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This section does not apply to the New Horizon Mine. <br /> XVIL Operations on Alluvial Valley Floors <br /> The Division has determined that there are no alluvial valley floors along Tuttle or Calamity <br /> Draws by definition. <br /> XVIII. Operations on Prime Farmland <br /> Based on information presented in soil surveys included in the permit application and the <br /> Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) San Miguel Area Soil Survey, as well as <br /> correspondence from and consultation with NRCS staff, the Division has determined that <br /> prime farmland soils, which are Prime Farmland when cropped and irrigated with a <br /> dependable water supply, occur in two locations within NHM. These prime farmland soils <br /> include soil map units D70, D70B, 98E, and 98A as delineated on permit Map 2.04.9-1. <br /> The current status of prime farmland soil areas with respect to Prime Farmland designation <br /> is as follows: <br /> ERMR Property <br /> Map Unit 98A(Begay Fine Sandy Loam)which occurs on 3.52 acres in the northwest corner <br /> of NHM was determined to be Prime Farmland, based on NRCS determination that the site <br /> was historically cropped and irrigated (see NRCS Resource Conservationist letter dated June <br /> 27, 2008, in Attachment 2.04.9-10-4). Based on the actual areal extent of disturbance and <br /> practical considerations, the Division has designated a slightly larger (4.76 acre) area <br /> incorporating the 98A parcel as Prime Farmland, as indicated on permit Map 2.05.4-4. <br /> Former Morgan Property (now ERMR) <br /> Darvey-Bari Complex soils dominate the portion of the block located south of BB Road and <br /> west of 2700 Road, covering approximately 87.03 acres. An evaluation of prime farmland <br /> soils by NRCS in 2008 determined that the Darvey-Bari soils in this area are prime farmlands <br /> (see February 11, 2008 memorandum from NRCS Soil Scientist Dave Dearstyne in <br /> Attachment 2.04.9-6). <br /> For the prime farmland areas, ERMR has proposed a plan to comply with Rule 2.06.6(4). <br /> a) The approved postmining land use of the prime farmlands is irrigated cropland—alfalfa <br /> hay. <br /> b) The NRCS concurrence is found in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-11. <br /> c) The proposed operations will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Rule <br /> 4.25 and other environmental protection performance and reclamation standards of the <br /> Rules for mining and reclamation of prime farmland. <br /> 31 <br />