Probable Hydrologic Consequences

This report discusses the hydrologic regime, the mining operation, and the probable
consequences due to mining.

An assessment of the effects of mining on the groundwater hydrology of this area utilizes the
conceptual model of groundwater flow developed by Wyrickl. Rainfall will infiltrate to the subsurface
horizons where it becomes groundwater. The amount of infiltration is dependent upon the permeability
of the upper layers of soil. Movement of the groundwater will occur in a downslope direction, towards
the center of the valleys. The groundwater in side or tributary valleys travels down gradient where it
joins the groundwater in larger valleys.

The depth of fresh water occurrence is controlled by fracture systems. The fractures are open
near the surface and become closed with depth. This concept further supports the belief that the
Stockton coal seam is not a primary groundwater system, but a collection point for the larger stress-
fracture relief system. The cores of the hills are essentially impermeable. The pattern of groundwater
movement, therefore, conforms to the patter of surface water movement. Distinct groundwater basins
coincide with surface water basins.

Groundwater Quantity

The rate of infiltration, and hence recharge to the groundwater system, will be altered by the
earth moving activities. Removal of topsoil and vegetation plus the effects of compaction from heavy
equipment will greatly reduce the amount of water entering the groundwater system. A greater amount
of normal precipitation will simply runoff as surface water and become impounded by the sediment
control dam.

Less recharge water will result in a loss of storage from the valley groundwater systems. Water
levels in valley and hillside wells may decline as a result of this change. The magnitude of the change is
difficult to determine since the various hydrologic characteristics of the system are unknown.

Upon completion of reclamation activities, infiltration rates should approach the pre-mining
condition. Establishment of an uncompacted spoil mass with good vegetative cover will enhance the
ability of rainwater to enter the spoil mass. Additionally, move groundwater may be stored due to
increased pore space in the spoil mass. By having greater storage in the groundwater system, water
wells may show average increases in water depth. No additional measures are proposed to re-establish
the recharge capacity since, as stated above, this is expected as a normal result of the proposed
reclamation.
Groundwater Quality

Water quality in the post-mining situation could be lower than the pre-mining phase. Increased
mineralization of spoil water is caused by the pulverization of bedrock into smaller, unweathered
fragments. Fresh mineral surfaces will be exposed to oxidation and solution by recharge waters. The
concentration of metals and dissolved solids will be greatly increased. The time required to the system
of these solutes is dependent upon the solubility of the spoil material and the rate of discharge from the
spoil. A period of at least several seasons would be expected before any improvement is detected.

The potential for acid drainage conditions is low. The results of geologic sampling and acid/base

-1-
accounts showed no significant acid production. Increase metal concentration are therefore not
anticipated. Total dissolved solids will increase but not as a result of acid production. Dissolved solids
will be higher due to the exposure of fresh mineral surfaces to weathering as a result of blasting and rock
moving.

Discussion of Groundwater Monitoring Program

The groundwater monitoring program in this watershed from adjacent operations spans a period of
greater than five years. The groundwater quality does not appear to have been affected by the mining
operations during this period of time. No excessive metal concentrations or low pH levels were
encountered during the background monitoring period.

SURFACE WATER

1) The peak discharge rates from the permit area will be controlled as a result of effects of the sediment
structure.

2) Low flow rates should increase during mining to post mining because the amount of
available pore space in the watersheds to be impacted will be increased by the fragmentation of the
material overlying the coal to be mined. The increased pore space will result in a larger amount of water
being stored in the spoil mass than during the pre-mining, which will sustain higher base flow rates in
the stream system.

3) The silt pond will control suspended solids during periods of low flow. The runoff from the permit
area will be minimal during low flow so the likelihood of suspended solids reaching the ponds is
minimal.

4) The probable impacts on the background parameters of iron, manganese, sulfates, solids, and
acid/alkalinity relations are keyed to changes in the pH of waters in contact with the spoil. Large
amounts of pyrite-bearing rocks would cause the formation of sulfuric acid. Low pH conditions would
occur, causing the mobilization of metals, imbalances in acidity/alkalinity ratios, and increased dissolved
solids.

Prediction of acid conditions is based on the overburden acid-account for the mine site. If the
accounting shows an excess of acidic material, problems may be encountered with respect to low pH.
For this particular mine, the acid-base account shows no substantial potential for acid production. The
mobilization of metals and other adverse parameters will be minimized.

Discussion of Surface Water Monitoring Plan

The results of the baseline surface water monitoring plan indicated relatively fair quality in the
area. The concentration of the TDS and TSS in the watershed appear to be rather constant. The
monitored watershed appears to be similar with respect to quantity and quality of surface water to
typical watersheds in the area.

1) All embankments have been designed utilizing SEDCAD4 whereby the design criteria calls for
compliance of the settleable solids standard.

-2-
2) The combination of embankment structures has the effect of reducing peak flows and maintaining
increased base flows, mainly because of their retention and storage capabilities. For this reason, the
potential for water supply diminution during periods of low flow is unlikely. Instead, base flows should
be increased and thus not inhibit water usage downstream during periods of low flow.

3) No problems with suspended solids at low flows are expected because of the size of the
embankment structures in relation to the size of the sub-watersheds. Embankments of similar size have
proven adequate in the control of suspended solids during peak flows and low flows.

4) Geochemical analysis of the strata associated with this mining operation reveal excess alkalinity.
Furthermore, a great deal of mining experience at this location has shown excellent compliance with
respect to the parameters of pH, alkalinity and acidity. As a result of geochemical analyses and mining
experience, acid drainage conditions are not expected.

Regulation 405 KAR 8.-030 Section 32(3)(d) 1 and 2 can be addressed as follows:

1) Groundwater in this region is mainly associated with the valley floor. Unconsolidated material and
fractured rock near the surface are tapped by local residents for domestic use. The ground water source
is easily recharged by surface flows and wells in the valley floor generally provide an adequate source
for single family dwellings.

With operations being well above the valley floor, it is not expected to diminish the groundwater
levels. As a result of our sediment control measures it would be expected that the groundwater levels
may be maintained during low flow periods.

2) A look at past water monitoring will show that pH, alkalinity, iron manganese,
acidity, sulfate and specific conductance levels have been maintained at better than acceptable levels
over a quite lengthy time span. Geotechnical analysis of the strata associated with previous mining
indicates that an excess of alkalinity exists. For these reasons, acid mine drainage is not expected or
predicted for this permit area.

Adverse impacts on the hydrologic balance are not anticipated or predicted. However, the on-
going comparison of pre-mining, during-mining, and post-mining monitoring data would indicate the
need for any changes to the mining and/or reclamation operations.

-3-