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loading projections were arrived at by stream flow modeling and analysis of past monitoring results and projected dewatering activities. In the supplemental information package dated September 22, 1986, the applicant submitted information on vegetation cover and production by species for flood ircigated and sub-irrigated croplands on the affected alluvial valley floors. Alluvial bodies, irrigated fields and vegetation sample locations are depicted on supplemental Map No. I "Twentymile Park Salt Loading Study Land Use and Hydrologic -Boundaries." This and other information was used by the Division to make the required findings with regard to material damage. Required findings for identified alluvial valley floors on Fish Creek, Trout Creek, and Foidel Creek/Middle Creek confluence are presented separately below. Fish Creek 1. The proposed mining operations will not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming of the alluvial floor. The boundaries of the Fish Creek alluvial valley floor aze as delineated on Map No. 15 of the Foidel Creek Life of Mine application and include all alluvial deposits within and downstream from the permit area as delineated on supplemental Map No. 1. Information discussed below has reaffirmed the Division's original determination that alluvial deposits on Fish Creek meet alluvial valley floor criteria based on existing flood ircigation, potential for flood ircigation and subircigation. The existence of a currently flood irrigated field on lower Fish Creek and the presence of diversion structures and irrigation ditches on various stream segments as delineated on Map 15 document the potential for flood irrigation. Information provided in application Exhibit 16 (Soil Mapping Unit Descriptions) and backhoe pit data provided on Page 2.06 -9 show that a number of alluvial soil types exhibit late growing season ground water elevations within 6 feet of the surface. Hay crop species commonly grown in the Yampa Basin would be expected to derive benefit from ground water when present at such shallow depths. The major vegetation type on the Fish Creek AVF within the permit area is a sagebrush meadow community dominated by silver sagebrush with a number of sedge and rush species contributing significantly to the community. All of these species are hydrophytes typically associated with subircigated conditions. The Division received a letter from one of the surface owners, Mr. Edwazd Camilletti , on January 23, 1998, regarding the significance of the Fish Creek AVF to fanning in sections 10 and 15, TSN, R86W. The Camelletti's use these lands as undeveloped rangeland. The landowner estimated that 1 % of the ranch production is attributed to the Fish Creek AVF. Twentymile Coal Company owns a significant portion of the lands in and adjacent to the Fish Creek AVF. Twentymile Coal Company operates a cattle operation on these lands and manages the land, through its ranch manager, Trout Creek Ranch, as undeveloped rangeland. TCC does not utilize the Fish Creek AVF as cropland. TCC projects that impacts to the Fish Creek AVF will not significantly impact the cattle operation. 27