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A colluvial deposit in excess of 50 feet thick overlies the Mancos within the permit area and <br /> consists of an unconsolidated mixture of large, angular shaped boulders, and rocks and cobbles <br /> of various sizes. The unconsolidated material stratigraphically overlies the Mancos shale in the <br /> permit area and, since the early the 1900s, has been graded to its present surface configuration to <br /> allow for irrigated agriculture. The unconsolidated and poorly sorted nature of the colluvial <br /> material indicates that it was placed by gravitational mass wasting from the adjacent steep <br /> slopes. Some transport by overland flow of surface waters is also evident. The unconsolidated <br /> nature of the material lends itself to deep weathered zones and infiltration of surface water. <br /> Hydrologic Balance (Rules 2.04.5, 2.04.7, 2.05.3(4), 2.05.6(3) and 4.05) <br /> Surface water and groundwater information can be found in Section 2.04.7 of the PAP. A <br /> description of surface water and groundwater occurrence and mining impacts on groundwater <br /> within the permit and adjacent areas can be found in the "Probable Hydrologic Consequences of <br /> Mining" section of this document and the "Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment" <br /> document for this mine area. <br /> All drainage basins and associated drainages within the permit area and adjacent areas are shown <br /> on the Geology/Hydrology Map (Map 2 in the PAP). The permit area is drained primarily by the <br /> North Fork of the Gunnison River and two ephemeral tributaries to the North Fork. There are no <br /> perennial or intermittent streams on the permit area or adjacent to the permit area. The Fire <br /> Mountain Canal and the Deer Trail Ditch intersect all overland flow upstream from the permit <br /> area. Production of agricultural products at the site is possible only by irrigation. <br /> Groundwater occurrences in areas adjacent to the permit area are found in two different <br /> formations. Alluvial material of the North Fork of the Gunnison River contains groundwater <br /> resulting primarily from runoff and flow of the North Fork. Groundwater in very minor amounts <br /> may also be found in the formations of the Mesaverde formation. Due to its higher elevation <br /> above the North Fork of the Gunnison River and relative discontinuity of sandstones, shales, and <br /> siltstone material, little groundwater is evident. A review of the Regional Geology/Hydrology <br /> Map (Map 2 in the PAP), shows no evidence of springs within the area of the Loadout facility. <br /> As reviewed in the geologic section of this document, the permit area is located on colluvial <br /> material significantly above the elevation of the North Fork which directly affects the amount of <br /> groundwater found at the site. In fact, no groundwater is thought to be present in the colluvial <br /> material above the elevation of the North Fork. Only minor amounts of groundwater can be <br /> expected above the potentiometric surface which coincides with the North Fork. Operations at <br /> the Terror Creek facility will not intersect any groundwater within the colluvial material due to <br /> limited excavation planned for the permit area. <br /> Climatological Information (Rule 2.04.8) <br /> Information on the climate in the area of the Loadout is detailed in Section 2.04.8 of the PAP. In <br /> addition, Exhibit 6 of the PAP provides data from the weather station in Paonia, Colorado, on <br /> average precipitation, temperature, and wind. The wind information was developed for the West <br /> Elk Mine site which is approximately 7 miles east of the Loadout. <br /> - 5 - <br />