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soil characteristics indicate that agricultural development prior to its present use is <br /> not likely. <br /> MCC has no control over the terrace area on the north side of the North Fork <br /> (SW'b, Section 9, T13S, R90W) and has no plans for developing this site in <br /> association with the 'West Elk Mine. Less than ten acres of noncolluvial materials <br /> are evident at this location. Most of these are associated with the apparent glacial <br /> remnant gravel deposits. No agricultural activities have been conducted on this site. <br /> The immature soils would not be adequate to support general agronomic activities, <br /> and development would probably be limited to improved pasture. Because of the <br /> size limitations of this area and the lack of a well developed soil capable of <br /> supporting sustained agronomic production, the terrace area on the north side of the <br /> North Fork does not meet the criteria of an AVF. <br /> Downstream from the town of Somerset, the valley opens up and the applicant has <br /> identified a much larger body of alluvium. Areas within Sections 13 and 14 have <br /> been identified as currently supporting agriculture. In the permit approval issued <br /> July 29, 1981, MCC was notified of a positive alluvial valley floor declaration for <br /> the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Section 18, T13S, R90W and Sections 13 <br /> and 14, T13S, R911AI. A stipulation was included in the original permit approval <br /> requiring that the applicant demonstrate that the mining operation's fresh water usage <br /> will not materially damage the quantity and quality of water supplying the alluvial <br /> valley floor. This stipulation was complied with on March 25, 1982, with the <br /> following response: <br /> Mining activities; at the West Elk Mine will not affect the quantity and quality of <br /> water in the North Fork. The coal seam to be mined lies a significant distance <br /> above the North Fork and is not considered to be an aquifer. Surface facilities <br /> have been designed and located to prevent contamination of the river. <br /> Changes in the quantity of water supplied to the AVF depend on the difference <br /> between water used zmd water discharged to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br /> Total water use is expected to be about 150 acre- feet per year during maximum <br /> projected production. This represents less than 0.04 percent of the average annual <br /> stream flow on the North Fork. Since less than 70 percent of this use is deemed to <br /> be consumptive use, the loss is actually less than 0.03 percent of the average stream <br /> flow. In addition, water is withdrawn during higher flows when MCC's water rights <br /> are in priority. During low flow periods when other calls for water exist, MCC <br /> would not be withdrawing water. <br /> Water quality changes resulting from discharge of waste water will not constitute <br /> material damage because no measurable change in water quality is expected to occur. <br /> Of the 200,000 gallons/day maximum projected use, 38,000 gallons/day <br /> (28.5 acre-feet/year) would be required for potable water use. Consumptive use of <br /> potable water would be minimal. Assuming no consumptive use, one would expect <br /> a discharge of less than 0.06 cubic feet per second-(cfs) during plant operation.. This <br /> use and return flow is insignificant-compared-to the—flows in the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison. Even during the lowest flow on record (17 cfs) for the 1934 through <br /> 48 <br />