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RULE 2 PERMITS
<br />2.04.5 General Description of Hydrology and Geology
<br />A detailed description and maps, as required, of geology, hydrology, and groundwater and surface water
<br />quality and quantity of all lands within the Collom permit expansion area, the adjacent area, and the
<br />general area, as defined in Section 1.04 (Definitions) of the Coal Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land
<br />Reclamation Board are provided below.
<br />Since 1973, detailed data and information have been collected, compiled, and analyzed by Colowyo on
<br />the geology and hydrology of lands within the Colowyo permit area, the adjacent area and the general
<br />area. This information is a compilation of previously - published reports, high - density exploration drilling,
<br />field investigations, geologic mapping, aerial photography reviews, topographic mapping, data from
<br />investigations by independent consultants, and climatologic monitoring data from on -site and the Craig
<br />and Meeker climatological stations.
<br />Colowyo has maintained close cooperation with many government agencies and has invited and allowed
<br />numerous agencies to conduct investigations and experiments within and adjacent to the mining area.
<br />These include but are not limited to the Water Resources and the Conservation Divisions of the U.S.
<br />Geological Survey, Colorado State University, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Land
<br />Management. A list of government agencies, references, and consultants that provided information used
<br />in this application is provided in the discussion under Section 2.03.3.
<br />The "general area" with respect to hydrology is defined by Rule 1.04, as that topographic basin that
<br />surrounds the area to be mined during the life of the operation. This area includes several watersheds and
<br />groundwater systems, which will allow assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of the quantity and
<br />quality of the surface and groundwater systems. Specifically, the "general area" includes the drainages of
<br />Wilson Creek, a perennial stream; and Taylor Creek, Jubb Creek, Little Collom Gulch, and Collom
<br />Gulch, minor ephemeral or intermittent drainages. Of these, the drainages of Little Collom Gulch,
<br />Collom Gulch, and the West Fork of Jubb Creek may be directly affected by mining operations. The
<br />remainder of the Jubb Creek drainage, along with Taylor and Wilson Creeks, may be slightly affected by
<br />power line, haul road, or conveyor construction, but will not be mined. Additional drainages in the
<br />"general area ", but outside of the topographic basin and not directly affected by mining operations,
<br />include Milk Creek, a perennial tributary to the Yampa River; and Straight and Morgan Gulches, minor
<br />ephemeral or intermittent drainages. Groundwater resources within the "general area" are delineated by
<br />these major basins and are a function of the stratigraphy and local climate conditions.
<br />Both the "permit area" and the "adjacent area ", as defined by Rule 1.04, lie within the "general area" as
<br />described above.
<br />The geological information for the "permit area" and the "general area" are discussed and described in
<br />detail in Section 2.04.6. Groundwater information for the general area, adjacent area, and permit area is
<br />set forth in Section 2.04.7.
<br />Collom — Rule 2, Page 26 Revision Date: 9/28/11
<br />Revision No.: PR -03
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