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Aquifers of significance are the upper member of the Point Lookout sandstone and the Hay Gulch alluvial aquifer. Stratigraphically, the sandstone is about 275 feet below the coal seam being mined. Hay Gulch Ii es adjacent to the northern edge of the existing surface facilities area. Hay Gulch is a major surface drainage leading to the LaPlata River system. The Hay Gulch drainage is considered an ephemeral stream. The permit boundary's southern perimeter is Pine Gulch, which is also considered an ephemeral drainage. Both of the above-mentioned drainages flow in response to a precipitation event or snowmelt. The climatic regime is classed as semi-arid, characterized by hot surmners, cold winters, and a limited amount of precipitation each year. The prevailing winds are from the southwest and west with an average annual precipitation rate varying from 15-19 inches. The growing season in the area varies depending on elevation and exposure with a maximum of 96 frost-free days. Soils found within the permit boundary vary greatly, depending on slope, aspect and topographic position. Basically, two soil orders (Entisolls and Aridisols) occupy the site, as well as one rock outcrop complex. Leper soils are found along the valley bottoms and the plateau top with shallow soils associated with rock outcrops along the side slopes. Both soil oniers have an ustic moisture regime. Soils in the disturbed area are non-existent, since all surface disturbance took place prior to the enactment of any statutory reclamation requirements. Vegetation is also non-existent in the bench area due to past disturbances. Over the undisturbed permit and affected area, vegetation is distributed in response to micro-climatic in flvences. The dominant vegetation in the area is a mountain shrub community. Gambles Oak is the Trost prominent shrub along the sideslopes, forming dense stands. On the plateau top, the oak tends to grow in clumps with open stands of grasses interspersed. AJuniper-Pinyon community is found on the more xeric southern slopes with scattered individuals of Douglas Fir-Ponderosa Pine encountered on more n~sic northern slopes. The valley bottom of Hay Gulch is occupied by introduced pasture.