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The major water rights owned by the applicant are from the Vulcan Ditch, which originates in Canyon Creek, a tributary to the Colorado River on the north side of the river. The water from this ditch is siphoned underneath the Colorado River and has historically been used to flood irrigate the alluvial valley floor north and east ofthe surface facilities. Since plans to operate the mine have been abandoned, there will be no consumptive use of water other than irrigation. During low-flow periods, the applicant has committed to giving priority to imgation of the historic alluvial valley floor. Accordingly, the operation is not expected to impact flows in the Colorado River, or to have a negative impact on surface water rights holders. An analysis of Probable Hydrologic Consequences of the Coal Ridge No. l Mine has been performed by the applicant, as required under Rule 2.05.6(3). Several effects from the proposed operations which were identified never occurred. Therefore there have not been and aze not predicted to be effects which would adversely impact the overall hydrologic balance of the permit and adjacent areas. The operations proposed within the permit area were designed to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit azea. Appropriate measures within the application were implemented to ensure the protection of the quality and quantity of surface and ground waters within both the proposed permit and adjacent azeas, from the adverse effects of the proposed mining activities. The assessment ofthe probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in 2.05.6(3), has been made and updated by the Division. This assessment, entitled Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Rssessment for the Upper Colorado River Basin, Volume 17, is available for inspection at the offices of the Division. The Division finds that the reclamation operations proposed under the application have been designed to prevent damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit azea. In conclusion, no significant impacts to the hydrologic balance are projected at the Coal Ridge No. 1 facilities. Monitoring data from 1988 to present indicate no adverse impacts which could be attributed to the operation have occurred. The Division finds that there would be no, or insignificant, probable hydrologic impacts from approval of the application. IV. Topsoil Baseline soils information, topsoil removal and redistribution plans aze found in pages 3-54 to 3- 61, 4-45, 4-55 to 4-56 and 4-63 in permit Volume I, as well as Appendix 3.5-1 in Volume II of the PAP. The two soil types occurring within the proposed area aze the Heldt Silty Clay with an average salvage depth to 60 inches and the Nihil Stony Loam with an average salvage depth to 12 inches. Most of the surface and subsurface soil horizons rate fair to good as a source of topsoil material, exhibiting both low electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratios. All available topsoil within the disturbed azea was salvaged. Most of the topsoil has been replaced following backfilling and grading. The two remaining topsoil stockpiles will be used during reclamation of the sediment pond. 20 June 1, 2006