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is stored in Grass Valley Reservoir and conveyed to a system of ditches on the AVF via Harvey Gap Drainage. More detailed geologic and irrigation information could potentially exclude certain areas from AVF designation. However, based on the available information indicating the presence of unconsolidated streamlaid deposits and existing flood irrigation, the Division concludes that all areas designated unconsolidated streamlaid deposits to the south of the permit boundary as shown on Figure 1 of the permit application constitute an alluvial valley floor. 3. West Elk Creek Portions of the West Elk Creek Valley approximately 1 ~k miles to the northeast of the permit boundary have been delineated as a probable alluvial valley floor by the applicant, based on the presence of unconsolidated strearnlaid deposits and flood irrigation. However, no determination will be made by the Division at this time, since West Elk Creek is not hydrologically connected to the proposed permit azea and there is no potential for impact to the probable AVF as a result of the proposed mining operation. All surface water from the permit azea drains into Harvey Gap. Strata of the Iles Formation outcrop several hundred feet topographically above the alluvial deposits of West Elk Creek and ground water movement is downdip to the southwest. Thus, there is no ground water or surface water communication between the proposed permit azea and the alluvium of West Elk Creek. B. Alluvial Valley Floor Findings Pursuant to Rule 2.07.8, the Division is required to make specific written fmdings on the effect of mining on all AVFs within the permit and adjacent area. The required findings for the Colorado River AVF adjacent to the permit azea aze presented below. 1. The proposed reclamation operations would not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floor. The surface facilities associated with the mine are located approximately ~fz mile from the designated alluvial valley floor. No portion of the alluvial valley floor would be undermined by the proposed operation. The southern permit boundary is approximately ~~ mile north of the northern limit of the alluvial valley floor. 2. The proposed reclamation operations would not materially damage the quantity or quality of surface and ground water which supply the alluvial valley floor. Worst-case projections of impact due to mining indicate salinity rising in Harvey Gap during the non-irrigation season from 755 mg/1 TDS to 1054 mg/l. A sample from a well in the Colorado River 19