REV10616 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-linois River, the Canadian River, Bolton Draw, Bush Draw, Williams Draw, and Sudduth Draw (Maps Sa and 15a). In two of these areas (Bush Draw and Williams Draw), there apparently is not sufficient water to support agricultural activities. There is no existing or historic flood irrigation is these valleys (page 785-16aa), these valleys are not capable of flood imgation (Exhibit 37a), and the areas where the vegetation suggests sub-irrigation aze dis- continuous and limited to narrow bands along the channel ways (Map 15a). Therefore, Bush Draw and Williams Draw are not alluvial valley floors. The four remaining areas meet the criteria for alluvial valley floors. The floodplain of the -linois River meets the water availability criteria for sub-irrigation (page 785-27). The floodplain of the Canadian River is currently flood irrigated (page 785-27), and is also sub-irrigated (page 785-24). Bolton Draw contains 55 acres of aflood-irrigated pasture. The water used for this irrigation is derived from the Michigan River (page 785-aa). In addition, 95 acres of Bolton Draw alluvium contain vegetation suggesting sub-irrigation (Map 15a). At one site, soil moisture data (Exhibit 38) collected during the week of September 15, 1980, show the capillary fringe associated with the alluvial water table to be within 1.5 feet of the surface. However, data aze not available for more than one site, or through the growing season. Therefore, based upon the available data, the entire 95 acres are assumed to be sub-irrigated. Analysis of the regional flood irrigation practices (Exhibit 37a) indicates no capacity for additional flood irrigation using runoff from the watershed itself. The applicant has identified 77 acres of alluvium along Sudduth Draw, which have vegetation suggestive of sub-irrigation. Soil moisture data (Exhibit 38) collected during the week of September 13, 1980, indicates sub-irrigation. At the location sampled, the root zone extended approximately five feet into the capillary fringe. No existing or historic flood irrigation has been identified in Sudduth Draw (page 785-16aa). The analysis of regional flood irrigation practices (Exhibit 38) does not indicate that the area is capable of flood irrigation. Alluvial Valley Floors - -linois River -Findings 1. The proposed surface coal mining operations would not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farnung on an alluvial valley floor. The tipple is a pre-law structure. Areas immediately adjacent to the loadout include the marsh, a lumber mill, and the railroad. The bench itself, although located within the floodplain, is in a marshy area that would not have supported agricultural activities prior to bench constructions. Man Mine Permit Renewal 04 11 January, 2002 -23-