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Adequate dilution of any effluent generated at the Bear No. 3 Mine will mitigate any effects of reduced water quality in the Bear No. 3 alluvium on downstream AVFs. The greater the distance from the Bear No. 3 Mine, the greater the dilution of any effluent. The potential impacts are considered insignificant, and the applicant's groundwater and surface monitoring program should detect any changes in the quantity and quality of ground and surface water supplied to the North Fork of the Gunnison River and, therefore, to alluvial valley floors downstream. No potentially significant impacts to the AVF have been identified. The monitoring plan outlined in the permit application will ensure that the essential hydrologic functions of the AVF aze maintained by monitoring the development of any effluent at the Bear No. 3 Mine site. XVItI. Operations on Prime Farmland Prime farmland investigation information is located in Section 2.04.12 of the Bear No. 1 and 2 permit application, and in Section 2.04.12 and 4.25 of the Bear No. 3 permit revision application. No prime farmland exists within the permit area. The majority of the disturbed area has been historically affected by mining and has not been historically used as cropland. The Soil Conservation Service has indicated that no soils have been identified as prime farmland in Gunnison County, Colorado (SCS, USDA, 1980, /mportat:t Farmland /itventory -Colorado, Denver, Colorado). The Bear Coal operation is in compliance with the provisions of this section. XIX. Mountaintop Removal This section does not apply to the Bear Coal Company permit. XX. Operations on Steep Slopes Mining at the Bear No. 2 and the Bear No. 3 portals involves face-up areas and portal benches constructed on the steep valley slopes south of the North Fork of [he Gunnison River and are classified as steep slope mining. Bear Coal Company has requested a variance from the approximate original contour requirements of Rule 4.27.3(3) as provided by Rule 4.27.4. A number of alternative portal stabilization techniques and backfilling plans were proposed as a result of geotechnical analyses conducted by Rocky Mountain Geotechnical. The Division has granted a variance from the approximate original contour requirements. The variance allows for partial backfilling scheme which will ensure stability of the 35