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permit area. Excavation associated with the loadout pad was <br />completed to approximately 20 feet below ground surface and <br />no groundwater was encountered. No springs or seeps have <br />been identified along the colluvial deposit in the vicinity <br />of the permit area. <br />Because no further surface disturbance is proposed, there is <br />no potential for significant impacts to groundwater quantity <br />in the area. There is a very slight potential for quality <br />of water in the alluvial aquifer immediately downslope from <br />the disturbed area to be degraded as a result of percolation <br />of lower quality water from the coal storage piles and <br />sediment pond. The potential for material damage is <br />considered to be negligible and is further discussed in an <br />upcoming section on Operations on Alluvial Valley Floors. <br />b. Surface Water Effects and Mitigation <br />Drainage and sediment control measures implemented by the <br />applicant are sufficient to ensure that the quality of water <br />downstream from the site is not impacted. The only impact <br />on water quantity is the consumptive use of approximately 6 <br />acre-feet per year. <br />The Terror Creek Loadout withdraws water from two sources. <br />Water for dust suppression is supplied by senior water <br />rights from the Deer Trail Ditch. The ditch withdraws water <br />from Hubbard Creek. Use averages 5,000 gallons per day (5.6 <br />acre-feet/year). Previously, this water was used to <br />irrigate orchards where the loadout is now located. A <br />domestic well which supplies about 450 gallons per day (0.5 <br />acre-feet/year) is used for domestic use at the loadout <br />office and bathhouse. Terror Creek's consumption amounts to <br />0.002 of the North Fork's mean annual yield at Somerset. <br />This amount of consumption is considered by the Division to <br />be insignificant. <br />Upon final reclamation, the essential hydrologic functions <br />of the site will be restored. The essential hydrologic <br />function which must be restored within the affected area is <br />the capability of the site to support flood irrigated agri- <br />cultural production levels comparable to pre-disturbance <br />levels. The major components of the reclamation plan which <br />will ensure that this essential hydrologic function is <br />restored are the following: <br />Regrading of the loadout pad and diversion <br />structures to approximate original contour so as to <br />allow for distribution of irrigation water as was <br />practiced prior to disturbance. <br />Terror Creek Loadout Page 15 <br />