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(ii) Potential increases in the average depth to water saturated zones <br />•(during the Browing season) located within the root zone of the alluvial valley floor that would reduce the amount <br />of subirrigated agricultural land compared to prenuning conditions. <br />(iii) Potential decreases in surface Flows that would reduce the amount of <br />irrigable land compared to premining conditions. <br />(iv) Potential changes in the surface or ground water systems that reduce <br />the area available to agriculture as a result of Flooding or increased saturation of the root zone. <br />(6) For the purposes of 2.06.8, a farm is one or more land units on which agricultural activities are <br />conducted. A farm is generally considered to be the combination of land units with acreage and boundaries in <br />existence prior to August 3, 1977, or if established after August 3, 1977. with those boundaries based on <br />enhancement of the farm's agricultural productivity and not related to surface coal mining operations. <br />RESPONSE <br />Crop Salt Tolerance <br />In order to evaluate the potential impacts of increased salinity levels in the waters of Foidel Creek and Fish Creek, <br />the following assessment was completed. The evaluation was based upon the crop salt tolerance limits published <br />by Maas and Hoffman (1977), referenced in Rule 2.06.8(5)(c)(i)(A). The crop species evaluated were those <br />described in this permit revision application, the Fish Creek Tipple Permit Application, the Energy Mine No. 3 <br />Permit Application and those known to be raised in the immediate area. These sources were used because they <br />provide a quantitative description of the plant species presently being used for agronomic purposes in the improved <br />• agricultural lands in the potential alluvial valley floor areas along Fish Creek, Foidel Creek and Trout Creek <br />Drainages. <br />F— 1 <br />-J <br />Permit Renewal No.3 2.06-15 4/1/99 <br />