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Pumped-in water <br />_ This is operational water pumped into the mine from above ground. The <br />source of tnis water is the deciding factor as far as streamflow depletion <br />is concerned. streamflow diversions or pumpage from alluvial wells would <br />be considered depletions from streamflow, wnereas pumpage from deep aquifer <br />wells would not. Both streamflow diversions and well pumpage are <br />accurately measured and, therefore, it is recommended that surface <br />diversion and alluvial pumpage for this purpose be included as streamflow <br />depletion. <br />Mine water rights <br />The source of the water right obtained by a mine company is the deciding <br />factor in determining streamflow depletion relative to the 'rlindy Gap <br />Process. Water diverted under a new appropriation would constitute a new <br />depletion from streamflow, whereas water diverted under a purchased, <br />existing right would not. In the first instance, the applicant fir the new <br />diversion must demonstrate that water is available and that the new <br />diversion will not Warn senior rights. In practice, new water rights <br />generally do not provide reliable water supplies. In the second instance, <br />the applicant must demonstrate that purchase and transfer to the mine of an <br />existing water right will not damage intervening and downstream senior <br />rights. In addition, the transferred right is generally limited to <br />historical consumptive use and, as such, involves no new streamflow <br />depletion. <br />It is recommended, therefore, that all diversions resulting from purchase <br />and transfer of existing water rignts be eliminated from consideration as <br />streamflow depletions and that only actual diversions under new <br />appropriations be considered as streamflow depletions under the lJindy Gap <br />Process. <br />-b- <br />