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Thy ~~c~Cr~~t Cyr®u~ <br />An Environmental Services Company <br />June 23, 2005 ,..f.,~ ~D <br />+~.® ~ <br />NUii Q ~ 2~ <br />Mr. Henry Barbe <br />Mountain Coal Company Oiviswn of Minerals ano GaWOgy <br />P.O. Box 591 <br />Somerset, CO 81434 <br />Deaz Mr. Bazbe: <br />Enclosed are the reports for acute biomonitoring tests performed for Mountain Coal Company on <br />effluent from the West Elk Mine Energy 017, East Sly Gultch and RPE Crossing dischazges. <br />There were no significant toxicity effects to either test species at any effluent concentration for <br />any dischazge. All effluents pass WET (Whole Effluent Toxicity) requirements for this sampling <br />period. <br />As per our discussions, alkalinity continues to be the most likely toxicant in the West Elk Mine <br />dischazge. The results from the three tested dischazge points suggest that as time and distance <br />increases away from the primary dischazge point (Energy 017) alkalinity decreases. This <br />decrease in alkalinity correlates to increased survival amongst test species. Because of the <br />persistant toxicity exhibited in past biomonitoring tests from the West Elk Mine and current tests <br />exhibiting mortality, although not statistically significant, further analysis to confirm current <br />results aze suggested. <br />If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 661-9324. <br />Best regazds, <br />~~~~ <br />Shannon Phelps <br />Senior Scientist <br />Enclosure(s): Report <br />Invoice <br />7341 Cannon Street • Louisville, Colorado 80027 • 303-667-9324 • Fax 303-661-9325 <br />