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In PR-1, SCC addressed the potential for flood irrigation in the Section 30 field. It is <br />unlikely a reservoir in Sage Creek will be rebuilt. Two previous dams have failed and <br />the increased engineering specifications and costs involved in rebuilding the dam <br />would be significant. Without the dam, water availability is insufficient for flood <br />irrigation. The Division agrees with the SCC's assessment ofwater availability in Sage <br />Creek and finds that the azea has no potential for successful irrigation. <br />Based on information presented for Yoast PR-1, the Seneca fl-West permit application <br />package and the Division's Findings for the Seneca II-West permit that identify this area <br />as an AVF, the Division finds the field in Section 30 meets the regulatory definition of <br />an alluvial valley floor because it may be subirrigated. However, only a minor portion <br />ofthe alluvial valley floor is subirrigated, according to Exhibit 16-3. Furthermore, the <br />field is seven miles downstream from the neazest dischazge point for potential spoil <br />springs. Therefore, the potential for material damage to the quality of water supplying <br />ground water to the alluvial valley floor is insignificant. <br />The Division finds that activities proposed by SCC will not interrupt, discontinue or <br />preclude farming on the alluvial valley floor in Section 30 that may be naturally <br />subirrigated. (4.24.3(1) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(i)). <br />The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in <br />the surface or ground water system described above that would provide water to the <br />field in Section 30 (4.24.3(3) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)). <br />The proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the <br />regulations with respect to alluvial valley floors (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)). <br />Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the <br />essential hydrologic functions of alluvial floors outside the permit area. (4.24.2) <br />An environmental monitoring system will be installed, maintained, and operated by the <br />permittee on all alluvial valley floors during surface coal mining and reclamation <br />operations and continued until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3. <br />Yoast Mine 42 February 28, 2006 <br />