Use Of Mathematical Models To Predict Impacts Of Mining Energy Minerals On The Hydrologic System In Northwestern Colorado

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed mathematical-modeling techniques to assess potential impacts on the hydrologic system resulting from mining of coal and oil shale in northwestern Colorado. Potential impacts of oil-shale mining on ground-water hydrology have been simulated using a quasi-three- dimensional finite-difference model. The model has been used to simulate hypothetical mine-dewatering operations at two proposed oil-shale mines. Dissolved-solids distribution and solute transport were simulated with a three- dimensional finite-difference model that was used to evaluate the effects of flooding in hypothetical abandoned mines. The potential impacts of coal and oil-shale mining on watersheds were investigated using a digital watershed model. This deterministic physical- process model predicts responses of the hydrologic system to modifications resulting from mining in basins having snow as the major source of runoff and recharge. Potential impacts of coal development on surface-water quality were investigated using a river-quality assessment model.