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i <br />Upon examining the proposed and existing sediment control facilities at each <br />mine site, as well as data obtained from an alluvial monitoring point, the <br />Division has determined that each site has been designed to minimize impacts <br />to the AVF. Therefore, the Division makes four findings: <br />1) Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(i)(A)(I), the current and proposed <br />operations will not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on <br />the Alluvial Valley Floor; <br />2) Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(i)(A)(II), the current and proposed <br />operations will not materially damage the quantity or quality of <br />the surface or ground water systems which supply the Alluvial <br />Valley Floor; <br />3) Pursuant to Rule 4.24.2(1), the current and proposed operations <br />will be conducted to preserve, throughout the mining and <br />reclamation process, the essential hydrologic functions of the <br />Alluvial Valley Floor both within and outside affected areas as <br />described in the permit applications; and, <br />4) Pursuant to Rule 4.24.5, environmental monitoring systems are, or <br />have been, installed, maintained and monitored so as to ensure that <br />the essential hydrologic functions and agricultural utility of the <br />Alluvial Valley Floor are not impacted. <br />IX. Assessment of Probable Hydrologic Consequences of Mining and Cumulative <br />es <br />Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />The probable hydrologic consequences section of this findings document <br />addresses the effects that the La Plata No. 1 Mine will have on the ground and <br />surface water systems within and adjacent to the proposed mine area. The <br />information used in this assessment is found in Sections 2.04 and 2.05 of the <br />permit application. <br />1. Surface Water Effects <br />All runoff from the disturbed area at the mine site will be routed through the <br />sediment pond. Effects of mining on this water will involve changes in the <br />magnitude and duration of runoff and changes in water quality. <br />The effects on water quantity are expected to be minimal. An increase in <br />imperviousness due to the construction of roads and buildings can be expected <br />to cause an increase in runoff amounts. The rate of runoff will increase over <br />natural conditions because of the increased efficiency of conveyance <br />channels. However, these effects are moderated by the detention of runoff in <br />the pond and subsequent evaporation of pond water. In general, only slight <br />absolute changes in the hydrologic balance of surface water are expected due <br />to the underground mining operations proposed at the La Plata No. 1 Mine. <br />-17- <br />