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September) much of the irrigation water used in the basin is supplied by streams which receive inflows from discharging spoil aquifers, thus contributing to an increase in TDS and other constituents to the alluvial system. In some locations, the streams which receive the spoils aquifer discharges become ephemeral in August, thus directly contributing the spoils discharge to the alluvial system. It is during the base flow portion of the year, when minimal surface water dilution occurs, that local alluvial aquifers may be most impacted. However, during base flow, flow in tributary alluvial aquifers will be directed down-gradient toward the alluvium of perennial streams, and eventually discharge to these streams. Due to the discharge to the surface system and to the great quantity of annual recharge during the spring when surface flows exhibit reduced TDS concentrations, it is not thought that the residual increase in TDS will impact the alluvial aquifers to the point of precluding agricultural use (sub-irrigation) of the water. Given this, it is evident that material damage to this system will not occur. Pursuant to Rule 2.04 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board, it is found that the Seneca II Mine, as well as associated structures and disturbances, have been designed to mimimize effects to the prevailing hydrologic balance and to prevent material damage off-site. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. X. Climatological Information and Air Resources - Rules 2.04. ~~ A L 7 AL L 1 ..-J A l fl Information pertaining to climatology and air resources is presented in Volume IV, Tab 8 of the revised permit application. The approved air emissions permit and air pollution control plan are provided in Volume VII, Tab 14 of the application. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XI. Topsoil -Rules 2.04.9, 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06. Information regarding topsoil may be found in Volume IY, Tab 9 of the original permit application, as well as in Volume II, Tab 9 of the permit renewal application. Information in the original findings document for Seneca II Mine (August 10, 1981) identified two concerns: heavy clay concentration in certain soil types; and, limited soil salvaging in steep slope areas. To mitigate the heavy clay concentration, Peabody Coal Company proposed stripping topsoil in single lifts to mix different soil orders and to dilute the heavy clay concentration. This salvaged topsoil was either taken directly to a final regraded reclamation area or to a topsoil stockpile. Peabody Coal Company proposes to continue this practice except, when feasible, topsoil will be salvaged in two lifts taken directly to final regraded areas to promote the natural regeneration of existing species. -31-