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Probable Hydrologic Consequences of Minin <br />The probable hydrologic consequences of the Terror Creek Loadout are quite <br />limited due to the small size of the disturbance, (less than 8 acres) the <br />nature of the operation (coal handling and loading only) and the fact that the <br />colluvium upon which the facilities are located is not in direct hydrologic <br />communication with the North Fork alluvial aquifer. <br />prainage and sediment control measures Implemented by the applicant are <br />sufficient to insure that the quality of water downstream from the site is not <br />impacted. The only impact on water quantity is the consumptive use of <br />approximately 6 acre feet per year. <br />The Terror Creek Loadout withdraws water from two sources. Water for dust <br />suppression is supplied by senior water rights from the Deertrail Ditch. The <br />ditch withdraws water from Hubbard Creek. Use averages 5,000 gallons per day <br />(5.6 acre feet/year). Previously, this water was used to irrigate orchards <br />where the Loadout is now located. A domestic well which supplies about 450 <br />gallons per day (0.5 acre feet/year) is used for domestic use at the Loadout <br />office and bathhouse. Terror Creek's consumption amounts to 0.002% of the <br />North Fork's mean annual yield at Somerset. This amount of consumption is <br />considered by the Division to be insignificant. <br />Upon final reclamation, the essential hydrologic furctions of the site will be <br />restored. The essential hydrologic function which must be restored within the <br />affected area is the capability of the site to support flood irrigated <br />agricultural production levels comparable to pre-disturbance levels. The <br />major components of the reclamation plan which will insure that this essential <br />f~ydrologic function is restored are the following: <br />1. Regrading of the Loadout pad and diversion structures to approximate <br />original contour so as to allow for distribution of irrigation water as <br />was practiced prior to disturbance. <br />2. Scarification and ripping of the regraded slope so as to relieve <br />compaction and allow for root penetration and aeration. <br />3. Replacement of a sufficient depth of a plant growth medium so as to <br />provide fora water holding capacity within the rooting zone that will <br />support irrigated agricultural productivity comparable to pre-disturbance <br />levels. <br />Soil physical data and analyses supplied by the applicant for topsoil, subsoil <br />and colluvium indicate that available water at field capacity would vary from <br />3.41 inches to 4.81 inches within the identified rooting zone (44 inch depth) <br />in orchard land immediately adjacent to the disturbed area. The analyses <br />indicate that the physical characteristics and water holding capacity for the <br />colluvial deposit are consistent throughout its entire depth. Thus mixing of <br />the material as a result of construction and reclamation would not reduce <br />water holding capacity. <br />-7- <br />