5600-PM-BMP0311-8
Rev. 1/2015
Module 8: Hydrology
8.1
Chemical Analysis
At a minimum provide the following data for each point in the background sampling and monitoring program and
report on Module 8.1(A). Dissolved metals may be submitted in addition to total. Specify on Module 8.1 (A) whether
metal analyses are total or dissolved.
a)
pH (field & laboratory)
b)
Total Alkalinity (mg/1) [to pH 3.9]
c)
Total Acidity (mg/l) [to pH 8.3]
d)
Total Iron (Fe) (mg/1)
e)
Total Manganese (Mn) (mg/l)
f)
Sulfate (SO4) (mg/l)
g)
Total Aluminum (Al) (mg/1) [A minimum of six (6) monthly background samples are required for receiving
streams, representative mine drainage and other sample points as required by the Department. Except for
High Quality and public water supply watersheds, aluminum need not be included in the monitoring program
after permit issuance unless specifically required by the Department.]
h)
Total Dissolved solids (TDS) (mg/1) should be submitted as part of Module 8.1 if the proposed operation is
within the watershed of a High Quality stream or a public water supply stream, or when otherwise required by
the Department.
i)
Flow measurements of perennial streams above and below the operation and all surface and underground
mine discharges must be measured by weir, meter or other approved methods. In addition all other flows from
springs, streams, seeps or other discharge points in the representative monitoring program must be measured
at least once during August, September or October. Estimate of flows for other sample periods may be
accepted on a case by case basis. Flows must be measured (not estimated) unless prior approval is granted
by the Department.
j)
Total Suspended Solids (mg/1)
k)
Specific Conductance (S/cm) at 25°C
l)
Field temperature at sample source (ºC)
m)
Provide a description of the type of sample point (e.g. well, spring, etc.) and its relationship to the mine site
(e.g. up-gradient, Lower Freeport perched aquifer, down gradient) and its Module 6.2 map grid location.
n)
Provide the name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of the individual(s) responsible for the collection,
and analysis of this data.
o)
Provide a description of the methodology used to collect and analyze this data.
8-1
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
8.2
Rev. 1/2015
Background Sampling and Monitoring
a)
Background Sampling
Background sampling must include water quality data of all sample points listed in 1) through 5) below.
Background sampling points must have at least two (2) complete chemical analyses, at monthly intervals. If
the background sample point is dry during a sampling attempt, indicate as such on Module 8.1(A) and repeat
monthly attempts to obtain samples during the remaining period of premining monitoring data collection. All
background sample points must be keyed to Exhibit 6.2 and compiled on Module 8.1(A). Sample points must
be clearly marked and identified in the field. Temporary flagging will be accepted for background points.
Samples should be collected prior to any form of treatment. If pretreatment samples cannot be obtained,
please explain under "Description of Sample Point" on Module 8.1(A). The following points must be
represented in the background sampling program:
b)
1)
each stream that receives discharge, runoff or drainage from the operation.
2)
streams, springs, seeps and discharges into or out of any wetlands within the permit area and within
1,000 feet of the permit area.
3)
each water impoundment, impoundment discharge, and surface or underground mine discharge within
the permit area and within 1,000 feet of the permit area. The location of discharge points greater than
1,000 feet from the permit boundary that are hydrologically connected to the proposed permit area
must be identified on Exhibit 6.2. Sampling of discharge points greater than 1,000 feet from the permit
boundary that may be adversely affected by surface mining may be required by the Department.
4)
each well developed to determine the characteristics of the groundwater.
5)
each private water supply and water supplies abandoned because of degradation or pollution from
mining, within the permit area and within 1,000 feet of the permit area. For each water supply
sampled, provide the data required on Private Water Supply Information Module 8.2(A)(5). Provide
driller logs if available.
Monitoring Program
Describe the proposed surface and groundwater monitoring plan that will be conducted. Representative
sampling points must be selected as monitoring points to characterize the water quality and seasonal
variations of the hydrologic system. Monitoring points must have a minimum series of six complete chemical
analyses collected at monthly intervals and should include the month of August, September or October. A
minimum of three (3) monthly samples may be submitted with the application and the additional three
(3) monthly samples while the application is in process for monitoring points added as a result of the
pre-application field meeting. Monitoring points 1) through 14) must be keyed to Exhibit 6.2. All monitoring
data must be compiled on Module 8.1(A) or equivalent facsimile.
If monitoring points are added during the pre-application field meeting, the Department will accept the
application with three (3) months of sampling results for those points only.
Samples should be collected prior to any form of treatment. If pretreatment samples cannot be obtained,
please explain under "Description of Sample Point" on Module 8.1(A).
At a minimum, monitoring plans must provide for collection and monitoring on a quarterly basis during active
mining status, unless specified otherwise by the Department. All monitoring points must be identified in the
field with durable markers that can be maintained (wooden stakes, metal or plastic tags, etc.; not just plastic
flagging).
