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w Cr ~ ~~ ~ potential to be flood irrigated and is of sufficient size to support agricultural activities. With the exception of an existing mine vent fan, no surface disturbance is planned by the operator within the Middle Thompson Creek drainage. Although mine workings extended under a small portion of this watershed, the alluvial valley floor was not undermined. Both the Willow Park and above-mentioned Sand/Yank Creek alluvial valley floors are currently undeveloped rangeland which are not significant for farming. The essential hydrologic functions of these areas will be preserved. Surface and ground water monitoring at the mine will continue to verify the applicant's predictions. One final body was identified as an alluvial valley floor by the Division. The area adjacent to the confluence of Thompson Creek and the Crystal River is an alluvial valley floor. This area is currently being used as irrigated pastureland and may be significant to agriculture. This body, although included within the applicant's study area, is located over five miles downstream from the mine and was not physically disturbed by the operation. Therefore, its essential hydrologic functions have been preserved. B. Loadout The Division has identified the lands adjacent to the Roaring Fork River as an alluvial valley floor above, adjacent to, and below the loadout. The extent of the alluvial valley floor is identified as "Qg" on Map D-3-6 of the application. The AVF extends from Highway 82 on the east side of the Roaring Fork to the Kaiser- Sievers irrigation ditch on the west side of the Roaring Fork River. It also extends at least one mile upstream and two miles downstream from the loadout. The terrace upon which the loadout [tuck dump is located is not an alluvial valley floor. This is because the definition of alluvial valley floors specifically excludes upland areas and isolated terraces that are not hydrologically connected to the river. As previously mentioned, the loadout was built prior to the enactment of alluvial valley floor regulations for underground mines. As a result of construction, the loadout has taken 35 acres out of agricultural production. This acreage is insignificant to the adjacent farms' total production. The adjacent Crystal River Ranch and Diamond S Ranch comprise over 2,700 acres and 700 acres of irrigated land, respectively. Upon termination of mining, the loadout was restored to its pre-mining agricultural condition. It was subsequently developed into a golf course and residential area. 26