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The postmining agricultural utility and level of productivity of the Trout Creek AVF <br />should equal or exceed the premising conditions. Because of the improved drainage <br />of the raised, flat surface, the area will be more conducive to raising crops. Suitable <br />structures for flood irrigation could easily be constructed. Therefore, the Division <br />has determined that the essential hydrologic functions, the agricultural utility and <br />the level of productivity of the Trout Creek AVF will be protected. <br />As previously discussed i^ Section II -Hydrologic Balance, worst-case potential <br />effects to the hydrologic balance of Middle Creek were insignificant relative to the <br />flow of the stream. Although the Middle Creek AVF is down dip of the mine, the <br />amount of water contributed to the AVF from the permit area is less than 1% of the <br />total flow of the stream. Furthermore, the AVF is 4000 feet away from the area to <br />be mined. Therefore, the Division concludes that the Middle Creek AVF will not <br />be affected. <br />Information pertaining to alluvial valley floors (AVF) is presented on pages 65-65.05 <br />of the permit application. <br />XVIII. Operations on Prime Farmland <br />Sunland Mining Corp. requested a negative determination as to the presence of <br />prime farmland at the Apex No. 2 Mine. The Division made such a negative <br />determination for the initial five-year permit and no information has been submitted <br />to change this determination. Therefore, the Division reaffirms a negative <br />determination on the existence of prime farmland at this site (4.25.2(3)). <br />Information pertaining to prime farmland is presented on page 123 of the permit <br />application. <br />XIX. Mountaintop Removal <br />The Apex No. 2 mine did not perform mountaintop removal; specific findings are <br />not required for this section (2.06.3(3) and 4.26.2.9) <br />XX. In Situ Processing <br />The Apex No. 2 mine did not perform In situ processing; specific findings are not <br />required for this section. <br />Apex No. 2 Mine, C-81-011 21 May 5, 1993 <br />