5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
Module 11: Hydrology
Instructions: A licensed professional geologist must certify the sections requiring geological and hydrological
information submitted under this Module.
11.1 Hydrologic Features - Permit Area
Provide a description of the surface and groundwater systems that exist within the permit and adjacent areas.
Include the depth to groundwater, seasonal fluctuations, flow systems and their relationship to the coal seam to
be mined, known groundwater problems, and the data and references used to establish the description.
Information must be specific to the proposed permit area and not general statements from published regional
hydrogeology reports.
Yes
No
Will this operation have a discharge to surface waters?
Are there any private water wells or developed springs within 1,000 feet of the permit area?
Are there any public (community and non-community) water supplies within ½ mile of the permit
area?
Are there any public (community and non-community) water supplies within 10 miles downstream
of the permit area?
Are there any mine pools or existing mines that drain into mine pools within 1,000 feet of the
permit area?
Will the proposed mine drain into an existing mine pool?
Is there any previous mining within 1,000 feet of the permit area that has affected the quantity
and quality of surface waters?
Will there be any coal or waste stored in the permit area?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions complete the applicable portions of the following sections.
11.2 Hydrologic Description – Permit Area
Attach a narrative description of existing groundwater and surface water resources of the area to be affected by
the proposed activity, addressing the items listed below. Separate descriptions should be prepared to address
the underground permit area and surface activity sites where coal preparation, coal refuse disposal, coal
storage, or mine drainage treatment are proposed.
a. The groundwater flow conditions (confined, unconfined, perched) within the permit and adjacent areas.
b. Name and elevation of mine pool or workings the proposed mine will drain to
c. Name and location of discharge point(s) from mine pool or workings the proposed mine will drain to
d. The depth to respective groundwater flow systems or mine pools and seasonal fluctuations.
e. General patterns of groundwater movement.
f.
Any unusual conditions that influence groundwater movement.
g. The relationship between groundwater discharge and surface water flow.
h. The uses of the groundwater in the permit and adjacent areas, and the general quality and quantity of water
in aquifers that serve as current sources of supply and those which may be used to develop replacement
supplies.
i.
The impact of past mining activities on the quality and quantity of local water resources.
j.
If the operation is existing, document the nature of water problems or peculiar conditions associated with
the operation (zones of high inflow, breached barriers, drainage conduits from other workings, mine pools,
etc.).
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5600-PM-BMP0321-11
11.3
3/2012
Inventory Information
a. Well and spring inventory i.
Using Form 11.3A, provide inventory data on all well and spring supplies which are located within
1,000 feet of where the surface activities will take place.
ii.
If underground mining operations will encroach within one half mile of a well or spring which serves
as a significant source of public water supply.
b. Stream inventory i.
c.
Using Form 11.3B provide inventory information for the following streams.
(1)
Streams which will receive discharges from the proposed activity.
(2)
Streams which flow over the underground permit area of a proposed underground mine.
Adjacent mine discharges - Using Form 11.3C, list all discharge points from any adjacent underground,
coal refuse operation, or surface mine which lies above, below or within 1,000 feet of the underground
permit area. Include the mine name, description of the discharge, elevation, contributing pool level,
range of flow rates, quality, and an indication of whether or not the discharge is treated.
d. Lake, pond and dam information - Using Form 11.3D, provide information on all lakes ponds, dams and
impoundments which lie within 1,000 feet of the proposed underground permit area.
e. Public water supplies (community and non-community)
11.4
i.
List the names and addresses of all public water supplies with water intakes within ten (10) miles
downstream along any stream that will receive discharges from the permitted activity or flows over
the underground permit area.
ii.
List the names and addresses of all public water supplies with groundwater or surface water sources
within one (1) mile of the permit area.
Background Sampling and Measurements
Provide the results of water quality analyses, pumping tests, water level and flow measurements on
Forms 11.4A and 11.4B sufficient to describe the groundwater and surface water resources of the permit and
adjacent areas. Where information is not available from existing wells the applicant must drill test holes,
wells, or piezometers to obtain the required data. The results should meet the specifications set forth below.
