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Surface coal mining and reclamation operations would be conducted to preserve, <br />throughout the mining and reclamation process, the essential hydrologic functions <br />of the alluvial valley floor. <br />Mining operations would not physically disturb the alluvial valley floor. Minor <br />changes in surface water supplied to the alluvial valley floor (as discussed above) <br />would occur during the mining phase of the operation. With successful <br />reclamation and removal of the sediment control system, the quantity and quality <br />of surface flow supplied to the AVF would return to natural conditions. <br />The applicant has suggested that the release of sediment-deficient waters from the <br />sediment ponds would cause downstream erosion. Should this occur, the erosion <br />would begin immediately downstream from the sediment pond on Sudduth Draw. <br />Given the infrequent nature of runoff in this area, this erosion, as it occurs, should <br />not be so severe as to affect the essential hydrologic functions of Sudduth Draw. <br />The potential for erosion could be minimized if water from the mine pit is not <br />discharged to Sudduth Draw. <br />4. The alluvium of Sudduth Draw is recharged during snowmelt and precipitation <br />events when this intermittent stream is flowing. The stock ponds located along <br />Sudduth Draw provide sufficient detention time to increase recharge and to <br />sustain sub-irrigation for longer periods of time. <br />There is a spring tributary to Sudduth Draw in [he Old Sudduth Mine, Section 15, <br />T9N, R78W. Upon examining the color infrazed aerial photos of the northern <br />portion of Pit 3, it was determined that this spring does not provide significant <br />water to Sudduth Draw. Kerr Coal has also determined that this spring increases <br />salt loading in Sudduth Draw (page 780-126a). Should mining occur in Pit 3, this <br />spring will be destroyed. This will not significantly affect the flows in Sudduth <br />Draw. <br />Should mining of Pit 3 occur, it will impact the quantity of water flowing in <br />Sudduth Draw and sub-irrigation in its valley in the pit's northernmost extent. <br />Water will infiltrate the alluvium and recharge the underburden, the Sudduth Coal <br />Seam, and the overburden, and rechazge the spoil in the dewatered Pit 3. <br />The operation is in compliance with the requirement of this section. <br />Df. Operations on Prime Farmland <br />The Division has made a negative determination for the presence of prime farmlands <br />within the proposed permit areas. <br />Marr Mine Permit Renewal 04 <br />1 l January, 2002 <br />-26- <br />