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potential for any effect on the quality of water in Big Salt Wash as a result of this <br />operation. <br />It is apparent from this discussion that the potential for diminution of quantity and quality <br />of water supplied to the Big Salt Wash potential alluvial valley floor would be minimal. <br />The Division finds that there will be essentially no effect of the operation on the <br />hydrologic character of the Big Salt Wash drainage system. <br />The permittee has established surface water monitoring stations upstream and downstream <br />of the confluence of Munger and East Salt Creeks. Additionally, the permittee will <br />monitor mine inflows, mine discharges, ground water downgradient of the waste rock <br />pile, coal processing waste pile and central facilities area, and ground water in the alluvium <br />of East Salt Creek. The monitoring system established by the permittee is sufficient to <br />verify conclusions of the Division with respect to the effect of the operation on water <br />quality and quantity and will indicate if any -problems arise which may require mitigation. <br />Therefore, pursuant to 2.06.8(5)(iii), the Division finds the proposed operation will not <br />materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and ground water systems <br />that supply alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley floors. <br />Alluvial Valley Floor Findings With Regard to Preserving Essential Hydrologic <br />Functions <br />The potential for any effect of surface water quality and quantity in East Salt Creek <br />was previously discussed. Even though the potential for impact is minimal, the permittee <br />has established a monitoring network to verify these projections and to identify <br />detrimental effects if they were to occur. This monitoring network is established to <br />detect changes in surface and ground water within the alluvial valley floor. <br />Upon termination of mining operations, all mine surface facilities have been removed, <br />coal material has been disposed of, topsoil has been spread, all openings have been sealed <br />and a stable, protective stand of vegetation has been established on the area. Therefore, <br />pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(iii), the Division finds that the proposed surface coal mining <br />and reclamation operation will preserve, throughout the mining and reclamation process, <br />the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor. <br />AVF Findings <br />The Division has determined that an alluvial valley floor exists within the affected or <br />adjacent area. Therefore, the following findings are in order for the alluvial valley <br />floor known as East Salt Creek located in Township 7 South, Range 102 West of the 6th <br />Principal Meridian Sections 21 and 29 of the permit area. <br />1. The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, <br />discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or <br />naturally subirrigated, except for small areas which may provide negligible support <br />for the farm's agricultural production (4.24.3(1)) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(I)). <br />36 <br />