Background monitoring points must be clearly marked and identified in the field. The field identification
scheme should correspond with the identification scheme in the application.
a. Sampling/measurement points - The background sampling and measurement program should address
the following points.
i.
Each stream which will receive a discharge from the proposed operation (up and downstream of
discharge).
ii.
Each water supply located within 1,000 feet of a proposed surface activity site.
(Note: Well yield data should be gathered through a standardized, reproducible pumping exercise.
This will allow for meaningful premining/postmining survey comparisons. Please contact the
appropriate District Mining Office prior to conducting the yield test to avoid wasting resources on
unacceptable test methods. (The Department’s Technical Guidance Document 563-2112-605, Water
Supply Replacement and Permitting is available on the Department’s web site and provides
guidelines for determination of well yield.)
iii. Streams, springs and wetlands that are representative of the surface and groundwater systems in the
proposed permit and adjacent areas.
iv. Wells and piezometers used to determine groundwater conditions in the permit (surface and
underground) and adjacent areas.
v.
Discharges from adjacent surface mines within 1,000 feet of the underground permit area.
vi. Discharges from adjacent underground mines with workings that lie above, below, or within
1,000 feet horizontally of the underground permit area of a proposed underground mine.
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b. Required parameters -
c.
11.5
i.
Wells and piezometers must be sampled for the following minimum set of parameters: total
dissolved solids or specific conductance corrected to 25°C, pH, total iron, total manganese, alkalinity,
acidity, sulfates, and water level.
ii.
Springs, streams, wetlands, seeps, impoundments, underground mine discharges and surface mine
discharges must be sampled for the following minimum set of parameters: total dissolved solids or
specific conductance corrected to 25°C, total suspended solids, pH, total iron, total manganese, total
aluminum, alkalinity, acidity, sulfates, and flow.
Sampling period and frequency - All points included in the background sampling program must be
sampled in a manner which provides an accurate representation of average conditions and seasonal
variations. At a minimum, samples and measurements must be taken at monthly intervals over a period
of six successive months including at least one sample from the low flow period that typically extends
from August to October. An application may be accepted with a minimum of three monthly sampling and
measurement reports per point, however, a permit will not be issued until at least six reports are
provided.
Prediction of Hydrologic Consequences/Protection of Hydrologic Balance
a. For underground mining activities i.
Describe the quality and volume of mine drainage that is anticipated at the end of the five (5)-year
permit period and upon complete development of the planned mine. Describe the methodology
and/or calculations used to estimate the drainage characteristics.
ii.
Estimate the post-mining pool level, and indicate the basis for this estimate.
iii. Describe the barrier pillars that will be left around the perimeter of the mine to promote flooding, and
the basis for the barrier design. Barrier pillar design must be customized to fit site conditions.
Provide data gathered at the site that confirms assumptions regarding barrier width and integrity.
iv. Provide a narrative description addressing the following concerns and how each will be prevented or
mitigated.
(1)
The potential for post-mining pollutional discharges to occur from the proposed mine, with
particular attention to areas with thin and/or fractured overburden.
(2)
The potential for the post closure mine pool to cause or contribute to discharges from adjacent
mines.
(3)
The potential for seepage along down-gradient outcrops of the mined seam and adjacent
aquifers.
(4)
Water quality impacts on streams which will receive mine drainage and runoff from surface
activity sites.
(5)
Flow reduction in streams which overlie the underground permit area (the discussion must
specifically address streams which serve as significant sources of public water supply, and
streams where cover is less than 400 feet).
(6)
The potential for altering the hydrology of dams, ponds, impoundments, and wetlands which
overlie the underground permit area. Wetlands deemed to be at risk must be further
characterized as outlined in Module 8.
(7)
Groundwater contamination and effects on water supplies at surface sites where coal or spoil
will be stored or treatment ponds will be located and near shafts, slopes and drift openings.
Include descriptions of the means by which water supplies affected by surface operations will
be restored or replaced.
