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Wells in contact with aquifers will be filled with concrete or other suitable sealant and <br />plugged with a concrete seal. The permittee is not proposing to transfer any well. <br />H. Stream Buffer Zones <br />The Division previously granted a buffer zone variance for the area located under the overland <br />conveyor system and a portion of the disturbed area at the loadout facility. A portion of the <br />overland conveyor crossed the Colorado River. The overland conveyor has been removed and the <br />disturbed areas associated with the overland conveyor have been reclaimed. The buffer zone <br />variance no longer applies to the overland conveyor system. A limited portion of the disturbed area <br />at the loadout facility exists adjacent to the Colorado; therefore, the Division authorized those <br />activities associated with the disturbed areas near the loadout facility within 100 feet of the <br />Colorado River. No further disturbances within 100 feet of the river are proposed. <br />The following finding is required in order to allow SCC to conduct surface coal mining operations <br />within 100 feet of the Colorado River: <br />The Division approved surface or underground mining activities within 100 feet of a perennial <br />stream or stream with a biological community. This decision was based on a finding that the <br />original stream channel will be restored, water quality and quantity shall not be adversely <br />affected, and appropriate riparian vegetation will be reestablished. The buffer zone variance <br />is granted for the portion of the disturbed area at the loadout facility that is within 100 feet of <br />the Colorado River (4.05.18(1)). <br />1. Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />The protection of the hydrologic balance is outlined in Volume 5, Tab 19 of the permit application. <br />This permit section addresses possible impacts due to mine subsidence, possible impacts due to <br />mine water discharge, and effects related to surface disturbance. Possible hydrologic impacts due <br />to construction of coal refuse piles are also discussed in this document. The permittee's statement <br />of hydrologic effects has been reviewed by the Division for compliance with Rule 4.05.1 and <br />2.05.6(3). <br />Surface Water <br />Surface Water Quantity <br />Possible hydrologic impacts on quantities of surface water due to the Roadside and Cameo Mines <br />include impacts to: <br />1. Quantity of flow in the Colorado River, <br />2. Quantities of flow in Rapid and Cottonwood Creeks, <br />3. Surface seeps and springs above the Roadside Mine, <br />4. Dams and reservoirs above the Roadside Mine, and <br />5. Impacts due to water consumption by mine operations. <br />The permittee states that approximately 0.47 cfs of mine discharge water is added to the <br />Colorado River, increasing the flow by an average of 0.01 percent. Most of the water <br />28 <br />