8-2
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
Rev. 1/2015
The following monitoring locations must be included in the monitoring program:
Monitoring Points
(Key to Exhibit 6.2)
1) all receiving streams above any proposed or potential mining related
surface or groundwater discharge points,
2)
all receiving streams below any proposed or potential mining related
surface or groundwater discharge points,
3) abandoned underground or surface mine discharges that are
hydrologically connected and may be impacted by the proposed mining,
4) other representative underground or surface mine discharges within the
permit area, or within 1000 feet of the permit area,
5) representative wetlands with defined discharge points within the permit
area and wetlands within 1000 feet of the permit area that may be
impacted by the proposed mining,
6) representative springs and seeps within the permit area and within 1000
feet of the permit area,
7) water supplies that may be impacted by mining,
8) representative water supplies within the permit area and within 1000 feet
of the permit area,
9) each monitoring well developed to determine the characteristics of the
groundwater,
10) the aquifer below the lowest coal seam (If existing information is
inadequate, monitoring wells must be drilled. Monitoring well locations
and designs must be reviewed by the Department prior to well
installation),
11) treatment pond discharges.
12) sedimentation pond discharges,
13) pit water during active mining (identify by coal seam and bonding
increment),
14) any discharge(s) that develops during mining, and other significant
seeps/discharges recognized following permit issuance. Exhibit 6.2 must
be revised to show locations (Note: new discharges that require
treatment may require revisions to NPDES.)
8-3
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
Rev. 1/2015
Module 8.1(A)
BACKGROUND or
MONITORING REPORT*
(check appropriate block)
Operator:
Operation Name:
Permit No.:
Township:
County:
Date
Sampled
Method of
Flow
Measurement
Monitoring Point I.D.:
Description of Sample Point**:
Latitude:

’
” N and
Longitude:

’
” W
Grid Coordinate:
Surface Elevation:
Instructions: Use a separate sheet for each sample point and list results consecutively by date.
Flow (GPM)
or Static
Water
Elevation
Field pH
Specific
Conductance
Laboratory
(S/cm)
pH
@25°C
Field
Temperature °C
Alkalinity
mg/l
Acidity
mg/l
Iron
mg/l
Manganese
mg/l
Aluminum
mg/l
Sulfate
mg/l
Suspended
Solids
mg/l
Total
Dissolved
Solids
mg/l
Laboratory and
Name of Sampler
I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information submitted herein, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible
for obtaining the information, I believe the submitted information is true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information,
including the possibility of fine and imprisonment.
Signature of Permittee or Responsible Official or Authorized Representative ***
* Water Monitoring Report Cover Sheet Form
5600-FM-MR0113 may be used for mutliple monitoring
point sample submittals.
Date
** Description should include type of sample point,
relation to mine site, treatment and other comments
(such as odor, color, etc.)
8-4
*** Written notification of delegation of signatory authority
must be submitted to the Department if signature is
other than company official. Signature not necessary
if this report is submitted as part of the permit
application.
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
Rev. 1/2015
Module 8.2(A)(5)
PRIVATE WATER SUPPLY INFORMATION
(key to Exhibit 6.2)
Sample
Point
No.
Owner
(Include Phone Number if Available)
Type of
Supply
(Dug or
Drilled
Well,
Spring)
Driller
and Date Drilled
Use
Surface
Elevation
(MSL)
Depth of
Casing
8-5
Diameter
of Well
Depth of
Well
Depth to
Pump
Setting
Water Quality Problems
(odor, taste, straining, etc.) and Type
of Treatment, if any (iron filter, etc.)
Application Date:
Source of Information
(owner interview, survey by
consultant, etc.)
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
8.3
Groundwater Information
a)
b)
c)
d)
8.4
8.5
Rev. 1/2015
Describe the groundwater flow system(s) that exists within the permit and adjacent area. Include the depth to
groundwater, seasonal fluctuations, and the water table conditions present. Describe the relationship of the
flow systems to coal seams to be mined. Identify the groundwater movement of the area and the conditions
that control and influence the movement and infiltration. Include the influence of any underground or surface
mines. Description should include identification of any aquifer above the lowest coal seam to be mined and
the first aquifer below the lowest coal seam to be mined. Include stratigraphic units, depths, and any current
use. Reference site specific data and other sources used in arriving at conclusions.
Describe the quality of water in areas unaffected by mining. Discuss how this relates to the groundwater flow
system(s). Identify quality of springs, seeps, wells, etc. that represent "background" water quality.
Describe the effects which any previous mining has had on the quantity and quality of the groundwater in the
area. Identify the source, coal and rock unit involved and the reasons for the effect. Discuss the relationship
between mines identified in Module 7.5 and all discharges, seeps, springs, wells, etc. that are hydrologically
affected by this mining. Reference site specific data from Module 8.1(A) and 8.2(A)(5) and other sources
used in arriving at conclusions.
Identify other activities that have impacted groundwater quality (such as oil and gas wells, agriculture, etc.).
Reference sources used in arriving at conclusions.
Surface Water Information
a)
Identify each stream receiving drainage from the proposed operation. Discuss the existing quality, and in
particular, water quality from areas unaffected by mining. Identify stream uses (such as boating, trout fishing,
water supply, etc.)
b)
Identify the effects which any previous mining has had on the quantity and quality of the surface waters in this
area. Identify the source of effects, the, coal and rock units involved, and reasons for the effect. Reference
site specific data that support the conclusions.