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11.6
3/2012
Hydrologic Monitoring Plan
Describe the proposed surface and ground water 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 analyses
collected at monthly intervals and should include the months 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 the review process. Monitoring points must be located on Operations Map
in Module 14.3. All monitoring data must be compiled on Form 11.6A or equivalent facsimile. Samples
should be collected prior to any form of treatment. If pretreatment samples cannot be obtained, please
explain under “Description of Sample Point” on Form 11.6 A. At a minimum, monitoring points 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).
The following monitoring locations must be included in the monitoring program:
Monitoring
Points (Key to
Operations
Map)
1)
All receiving streams above any proposed or potential mining related surface or
groundwater discharge points.
2)
All receiving streams below any proposed mining related surface or groundwater
discharge points.
3)
Abandoned underground or surface mie discharges that are hydrologically connected
and may be impacted by the proposed mining.
4)
Water supplies located within 1,000 feet of a site where surface operations will take
place.
5)
Water supplies that may be contaminated or dimished by surface operations.
6)
Each monitoring well developed to detect impacts ongroundwater.
7)
Treatment pond discharges
8)
Sedimentation pond discharges
9)
Raw water pumped from the mine.
10)
Any discharge(s) that develop during mining, and other significant seeps/discharges
recognized following permit issuance. (Note: new discharges that require treatment
may require revisions to the NPDES.)
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5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
Mine Name:
FORM 11.3A
GROUND WATER INVENTORY
Sample
Point No.
Well/Spring
Owner
Use
Surface
Elevation (MSL)
Source of above information
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Depth of
Well
Date:
Diameter
of Well
Depth of
Casing
Static Water Elevation
(MSL) or Flow, Date of
Measurement
Type of Treatment if
Any (iron filter, etc.)
5600-PM-BMP0321-11
Mine Name:
3/2012
Date:
FORM 11.3B
STREAM INVENTORY
Stream Name
Uses
Uses
1 Cold Water
2 = Trout Stocked Fishery
3 = Warm Water Fishery
4 = Potable Water Supply
5 = Industrial Water Supply
6 = Wildlife Water Supply
7 = Livestock Water Supply
8 = Boating, Navigation
9 = Swimming
10 = Irrigation
11 = Recreational Fishery
12 = Waterfowl Habitat
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General Quality Characteristics
Mine Name:
5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
Date:
FORM 11.3C
MINE DISCHARGE INVENTORY
Map
Reference
Mine Name
Nature of Discharge (Seep
Opening, Etc.)
Surface
Elevation
Pool Level (if
known)
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Discharge
Volume
(Range)
Gen. Quality Characteristics
Type of Treatment
Mine Name:
5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
FORM 11.3D
DAM AND POND INVENTORY
Map
Reference
Owner
Use
Volume or Dimensions
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Date:
Source of Water
General Quality Characteristics
5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
FORM 11.4A
BACKGROUND or MONITORING REPORT
(Check appropriate block)
Operator:
_______________________________________
Operation Name:
_________________________________
Permit No.:
_____________________________________
Township:
______________________________________
County:
________________________________________
Monitoring Point I.D.
Latitude:

Longitude:

Grid Coordinate:
Surface Elevation:
______________________________
’
” N and
’
” W
Description of sample point:
_______________________
_______________________________________________
Existing use(s):
_________________________________
________________________________
___________________________________
Planned future use(s):
_____________________________
If sampling point is a well, when was the well drilled?:
Iron
mg/l
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Sulfate
mg/l
Suspended
Solids
mg/l
Acidity
mg/l
Aluminum
mg/l
Alkalinity
mg/l
Manganese
mg/l
Field pH
Temperature
(°C)
Date
Sampled
Flow
(GPM) or
Static
Water
Elevation
Laboratory pH
Instructions: Use a separate sheet for each sample point and list results consecutively by date.
Total Dissolved
Solids
(mg/l)
or
Spec. Cond.
(m-mho)
Comments
5600-PM-BMP0321-11
3/2012
Mine Name:
Date:
MODULE 11.4B: 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:
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