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This ditch carries water that has been diverted from the La Plata River. Hay Gulch is a <br /> tributary of the La Plata River, and their confluence is located about six miles downstream <br /> (southwest) from the permit area. <br /> Runoff from most of the undisturbed upper parts of drainages in King I and King II is <br /> diverted around the disturbed areas through ditches and culverts. With the exception of <br /> runoff from main haul roads, runoff from disturbed areas is passed through sediment control <br /> ponds which discharge into Hay Gulch. <br /> An ephemeral stream channel likely existed in the bench area of the King I Mine prior to <br /> initial disturbance of the site. Runoff from larger events would occur as channel flow, while <br /> smaller events would primarily recharge the alluvium from side-slope areas. With <br /> reclamation of the site, a channel will be reconstructed through the facilities area. A review <br /> of the channel design indicates it meets the requirements of Rule 4.05.3. Channels disturbed <br /> at the King II Mine will also be regraded to approximate original contour to meet the <br /> requirements of Rule 4.05.3. <br /> The King I workings extended southward beneath the Pine Gulch ephemeral drainage and <br /> other small drainages. Pine Gulch flows into Hay Gulch approximately two miles downstream <br /> from the permit area. Northwest of the King II Mine (above the workings of the OSMRE <br /> permit) lies East Alkali Gulch, an ephemeral stream. East Alkali flows to the southwest and <br /> south, ultimately joining Hay Gulch approximately seven miles downstream of the permit <br /> area. <br /> The Huntington Irrigation Ditch, the Huntington Irrigation Pipeline, and the Huntington Pond <br /> overlay worked-out areas of the King I mine in various locations. All three features are <br /> owned by Huntington Ranches and are located on Huntington Ranch property. Additional <br /> information on surface water hydrology can be found in the permit application in Sections <br /> 2.04.7, 2.05.3 and 2.05.6 and on Maps King I-007, King I-007a, and the King II-007 series of <br /> maps. <br /> Climate (4.08) <br /> The climate is semi-arid, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and a limited amount of <br /> precipitation each year. The prevailing winds are from the southwest and west with an <br /> average annual precipitation rate varying from 15 to 19 inches. The growing season in the <br /> area varies depending on elevation and exposure with a maximum of 96 frost free days. <br /> Soils (4.09) <br /> Soil properties in the permit area vary widely depending on slope, aspect, and topographic <br /> position. Deeper soils are found in the valley bottoms and on the tops of plateaus, while <br /> shallow soils associated with rock outcrops dominate the side slopes. Two soil orders <br /> (Entisolls and Aridisols) and one rock outcrop complex occur on the site. Both of the soil <br /> orders have an ustic moisture regime. As a result of the King I Mine having been opened <br /> 7 <br />