Public Water Information
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection's, Bureau of Water Supply Management can provide
information in developing the information requested in this section.
Provide the name, type, and specific location (show on Exhibit 6.2 or U.S.G.S. Map) of all current public
(community and non-community) surface water supplies that have intakes on the receiving stream within 10 miles
downstream of the proposed permit area, and public water supplies in or within one half mile of the proposed
permit area; and public water supply wells for which any part of the permit area is within the well head protection
area. Show all three zones delineated for a well head protection area on either Exhibit 6.1, Exhibit 6.2, or another
suitable map. Provide name, address, and telephone number of a contact person.
8-6
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
8.6
Hydrologic Assessment of Water Supplies
a)
Assess the impacts of the proposed mining on each water supply within 1,000 feet of the permit application
boundary as well as any other water supply which may be affected by mining. Identify each water supply
source (or groups of water supplies) that may be contaminated, diminished or interrupted by the mining
operation. Provide a specific capacity, step-drawdown, or other approved yield test for all water supplies that
may be impacted by mining and for each proposed replacement supply source. Yield tests on other wells are
at the discretion of the applicant or as requested by the Department. Provide specific capacity data on
Module 8.6(A). For specific capacity tests and the first step of step-drawdown tests the rate of flow must be
constant and the test should continue for two hours if possible. Subsequent steps for step-drawdown tests
must be at least one hour in duration with a constant pumping rate throughout the step. Recovery should be
measured for a minimum of two hours following specific capacity or step-drawdown tests. Wells tested for
yield should not be subject to usage prior to or during the pumping test. On separate sheets provide raw
data (water levels at specific times, pumping rate, etc.), and time/drawdown and time/recovery curves on
single log paper.
b)
Identify the means to restore or replace supplies that may be affected by mining. Include a demonstration
that the quantity of the replacement water supply will be sufficient to meet the needs of the water supply use
(e.g., pump tests for specific capacity following procedures outlined in Module 8.6a).
c)
Provide the existing operation and maintenance costs for each water supply that may be contaminated,
diminished or interrupted by the mining operation and the projected operation and maintenance costs for the
proposed replacement supply. An example cost calculation sheet is available from the Department upon
request.
1)
8.7
Rev. 1/2015
If the operation and maintenance costs for the proposed replacement water supply will be more than
for the existing water supply, identify the provisions for compensating the water supply owner for the
increased costs or provide the Consent to Lesser Water Supply Agreement Form 5600-FM-MR0110 for
the increased operation/maintenance costs.
Probable Hydrologic Consequences
Describe the probable hydrologic consequences of the proposed mining activities (including auger mining) on the
surface and groundwater systems of the permit area and adjacent area both during and after the operation. This
assessment must consider surface and groundwater hydrogeologic data (including seasonal variations in flow and
quality), overburden analysis data, mining (and coal refuse disposal if proposed in Module 11) and reclamation
methods to be employed, existing water uses, effects of previous mining on water quality and quantity, background
(baseline) water conditions and so forth. If the predicted postmining effects are different than the effects of
previous mining, discuss why this mine's effects will be different. Reference site specific data and other sources
used in arriving at conclusions.
8-7
Application Date:
5600-PM-BMP0311-8
Rev. 1/2015
MODULE 8.6(A): SPECIFIC CAPACITY DATA
WELL OR SAMPLE ID:
Top of Casing (msl):
Land Surface (msl):
Static Water level
(before test):
Well Bottom (msl):
Pump Setting (msl):
Pumping Rate (gpm):
Length of Pump Test:
Water Level (end of test):
Total Gallons Pumped:
Total Gallons Released from
Borehole Storage:
Specific Capacity (gpm/ft):
Percentage of Water from
Borehole Storage:
Comments on test and data:
WELL OR SAMPLE ID:
Top of Casing (msl):
Land Surface (msl):
Static Water level
(before test):
Well Bottom (msl):
Pump Setting (msl):
Pumping Rate (gpm):
Length of Pump Test:
Water Level (end of test):
Total Gallons Pumped:
Total Gallons Released from
Borehole Storage:
Specific Capacity (gpm/ft):
Percentage of Water from
Borehole Storage:
Comments on test and data:
WELL OR SAMPLE ID:
Top of Casing (msl):
Land Surface (msl):
Static Water level
(before test):
Well Bottom (msl):
Pump Setting (msl):
Pumping Rate (gpm):
Length of Pump Test:
Water Level (end of test):
Total Gallons Pumped:
Total Gallons Released from
Borehole Storage:
Specific Capacity (gpm/ft):
Percentage of Water from
Borehole Storage:
Comments on test and data:
WELL OR SAMPLE ID:
Top of Casing (msl):
Land Surface (msl):
Static Water level
(before test):
Well Bottom (msl):
Pump Setting (msl):
Pumping Rate (gpm):
Length of Pump Test:
Water Level (end of test):
Total Gallons Pumped:
Total Gallons Released from
Borehole Storage:
Specific Capacity (gpm/ft):
Percentage of Water from
Borehole Storage:
Comments on test and data:
8-8
Application Date: