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i <br /> The Division finds that: <br /> 1. Proposed mining activities comply with the requirements of the Act and the <br /> Regulations with respect to alluvial valley floors, (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)). <br /> 2. The surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to <br /> preserve the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the <br /> permit area and to reestablish the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley <br /> floors within the affected area throughout the mining and reclamation process (4. <br /> 24.2). <br /> XIX. Operations on Prime Farmland <br /> No prime farmlands currently exist within the proposed permit area. Therefore any specific <br /> approvals under this section do not apply. <br /> XX. Mountaintop Removal <br /> No specific approvals are granted to the applicant under this section. <br /> XXI. Operations on Steep Slopes <br /> Trapper did request a variance from approximate original contour in the L Pit and in the Ash <br /> Pit. The following summarizes the findings required by Rule 2.06.5 for the incorporation of <br /> a variance from the approximate original contour restoration requirements for steep slope <br /> mining: <br /> (2)(a)—TMI is not revising the post-mining land use for rangeland,wildlife habitat and <br /> cropland. The L and Ash pits will be reclaimed to support the approved post mine land <br /> use of rangeland which will support grazing as an agricultural use. <br /> (2)(b)—The post-mine land use established by reclamation of the L and Ash pits <br /> constitutes and equal or better economic use. <br /> (2)(c)—The applicant is not proposing an alternative post-mining land use whereby this is <br /> not applicable. <br /> 2)(d)—TMI has demonstrated the watershed of lands within the proposed permit area and <br /> adjacent areas will be improved by the operation. TMI demonstrated there will be a <br /> reduction in the total suspended solids or other pollutants discharged to the surface waters <br /> from the permit area as compared to such discharges prior to mining in the L and Ash pits. <br /> 23 <br />