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~f i~ ~ ' The essential hydrologic function of flood irrigation was restored. C. Findings Based on the information presented in the application, the Division makes the following findings: 1. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(I), the Division finds that the surface mining operations did not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on alluvial valley floors (Rule 2.06.8(5)), and that any existing disturbance that was "pre-law" was insignificant to the total farms production. 2. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii), the Division finds that the surface coal mining operations did not materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and ground water systems that supply those alluvial valley Floors or portions of alluvial valley floors. 3. The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or naturally subirrigated (4.24.3(1)). 4. The operation proposed by the applicant produced coal in cotttmercial quantities and was located within or adjacent to an alluvial valley floor prior to August 3, 1977 (4.24.3(4)(a) and 2.06.8(5)(b)(I)(A)). Therefore, the operations within a specific geographic area may continue despite their proximity to an alluvial valley floor. The specific geographic area has been delineated as the loadout. This was identified in a reclamation plan approved by the Mined Land Reclamation Board prior to August 3, 1977, for a surface coal mine (4.34.3(4) and 2.06.8(5)(b)(ii)(A)). 5. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and to reestablish the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors within the affected area throughout the mining and reclamation process (4.24.2). IX. Operations on Prime Farmland The discussion of prime farmlands can be found in Volume I, Section 5.1 of the permit application. In addition, soil survey work is contained in Section 3.8.2, topsoil removal and storage is discussed in Section 4.4.3, and agricultural yields for the site are presented in Section 3.2.1. n