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The only direct effects to the Colorado River could be from the Loma loadout which occupies a rail siding along the D&RGW Railroad right-of:way near the town of Loma, Colorado. This rail siding existed prior to the loadout, and was historically used as a loading site for sugar beets. The total disturbed azea at the loadout is 5.6 acres. The loadout is roughly two miles from the Colorado River. All runoff, which only results from direct precipitation over the 5.6 acre disturbance, will be contained at the site, and no runoff will be discharged from the site. Due to the limited surface disturbance, the potential impact of the loadout on the Colorado River alluvial valley floor is insignificant. Alluvial Valley Floor Findings With Regazd to Farming The only identified alluvial valley floor area to be affected by mining operations lies within the East Salt Creek alluvium. The central facilities azea will affect approximately 43.4 acres of the East Salt Creek AVF. The applicant has calculated the significance of -this area to farming in the pre-mining farming unit. The existing ranch runs approximately 793 animal units. Based upon assumption that the 9.9 acres of juniper woodland does not lie within the AVF, the applicant calculated that disturbance of this azea would result in a loss in production of 4.57 animal units. This amounts to a 0.6% loss of production during mining. Data and calculations aze contained in Volume VI, page 4-8. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(S)(I), the Division finds that the proposed surface facilities affect a small azea of the alluvial valley floor which provides negligible support for production of the farming unit. With respect to Stove and Buniger Canyons, the unnamed tributary to East Salt Creek and Big Salt Wash, there is no potential for the interruption, discontinuance, or preclusion of farming on an alluvial valley floor. No underground development will pass beneath an alluvial valley floor, nor will any surface disturbance occur in any of these azeas. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(I), the Division finds that the proposed surface coal mining operations will not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on an alluvial valley floor. Alluvial Valley Floor Findings with Regard to Material Damage to Water Quality and Quantity As mentioned previously, the Munger Mine will be developed into portions of four drainage basins. The surface disturbance will occur only within Munger Canyon and East Salt Creek. The greatest potential for diminution of water quality and quantity would be attributable to the area of surface disturbance. 5?