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level for sub-irrigation. Water quality measured in well 006-AW-2 exceeds the suspect level in both the existing and predicted case, but mine dischazge water would actually dilute the salinity of 006-AW-2 water, resulting in an improvement in water quality due to mining. 3. The proposed operation would preserve, throughout the mining operation, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor. The essential hydrologic functions of the Fish Creek alluvial valley floor have been identified as the capacity to support sub-irrigated and flood irrigated agricultural activities. The proposed plan would not result in any surface disturbance to the AVF. Also, as discussed previously, no material damage would result from changes in the quality of surface and ground water that supply the alluvial valley floor. Thus, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley Floor would not be affected by the proposed operation. Foidel Creek As discussed previously in the AVF identification section of this document, alluvial bodies on Foidel Creek within the proposed permit area and downstream of the permit in Township 5N, Range 86W, Sections 21, 22, and 28, have been determined not to be alluvial valley floors and will not be discussed further. One alluvial body has been determined to meet the AVF criteria exists downstream from the permit area. This AVF is at the confluence of Foidel Creek and Middle Creek and is discussed separately, in the following section. Foidel Creek. Middle Creek Confluence Area Map 15 of the Foidel Creek Life-of--Mine application delineates previously designated alluvial valley floors in the vicinity of the Foidel Creek(Middle Creek confluence, downstream along Middle Creek to the Trout Creek confluence and downstream on Trout Creek to the Yampa River. The map shows a flood irrigated field at the confluence of Foidel and Middle Creek and a number of flood irrigated fields along the Trout Creek AVF downstream from the Middle Creek confluence. In the 1983 Findings for the Foidel Creek Mine, the Division concluded that lower Foidel Creek, lower Middle Creek and lower Trout Creek were alluvial valley floors because of a presumed capability to support flood irrigated and sub-irrigated agricultural activities. The Trout Creek AVF was addressed previously in this section. Sub-irrigated alluvium on Middle Creek below the Routt County Road No. 27 crossing does not meet AVF criteria due to limited fazmable acreage, as was also discussed previously. 35