Surface-water quantity and quality were observed at 12 gaging stations downstream from mined and lease areas in the Wasatch Plateau, Book Cliff's, and Emery coal fields in central Utah. Measurements of base flow were made at 52 additional sites in the region. The report describes the hydrologic setting of this important coal region and summarizes the surface-water data collected at the monitoring sites from August 1978 through September 1979. Coal mining and lease activities in each of the monitored basins also are described.
Where possible, hydrologic impacts of coal mining are evaluated. Impacts include increases in streamflow and degradation of surface-water quality due to water discharged from underground mines. Other impacts include removal of water from ground-water storage, changes in the natural ground-water flow system, and possibly the diminution of spring flows.
Adequacy of the monitoring network to detect hydrologic changes due to mining is evaluated. In order to fully assess and quantify the impacts, comprehensive studies and monitoring of the ground-water system and water produced in mines are needed.
