Ala. Admin. Code r. 880-X-10C-.23
Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024
Section 880-X-10C-.23 - Hydrologic Balance: Surface And Ground Water Monitoring(1) Ground water.(a) When surface mining activities may affect the ground water systems which serve as aquifers which significantly ensure the hydrologic balance of water use on or off the permit area, ground water levels and ground water quality shall be periodically monitored. Monitoring shall include measurements and chemical analyses from a sufficient number of wells and/or springs to adequately reflect changes in ground water quantity and quality resulting from those activities. Monitoring shall be adequate to plan for modification of surface mining activities, if necessary, to minimize disturbance of the prevailing hydrologic balance and shall be conducted in a manner approved by the State Regulatory Authority.(b) Monitoring data shall be reported to the State Regulatory Authority on a schedule as determined by the State Regulatory Authority.(c) As specified and approved by the State Regulatory Authority, the person who conducts surface mining activities shall conduct additional hydrologic tests, including drilling, and aquifer tests and shall submit the results to the State Regulatory Authority to demonstrate compliance with Rules 880-X-10C-.21 - 880-X-10C-.23.(2) Surface water.(a) Surface water monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with the monitoring program submitted under Rule 880-X-8E-.06(1)(j). The State Regulatory Authority shall determine the nature of data, frequency of collection, and reporting requirements. Monitoring shall -- 1. Be adequate to measure accurately and record water quality and quantity of the discharges from the permit area;2. In all cases in which analytical results of the sample collections indicate non-compliance with a permit condition or applicable standard has occurred, result in the person who conducts the surface mining activities notifying the State Regulatory Authority within five days in accordance with NPDES procedures utilized by AWIC.3. Result in quarterly reports to the State Regulatory Authority, to include analytical results from each sample taken during the quarter. Any sample results which indicate a permit violation will be reported immediately to the State Regulatory Authority. In those cases where the discharge for which water monitoring reports are required is also subject to regulation by NPDES permit issued under the Clean Water Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. § 1251 - 1378) and where such permit includes provisions for equivalent reporting requirements and requires filing of the water monitoring reports within 90 days or less of sample collection, the following alternative procedure shall be used. The person who conducts the surface mining activities shall submit to the State Regulatory Authority on the same time schedule as required by the NPDES permit or within 90 days following sample collection, whichever is earlier either -- (i) A copy of the completed reporting form filed to meet NPDES permit requirements; or(ii) A letter identifying the State or Federal government official with whom the reporting form was filed to meet NPDES permit requirements and the date of filing.(b) After disturbed areas have been regraded and stabilized according to this Rule, the person who conducts surface mining activities shall monitor surface water flow and quality. Data from this monitoring may be used to demonstrate that the quality and quantity of runoff without treatment is consistent with the requirements of this Rule to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance and attain the approved postmining land use. These data may also provide a basis for approval by the State Regulatory Authority for removal of water quality or flow control systems.(c) Equipment, structures, and other devices necessary to measure and sample accurately the quality and quantity of surface water discharges from the disturbed area shall be properly installed, maintained, and operated and shall be removed when no longer required.Author:
Ala. Admin. Code r. 880-X-10C-.23
Amended: Filed March 25, 1997; effective April 29, 1997.Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 9-16-71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 80, 84, 90, 92, 97.