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Mr. David Shelton <br />December 12, 1983 <br />Page Two <br />On December 8 and 9, 1983 Wyoming Fuel Company established the methodology for <br />determining the presence or absence of subirrigation in these Canyons in discussions with <br />the Division. Based on these discussions Wyoming Fuel Company will complete the <br />following work: <br />1. A series of backhoe pits will be excavated in Apache and Santistevan Canyons. The <br />approximate locations of these backhoe pits are shown on Figure 1. Figure 2 is a <br />conceptual cross-section of the location of these pits in relation to the stream <br />channel and "canyon walls". <br />2. The backhoe pits will be excavated to a depth of at least six (6) feet or bedrock, <br />whichever is first. If no evidence of an aquic moisture regime is observed at a depth <br />above six (6) feet this will be conclusive evidence there is no subirrigation. For <br />purposes of alluvial aquifer identification, the pits will be completed to a depth of <br />ten (10) feet. <br />If an aquic moisture regime is observed above six (6) feet, an evaluation of soil color <br />and mottling and the rooting zone will be completed to determine if the vegetation <br />is relying upon or being enhanced by subirrigation. If this evaluation demonstrates <br />that the aquic moisture regime is below the predominate rooting zone of common <br />species present then this will be conclusive evidence subirrigation is absent. <br />Hydrologic Baseline Studies <br />Springs and Seeps. The Division has determined that sufficient information has not <br />been provided on springs and seeps to assess the significance of springs and seeps to <br />surface flows, irrigation practices, livestock watering, wildlife watering and domestic use <br />in and adjacent to the permit area. To fulfill this informational deficiency Wyoming Fuel <br />Company will complete the following work: <br />1. Conduct a preliminary spring and seep survey in and adjacent to the Maxwell and <br />Allen Permit Areas prior to commencement of mining. Potential springs and seeps <br />will Se identified on aerial photographs. Identification will be based upon color <br />differences on the photos as well as vegetative differences. This spring and seep <br />information will. be transferred from the photos to 1:24,000 scale maps. Maps and <br />narrative •will be supplied to the Division within thirty (30) days of permit issuance. <br />2. Afield survey will be conducted in March or April of 1984, when weather permits, <br />to verify the locations of the potential springs and seeps identified in the <br />preliminary survey. The following information wilt be recorded for each spring and <br />seep identified; <br />a. location <br />b. potential or observed water source (i.e., sandstone outcrop, alluvium, fault <br />zone, fracture zone, etc.) <br />c. flow rate (measured or estimated) <br />d. field testing for: pH, electro-conductivity, temperature <br />