) and upon the analyses contained within the CHIS for the North Fork Gunnison River. The PHC separately addresses potential effects on groundwater and surface water. Effects on Groundwater Mining of the Elk Creek Mine will have some impact the groundwater regime within the immediate area of the proposed operation, but, as with the Somerset and Sanborn Creek Mines, the impact will not cause material damage to the ground 23