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Water Diversions and Impoundment <br />Since the site is adjacent to the Arkansas River, and much of the site is within the River <br />floodplain area, the River hydraulics dominate site hydrology. Adequate setback from the <br />Arkansas River channel as well as the immediate riparian lowland will allow for continued <br />effective functioning of the River's floodplain and overbank areas. The 400 foot setback <br />will also prevent the River from breaking through or threatening the integrity of the <br />existing levee separating the proposed lake system from the River.. River flood flows <br />overtopping the existing riverbanks and levee will discharge into the lake system and be <br />impounded temporarily. Flood flows stored within the lake system would typically be <br />recharged to the alluvial aquifer in the time period immediately following the flood event. <br />Typical non-flood flows of the Arkansas River will not be diverted or impounded within the <br />lake system, because of the existing levee. <br />Topography in the vicinity of the site is extremely flat. Area hydrology is dominated by <br />infiltration and evaporation of runoff. There are many existing drainage runoff and <br />irrigation ditches that run through the site. These ditches will continue to operate <br />throughout the life of the mine and also after the mine has been exhausted. The ditches <br />will be relocated along with the electric distribution lines to the wells as each phase is <br />being mined. Specifically irrigation ditches will be relocated along the Atchinson Topeka <br />and Santa Fe Railroad away from the area planned for mining. These ditches are used <br />for beneficial water irrigation and will be used to continue crop production on un-mined <br />phases. The ditches may not be relocated until mining phases affecting them are <br />underway. However, depending upon operator preference the ditches may be relocated <br />immediately upon commencement of each mining phase at the site. The integrity of <br />these existing ditches will be maintained except for relocation; the ditches will not be used <br />to discharge into the lake system. <br />Areas to be Worked <br />Areas affected by mining will have the following maximum levels of disturbance at any <br />one time: <br />MaJor Disturbance 21.2 acres of excavation (largest phase-complete phase <br />excavated) plus stockpile areas. <br />Moderate Disturbance 61.5 acres of plant site, access, equipment, resource <br />stockpiles, and graded land. <br />Minor Disturbance 30.5 acres of seeded land and shoreline. <br />The following table gives a more detailed description of the disturbances. <br />D-4 <br />