APPCOR13250

• Permit No: C1983059
• IBM Index Class Name: Application Correspondence
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision Letter & Findings Document
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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1. Regrading of the loadout pad and diversion structures to
approximate original contour so as to allow for distribution of
irrigation water as was practiced prior to disturbance.
2. Scarification and ripping of the regraded slope so as to relieve
compaction and allow for root penetration and aereation.
3. Replacement of a sufficient depth of a plant growth medium so as
to provide for a water holding capacity.wlthin the rooting zone
that will support irrigated agricultural productivity comparable
to predisturbance levels.
Soil physical data and analyses supplied by the applicant for topsoil,
subsoil and colluvium indicate that available water at field capacity
would vary from 3.41 inches to 4.81 inches within the identified rooting
zone (44 inch depth) in orchardland immediately adjacent to the disturbed
area. The analyses indicate that the physical characteristics and water
holding capacity for the colluvial deposit are consistent throughout its
entire depth. Thus, mixing of the material as a result of construction
and reclamation would not reduce water holding capacity.
The replacement of 10 inches of topsoil rather that the 13 inch depth
which existed prior to disturbance (See Section XI: Topsoil of this
document) will reduce the amount of water stored within the rooting zone
by approximately .33 inches. However, the reconstructed root zone (10
inches of soli and 34 inches of colluvium) would hold 3.51 inches of
water at field capacity, which is comparable to orchard soils adjacent to
the permit area.
An assessment of the probable hydrologic consequences of the proposed
operation and an assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all
anticipated mining on the general area has been made. (The reader is
referred to the Division's Findings of Compliance for the Hawk's Nest
Mine (Permit No. C-016-81) for a Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study for
the North Fork of the Gunnison Drainage Basin.)
The probable hydrologic consequences of the Terror Creek Loadout are so
limited as to have no bearing on the conclusions of the Cumulative
Hydrologic Impact Study for the North Fork of the Gunnison Drainage Basin
as presented in the Hawk's Nest Document.
Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), the Division finds that the Terror Creek
load-out operation has been designed to prevent material damage to the
hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area.