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Alluvial Valley Floor Findings with Regard to Farming -(cont'd) portion of the alluvial valley floors are related to surface flow. ~R~FT Surface water and ground water quality and quantity will be monitored during the permit term as specified earlier in this document. The monitoring program is designed to identify any effects which may occur as a result of the mining operation. No adverse effects are anticipated and the Division staff expect the monitoring program to provide proof of this contention. Salt Creek Mining Company has also agreed to secure annual production data from the farmer downstream of the operation. This production data is to be considered as secondary to the water monitoring program because fluctuations in annual production can also result from factors which are independent of the mining operation. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 2.06.B(5)(i), the Division finds that the proposed surface coal mining operations would not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on an alluvial valley floor. Alluvial Valley Floor Findings with Regard to Material Damage to Water Quality and Quantity There will be no discharge of water from the mine workings. No development waste or roof fall rock will be disposed of or stored on the bench or any part of the disturbed area. The only potential effect of the operation on water quality is through the introduction of suspended solids into runoff from the disturbed area. . Runoff generated from the disturbed surface of the mine will be contained within a sedimentation system. Undisturbed flow from upland areas will be diverted around the disturbance and will be unaffected by the operation. The sediment system is designed to minimize the contribution of suspended solids to runoff from the disturbed areas. Water will flaw through a system of ditches and culverts into a sediment pond. The sediment pond is designed to detain the runoff for a sufficient period to allow sediment to settle out prior to routing the flow back into the natural drainage. Discharge from the pond must meet NPDES and Mined Land Reclamation Division effluent standards. There will be no adverse effect on water quality resulting from this operation. The sediment pond is designed to retain runoff for a period of 24 to 36 hours. After allowing the sediment to settle out all water will be discharged from the pond. At no time will there be more than 2 acre-feet of water stored in the pond. The operation wi1Z have no adverse effect on water quantity within the affected drainage. Another potential for an effect on surface water in East Salt Creek is related to the outcrop of the Cameo coal seam upstream of McClane Canyon. Because exploration indicated that mining will not progress into the saturated portion of the mined strata, discharge should not occur from these strata. The operation therefore, will not diminish the quantity or quality of East Salt Creek water in the tributary aquifer during this permit term.