GENERAL31361

• Permit No: C1984067
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 9/3/1985
• Doc Name: PROPOSED DECISION AND FINDINGS OF COMPLIANCE
• Permit Index Doc Type: FINDINGS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

VIII. Alluvial Valley Floors - Rule 2.06.8 (3)
Peerless Resources has provided baseline data for an alluvial valley floor
determination, which may be found in Section 2.06.8 of the permit
application. The application contains sufficient information for the Division
to make a finding pursuant to rule 2.07.8 (c).
The Division finds that:
(i) Based on field observations made in April and May, 1985, by
Division staff, unconsolidated stream laid deposits contain
streams in both Coal Gulch and Lightner Creek;
(ii) (a) There is no flood irrigation in Coal Gulch at or below the
mine site. Historically, Coal Gulch has not been flood
irrigated;
(b) The practical capability of flood irrigation in Coal Gulch is
minimal due to the steep topography of the area. Steep canyon
walls and the narrow valley floor preclude the existence of
irrigable lands. Coal Gulch at the mine site is intermittent
and could not supply adequate irrigation water during the
growing season. Coal Gulch below the mine site may be
perennial due to inflows from Sheep Springs and Cherry
Gulches, however, topography still precludes flood irrigation
practices.
(c) No data was presented to support the applicants claim that
sub-irrigation of the area is not feasible. The Division
agrees that the applicant's assumptions (narrowness of the
alluvial /colluvial cover, slope of the drainage basin, and
possible existence of high clay soils) are valid, and that
sub-irrigation does not exist in Coal Gulch. In addition,
observations made by Division staff of the area, did not
reveal any vegetation indicative of sub-irrigation.
Lightner Creek, north and east of the permit area, could qualify as an
alluvial valley floor. This valley has been flood irrigated in the past, and
Map No. 9 of the permit application indicates that much of Lightner Creek is
presently irrigated. USGS 'Durango West' 7.5 min quad. indicates areas exist
which are sub-irrigated as well. No disturbance to the Lightner Creek system
due to mining will occur, therefore, any alluvial valley floors in the
Lightner Creek drainage will be protected.
The Division finds that no alluvial valley floors exist at or below the
proposed mine site in Coal Gulch. Furthermore, mining will not disrupt the
essential hydrologic functions of any alluvial valley floors which may exist
in the Lightner Creek drainage.
The Permittee is in compliance with the requirements of this section.