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for irrigation was marginal; however, future restoration of the dam and flood irrigation <br />of the field is a remote possibility. The creek typically dries up in July or August. <br />In PR -1, Seneca Property, LLC addressed the potential for flood irrigation in the Section <br />30 field. It is unlikely a reservoir in Sage Creek will be rebuilt. Two previous dams <br />have failed and the increased engineering specifications and costs involved in rebuilding <br />the dam would be significant. Without the dam, water availability is insufficient for <br />flood irrigation. The Division agrees with the Seneca Property's assessment of water <br />availability in Sage Creek and finds that the area has no potential for successful <br />irrigation. <br />Based on information presented for Yoast PR -1, the Seneca II -West permit application <br />package and the Division's Findings for the Seneca II -West permit that identify this area <br />as an AVF, the Division finds the field in Section 30 meets the regulatory definition of <br />an alluvial valley floor because it may be sub -irrigated. However, only a minor portion <br />of the alluvial valley floor is sub -irrigated, according to Exhibit 16-3. Furthermore, the <br />field is seven miles downstream from the nearest discharge point for potential spoil <br />springs. Therefore, the potential for material damage to the quality of water supplying <br />ground water to the alluvial valley floor is insignificant. <br />The Division finds that activities proposed by Seneca Property, LLC will not interrupt, <br />discontinue or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floor in Section 30 that may be <br />naturally sub -irrigated. (4.24.3(1) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(i)). <br />The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in the <br />surface or ground water system described above that would provide water to the field in <br />Section 30 (4.24.3(3) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)). <br />The proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the regulations <br />with respect to alluvial valley floors (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)). <br />Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the <br />essential hydrologic functions of alluvial floors outside the permit area. (4.24.2) <br />An environmental monitoring system has been installed, maintained, and operated by <br />the permittee on all alluvial valley floors during surface coal mining and reclamation <br />operations and will continue until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3. <br />36 <br />