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The potential for impact to the AVF from mining activity is minimal, however <br />two potential impacts have been identified: <br />t) Water which has collected in sediment ponds could infiltrate into <br />the AVF at each mine site: The potential for adverse impacts to <br />occur is limited due to the relatively small quantities of water <br />impounded by each pond and by the probability that infiltrating <br />waters will be diluted by the great quantity of water moving <br />through the alluvial aquifer (Section V - Ground Water Hydrology of <br />this document): <br />2) The quality of the alluvial aquifer could be impacted by drainage <br />from access/haul roads which cross the AVF. It is thought that the <br />potential for significant degradation due to access/haul road <br />drainage is minimal: This is again due to the probability of <br />immediate dilution of this drainage within the AVF, as discussed <br />above: This is especially significant when considering the total <br />area of the AVF in respect to the total area of the one present <br />(King Coal Mine road) and one proposed access/haul road (Blue Flame <br />Mine road) crossing the AVF. In any event, the impact would not <br />cause material damage: <br />Upon examining the proposed and existing sediment control facilities at each <br />mine site, as well as data obtained from the National King Coal alluvial <br />monitoring well; the Division has determined that each site has been designed <br />to minimize impacts to the AVF. Therefore; the Division makes four findings: <br />1: Pursuant to Rule 2:06.8(5)(a)(1)(A)(I); the current and proposed <br />operations will not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on <br />the Alluvial Valley Floor: <br />2, Pursuant to Rule 2:06:8(5)(a)(i)(A)(II); the current and proposed <br />operations will not materially damage the quantity or quality in <br />surface or ground water systems which supply the Alluvial Valley <br />Floor: <br />3: Pursuant to Rule 4.24:2(1) and (2); the current and proposed <br />operations will be conducted to preserve, throughout the mining and <br />reclamation process; the essential hydrologic functions of the <br />Alluvial Valley Floor both within and outside the affected area as <br />described in the permit application: <br />4: Pursuant to Rule 4:24.5; environmental monitoring systems have been <br />or will be installed, maintained and monitored to ensure that the <br />essential hydrologic functions and agricultural utility of the <br />Alluvial Valley Floor are not impacted. <br />_12_ <br />