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-17- <br />season. Therefore, the results of this study reported in the permit <br />application are not sufficient for the Division to conclude that subirrigation <br />does not occur during a major portion of the growing season. <br />Based on available information, the unconsolidated streamlaid deposits of <br />Lower Foidel, Middle and Trout Creeks are found to be a]luvia] valley floors <br />because of the current or historical existence of flood irrigation and the <br />presumed capability of these areas to support subirrigation during a portion <br />of the growing season. <br />Alluvial Valley Floor Findings <br />Prior to approval for a permit to conduct surface coal mining and reclamation <br />operations at Mine No. 3, the Division is required to make specific written <br />findings on the effects of these operations on all alluvial valley floors <br />within the proposed permit and adjacent areas. The required findings are <br />presented below. <br />1. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(i)(A)(I), the Division finds that the <br />proposed surface coal mining operations would not interrupt, discontinue, or <br />preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors. No mining activities would <br />take place within or beneath any alluvial valley floors, except at the Middle <br />Creek Office Complex, which was constructed adjacent to Foidel Creek in 1978 <br />(see Map 6, Mine Plan). Drainage from this 1.5 acre area is controlled and <br />passed through a gravel filter before it discharges to Foidel Creek. A small k <br />area exemption for sediment control structures has been granted for this area <br />by the Division (MLRD letter to CYCC, dated-December 15, 1983), due to the 1 `~ <br />small size of the affected area and the~glig~bJ.e'potential for disruption of `G~P~ ~~~ <br />the agricultural productivity of the alluvial valley floor. 1~~``_4~ L~~,~ ~ <br />2. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a)(i)(A)(II), the Division finds that theVep'~~v~~ ~~~ C <br />proposed surface coal mining operation would not materially damage the u' '_ ~L <br />quantity or quality of surface or ground water systems that supply the ~ ~¢~~ y,^ <br />alluvial valley floors. There is a potential for water quality degradation of <br />alluvial and surface waters draining the area due to discharge from the <br />detention basins and leaching of solub]e salts from the backfilled mine pits. <br />However, the projected change in water quality due to discharge from the <br />detention basins is not expected to prevent the use of the water for <br />irrigation. Also, no discharge of spoils water from the backfilled mine pits <br />to the stream/alluvial system is expected to occur as a result of mining <br />operations. For additional information and analysis of mining impacts on <br />AVF's, see the discussion of "Probable Hydrologic Consequences" in Section <br />VIII of this document. <br />3. Pursuant to Rule 4.24.2(lj and (2), the Division finds that the proposed <br />surface coal mining operations would reestablish or preserve, throughout the <br />mining operation, the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors <br />within the affected area. The essential hydrologic functions are identified <br />as the capacity to support both flood irrigated and subirrigated agricultural <br />activities. The only disturbed area within the alluvial valley floor is the <br />Middle Creek Mine Office Complex, as discussed above. A reclamation plan <br />identifying topsoil redistribution and revegetation of this area has been <br />