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Since the early part of this century, it has been a regional practice to obtain water for irrigation from <br />the San Miguel River. Because of the incised nature of the stream channel, it is difficult to flood <br />irrigate from either Tuttle or Calamity Draw. From field reconnaissance investigations, it has also <br />been determined that water pumpage from these draws for irrigation purposes is occurring <br />infrequently. <br />Subirrigation <br />A small amount of subirrigation does occur along the Tuttle and Calamity Draw stream channels. <br />Much of the alluvial ground water along these draws is a result of seepage from the irrigation <br />ditches. In many areas where the subirrigation occurs, the vegetation and soil quickly dry up when <br />the ditch is turned off from October to April. The subirrigation along Tuttle or Calamity Draw is not <br />considered extensive enough to support agricultural development. <br />Conclusion <br />The CDRMS concluded in its Decision and Findings of Compliance Document (1983) that no <br />alluvial valley floors exist in either the New Horizon permit area or the potentially affected area <br />(Tuttle Draw) associated with the New Horizon Mine. WFC concludes, based on the following <br />criteria, that no alluvial valley floors exist along the potentially affected area of Calamity Draw <br />associated with the New Horizon 2 mining area. Water availability, quality, the limited extent of the <br />unconsolidated streamlaid deposits and subirrigated areas, and the incised nature of Calamity Draw <br />make it infeasible and impractical to construct a flood irrigation system employing gravity drainage. <br />This conclusion is substantiated by the results of an EPA alluvial valley floor study (EPA 1977) <br />which addresses most coal mining areas of the west and the fact that flood irrigation is not being <br />practiced along Calamity Draw. <br />Finally, based on geomorphic criteria alone, neither Tuttle or Calamity Draws meet the necessary <br />criteria to be identified as alluvial valley floors, as they display geomorphic features that are <br />indicative of upland areas rather than alluvial valley floors. <br />Hydrology Monitoring Plan <br />When Western Fuels- Colorado (WFC) purchased the Nucla Mine (now the New Horizon Mine) from <br />Peabody Coal Company in April, 1992, there was (and is) existing mining permit C -81 -008 covering <br />the property. WFC will continue to operate under that permit. <br />WFC has developed a new hydrological monitoring program with the advice and consent of CDMG. <br />Revised September 2014 (TR -64) 2.05.6(3) -16 <br />