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Map 15 of the life of mine application delineates previously designated alluvial valley <br /> floors in the vicinity of the Foidel Creek/Middle Creek confluence, downstream along <br /> Middle Creek to the Trout Creek confluence, and downstream on Trout Creek to the <br /> Yampa River. Map 15 shows a flood irrigated field at the confluence of Foidel Creek and <br /> Middle Creek and a number of flood irrigated fields along the Trout Creek AVF <br /> downstream from the Middle Creek confluence. <br /> In the 1983 Findings for the Foidel Creek Mine, the Division concluded that lower Foidel <br /> Creek, lower Middle Creek and lower Trout Creek were alluvial valley floors because of a <br /> presumed capability to support flood irrigated and subirrigated agricultural activities. The <br /> Trout Creek AVF was addressed previously in this section. Subirrigated alluvium on <br /> Middle Creek downstream of Routt County Road No. 27 crossing does not meet AVF <br /> criteria due to limited farmable acreage, as was also discussed previously. <br /> The alluvial body at the confluence of Foidel Creek and Middle Creek, extending from the <br /> County Road No. 33 crossing of Middle Creek upstream on Middle Creek to the first <br /> Trout Creek irrigation diversion as depicted on Map No. 15, Water Rights and Alluvial <br /> Valley Floors, does meet alluvial valley floor criteria based upon existing flood irrigation <br /> and a presumed capability to support subirrigated vegetation. These findings do not <br /> address areas further upstream on Middle Creek, as they are not hydrologically connected <br /> to the proposed mining operation. The required findings for the identified alluvial valley <br /> floor at the confluence of Foidel Creek and Middle Creek are set forth below. <br /> 1. The proposed mining operations will not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on <br /> the alluvial valley floor. <br /> The mine plan for the Eastern Mining District was shortened from the originally <br /> proposed panel length for longwall panels 9R and 8R. Longwall panels in the Eastern <br /> Mining District did not undermine the Foidel Creek/Middle Creek Confluence AVF. <br /> Proposed longwall panels 6R through 2R in Eastern Mining District presented in PR- <br /> 04, undermined a portion of Middle Creek; however, the affected portion of Middle <br /> Creek is not designated as an AVF. <br /> A small section of Foidel Creek above the confluence of Middle Creek will be <br /> undermined with the 5 RT gateroad in the WCR. A very small increase in surface area <br /> of Foidel Creek and no surface area increase in Middle Creek is predicted resulting <br /> from mining in the WCR. A potential increase in subirrigation may increase <br /> productivity in the upland areas surrounding Foidel Creek. The potential for fissures <br /> development and water loss (stream pirating)is very low. The AVF will be monitored <br /> in accordance with the plan included in Exhibit 4E- 11 of the permit. <br /> 2. The proposed mining operations will not cause material damage to the quantity or <br /> quality of surface and ground water that supply the alluvial valley floor. <br /> As discussed in the PHC Section of this document, significant dewatering of the Foidel <br /> Creek or Middle Creek stream/alluvial systems due to undermining would be <br /> Foidel Creek Mine 45 August 4,2023 <br />