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• As a result of the diversion, the Newlin Creek stream channel is dry over <br />the majority of the year from the point of diversion to the junction of <br />Newlin Creek with Hardscrabble Creek. This lower portion of Newlin Creek <br />does intercept and transmit runoff from the lower Newlin Creek drainage <br />area which comprises approximately 4,700 acres. However, due to grid site <br />conditions and loss of limited streamflow through the relatively permeable <br />streambed to the groundwater system, significant flows only occur in <br />Newlin Creek as a result of snowmelt and major thunderstorm events. <br />Although Newlin Creek is mapped as a perennial stream, the City of <br />Florence diversion results in ephemeral stream flow conditions below the <br />diversion as described above. Where surface flows from Newlin Creek are <br />transferred to the groundwater system through the relative permeable <br />Newlin Creek streambed, these flows serve as recharge to the lower <br />portions of the Vermejo Formation and the Trinidad Sandstone. Each of <br />these formations outcrops or subcrops to the east of the Southfield mine <br />area and are crossed by the Newlin Creek drainage as it flows northward <br />• to the junction with Hardscrabble Creek. <br />Second Alkali Greek drains the northwest corner of the Southfield mine <br />area, an area which will not be disturbed by mining and related <br />activities. Second Alkali Creek is a small, ephemeral drainage with <br />headwaters at an elevation of approximately 6,600 feet and a total <br />drainage area of approximately 5.5 square miles. Second Alkali Creek <br />originates near the western edge of the mine permit area and flows <br />northeastward approximately four (4) miles to its junction with First <br />Alkali Creek. From this point, flow in First Alkali Creek continues <br />northward approximately one (1) mile to the confluence with Coal Creek. <br />Coal Creek, also an ephemeral stream, flows approximately three (3) miles <br />to join the Arkansas River near the Town of Florence. Second Alkali Creek <br />exhibits characteristics typical of a lowland drainage with a relatively <br />broad, shallow stream channel with a base consisting of poorly sorted <br />colluvial materials derived from outwash terrace deposits. Because the <br />limited drainage area and ephemeral character, Second Alkali Creek has <br />• never been utilized for any beneficial use and is representative of many <br />small ephemeral drainage which occur in this general area. <br />2.04.7-24 <br />