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-20- <br />As previously mentioned the only mine activity within the Terror creek <br />watershed is a 92 acre (approximately) area that is to be mined by <br />underground methods. No surface mining or surface facilities are <br />proposed within this watershed. The operator does not predict any <br />hydrologic impacts that could significantly impact either the quality or <br />quantity of water in Terror Creek. No subsidence features will extend in <br />or adjacent to Terror Creek, the proposed workings are 2,000 feet west of <br />the creek. <br />Based on this information the Division makes the following findings: <br />1. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(i), the Division finds that the <br />proposed surface mining operations, would not interrupt, discontinue, or <br />preclude fanning on alluvial valley floors (Rule 2.06.8(5)). <br />2. Pursuant to Rule 2.05.8(5)(a)(ii), the Division finds that the <br />proposed surface coal mining operations would not materially damage the <br />quantity and quality of water in surface and groundwater systems that <br />supply those alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley <br />floors. <br />3. Pursuant to Rule 4.24.2(1), the Division finds that the proposed <br />surface coal mining operation has been designed to preserve the essential <br />hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors. <br />VII. WATER RIGHTS AND REPLACEMENT (2.04.7(3), 2.05.6(3)lii), <br />The Orchard Valley mine consumes approximately 30,000 GPD for use at the <br />mine. This water supply is drawn from a well field which taps the <br />alluvium of Stevens Gulch. This removal of water from Stevens Gulch <br />could affect the flows in the North Fork of the Gunnison River which <br />Stevens Gulch is tributary to, and so the applicant has obtained an <br />approved augmentation plan through Division 4 Water Court to replace <br />water removed from Stevens Gulch. Please refer to the Augmentation <br />Appendix in Volume 2 of the 1981 application. The plan uses releases <br />from East Beckwith No. 1 Reservoir, located in the Anthracite drainage, <br />to compensate for any injury to other vested water rights or, for this <br />purpose, the North Fork alluvium. This plan is discussed on page 72, <br />Section 2.04 of Volume 8 of the 1981 application. <br />The proposed operation is in compliance. <br />