2013-10-07_REVISION - C1981025 (8)

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subirrigation is restricted to the immediate streambanks and water may not be available to flood irrigate this area, as it is in the upper reach of the North Thompson Creek drainage. However, without more information on water availability, the Division must assume this area is capable of supporting agriculture. The essential hydrologic function of this area is flood irrigation potential. The North Thompson Creek Mines did not impact this area. The site is 2.3 miles upstream from any mine facility and one mile west of the maximum anticipated life-of-mine for the operation. The operator had not identified any actual or potential impact that might have extended to this area. The mines are now in permanent cessation and final stages of reclamation. The second alluvial valley floor body identified by the Division is a 15-acre tract located in Willow Park along Middle Thompson Creek. This area has the potential to be flood irrigated and is of sufficient size to support agricultural activities. With the exception of a pre-permit existing mine vent fan and two water monitoring flumes, no surface disturbance was made by the operator within the Middle Thompson Creek drainage. Although mine workings extended under a small portion of this watershed, the Permit area does not include Willow Park, and the alluvial valley floor was not undermined. Both the Willow Park and above-mentioned Sand/Yank Creek alluvial valley floors are currently undeveloped rangeland which are not significant for farming. The essential hydrologic functions of these areas were preserved. The Division identified one final body as an alluvial valley floor. The area is adjacent to the confluence of Thompson Creek and the Crystal River. This area is currently being used as irrigated pastureland and may be significant to agriculture. This body, although included within the applicant's study area, is located over five miles downstream from the mine and was not physically disturbed by the operation. Therefore, its essential hydrologic functions have been preserved. B. Findings Based on the information presented in the application, the Division makes the following findings: 1.Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(I), the Division finds that the surface mining operations did not, and that future reclamations activities will not, interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on alluvial valley floors (Rule 2.06.8(5)), and that any existing disturbance that was "pre-law" was insignificant to the total farms production. 2.Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii), the Division finds that the surface coal mining operations did not, and that future reclamations activities will not, materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and ground water systems that supply those alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley floors. 24