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• • Alluvial valley Floor Findings with Regard to Material Damage to Water Quality and Quantity (cont'd) .;~ ~~ ,~, r-;.. ,. ~~~. Therefore, pursuant to 2.06.8(5)(ii), the Division finds the proposed operations would not materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and underground water systems that supply those alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley floors. Alluvial Valley Floor Findings With Regard to Preserving Essential Hydrologic Functions- The potential for any effect on surface water quality and quantity in Salt Creek was discussed above. Even though the potential for impact is minimal, Salt Creek Mining Company has proposed to establish a monitoring network to verify these projections and which would identify detrimental effects if they were to occur. This monitoring network is established to detect changes in surface and ground water within the alluvial valley floor. Once successful reclamation of the operation is achieved the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor will be restored. Coal material will be disposed of, topsoil will be spread, all openings will be sealed and a stable, protective stand of vegetation will be established on the area. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 3.06.8(5)(iii), the Divisions finds that the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation operation will preserve, throughout the mining and reclamation process, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor. VIII. Water Rights 6 Replacement-Rules Portions of the application relevant to surface and ground water rights in the vicinity of the mine have been submitted to the Office of the State Engineer, Division of Water Resources. The State Engineer's Office must confirm the water rights of the applicant and issue findings on the potential for damage of existing water rights as a result of the operation. Page 4-15 of Volume I of the application contains information on water rights in the vicinity of the operation. The applicant states that no ground water rights have been adjudicated within a three mile radius of the permit area. No information is supplied with respect to surface water rights. The applicant has secured rights for 10 cfs discharge from the Mack Pumping Pipeline for use at the mine. Total consumptive use projected for the mine is Less than .07 cfs (see page 2-27). ' The State Engineer's Office has determined that there are no problems with the operation with respect to water rights. The operation is in compliance with the section.