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boundary in the vicinity of Gossard Loadout were historically irrigated cropland (grass hay). <br /> These parcels are currently in dryland wheat, and are no longer irrigated. There is current flood <br /> irrigation (grass hay) along a segment of the stream immediately to the south (upstream) of the <br /> expanded permit boundary. <br /> Portions of the Good Spring Creek valley within and adjacent to the permit area, downstream of <br /> existing and proposed future operations, are currently flood irrigated. Ranchers grow pasture <br /> grasses for hay and livestock forage production in the flood irrigated fields. A few wells and <br /> springs located along Good Spring Creek are being used for stock watering. <br /> Lower Elkhorn Creek will not be affected directly or indirectly by mining at Colowyo Mine. <br /> Stream Valley Segments Determined not to be Alluvial Valley Floors <br /> Taylor Creek was investigated in the early 1980s in association with initial permitting of the <br /> Mine, and was determined not to be an alluvial valley floor. <br /> Lower Taylor Creek, a tributary to Wilson Creek, contains small areas with alluvial deposits, but <br /> does not contain enough water to provide for sub-irrigation of croplands. Taylor Creek, which <br /> will be mined in its upper reaches, is therefore not considered an alluvial valley floor. <br /> The West Fork of Good Spring Creek was investigated in association with Permit Renewal No. 2 <br /> (RN-02; approved in June 1992), and was determined not to be an alluvial valley floor due to the <br /> restricted width of the alluvial deposit along most of the reach, and the absence of sub-irrigated <br /> or flood irrigated agricultural activity (current or historic). <br /> Other Stream Valleys in the General Area <br /> Various other stream valleys with unconsolidated alluvial deposits in the mine vicinity may meet <br /> alluvial valley floor criteria, but have not been evaluated as a part of this review because they are <br /> located outside the proposed permit boundary or there is no proposed mine disturbance within <br /> their watersheds. These valleys include the East and West Forks of Wilson Creek, which are <br /> located upstream of any proposed mining, the East Fork of Good Spring Creek, located upstream <br /> of any proposed mining, and James Creek, located upstream of any proposed mining. <br /> B. Primary Impacts <br /> None of the four designated alluvial valley floors are within the area to be mined; therefore, <br /> mining operations will not cause direct disturbance to any alluvial valley floors. Any mining <br /> impact that might occur will be indirect in nature. <br /> C. Secondary Impacts <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 158 <br />