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3, The proposed op~ra`_ion would pros?rv?, throughout *.he mining op=ration, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor. The essential hydrologic functions for this alluvial valley fluor have been identified as the capacity to support sub-irrigated agricultural activities. Since no mining activities would occur within or beneath the alluvial valley floor, and since no material damage would occur to the surface and ground water that supply the alluvial valley floor, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor would not be affected by the proposed operations. Foidel Creek, Middle Creek Confluence Area Map 15 of the Foidel Creek Life-of-i4ine application delineates previously designated alluvial valley floors in the vicinity of the Foidel Creek/Middle Creek confluence, downstream along i4iddle 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 Foide] Creek Mine, the Division concluded that lower Foidel Creek, lower i4iddle Creek and lower Trout Creek were alluvial valley floors because of a presumed capahi;i;,j 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 farmable acreage, as was also discussed previously. The alluvial body at the confluence of Foidel Creek and Middle Creek extending from the County Road No. 7.7 crossing of Middle Creek upstream on both Foidel and i4iddle to the first Trout Creek irrigation diversion as depicted on Foidel Creek Life-of-Mine Application Map No. 15 does meet alluvial valley floor criteria based upon existing flood irrigation and a presumed capability to support sub-irrigated vegetation. The required findings for the identified alluvial valley floor at the confluence of Foidel Creek and i4iddle Creek are set forth below. Alluvial valley floor findings for areas further upstream on i4iddle Creek are addressed separately, under "Upper i4iddle Creek", 1, The proposed mining operations would not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on the alluvial valley fluor. Proposed mining activity would not directly impact any portion of the confluence AVF, as it is outside of the proposed permit area and would not be undermined or disturbed by proposed surface facilities. A small portion of the AVF has been disturbed by office facilities associated with CYCC's i4ine 3 (Permit No. C-84-062), 2. The proposed mining operations would not cause material damage to the quantity or quality of surface and ground water that supply the alluvial valley floor. 26