2018-01-31_REVISION - C2009087 (30)

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A conservative estimate of the expected effect of mining indicates that no material damage will result. In addition to water quality degradation, another type of material damage that can occur to an AVF is physical disruption of the AVF's capability for irrigation or subirrigation (the AVF's essential hydrologic function). PSCM does not propose excavations in the Fish Creek, Grassy Creek, or Little Grassy Creek AVFs; therefore, the essential hydrologic functions of these AVFs will not be physically disrupted. PSCM will monitor discharges to the Grassy Creek and Little Grassy Creek AVFs at pond 002 and will monitor discharges to the Fish Creek AVF at pond 004. PSCM will monitor alluvial ground water in the Grassy Creek AVF in well YSG5 and in the Little Grassy Creek AVF in well SGAL71. PSCM will monitor surface water in the Fish Creek AVF at SSC10. The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or naturally subirrigated. (4.24.3(1)). The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in the surface or ground water system described above (4.24.3(3) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)). The proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations with respect to alluvial valley floors. (2.06.8 (5)(a)(iii)). An environmental monitoring system for alluvial valley floors has been installed, will be maintained and operated by the permittee during surface coal mining and reclamation operations, and will be continued until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3. (4.24.4). Those areas of the operation in the Grassy Creek or Little Grassy Creek watersheds where only surface coal mining activities were conducted produced coal in commercial quantities and were located within or adjacent to an alluvial valley floor prior to August 3, 1977 (4.24.3(4)(a) and 2.06.8(5)(b)(I)(A)). 25