GENERAL50517

• Permit No: C1981026
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 10/29/1981
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance
• Permit Index Doc Type: FINDINGS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

_I r~_
The arguments presented by the appli.cnnt •r re valid ones. Bnlanci.ny those, however,
are three other consideration. Bolton Ditch was nt;ar7 for d.ivcrsion purposes for at
least 5 years between 1972 and 1.076, inrl.icatiny that sorry successful irrigation must
have occurred (page 19, Willard Oi/ens Report, Appendix C, Volume II of the permit
application). Secondly, the stockpond existing upstream of the subirrigated area
indicates that water can potentially be stored in Bolton Draw for irrigation purposes.
Finally, acknowledging the fact that a significant amount of water for irrigation has
been imported from the Aichigan River basin, the regional inventory conducted by
Kerr Coal Company indicates that several ot7rer streams in the North Park area are
used, to irrigate acreages similar to those along Bolton Draw. Therefore, it appears
that•the possibility for flood irrigation along Bolton Draw cannot be entirely dis-
missed. This factor, in combination with the other identified AVF characteristics,
supports the conclusion that the segment of Bolton Draw between the stockpond (Sections
I and I1, TBN, R78W) and the Canadian River is an alluvial valley floor (see Exhibit 2,
Addendum I of the permit application). As such, potential impacts from mining will
be monitored in order to protect this resource.
AVF Fi ndin as - Bolton Draw
1. The proposed surface coal mining operations would not intez'rupt, discontinue or
preclude farming on the Bolton Praw alluvial valley floor (2.06.8(5)(a)(i)).
The mine itself will not physically disrupt arry portion of the AVF. No mining will
occur within or near the alluvial deposits.
2. The proposed surface coal mining operations would not materially damage the
quantity of quality of water in surface or underground water systems of the Bolton
Draw alluvial valley floor (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)).
The surface waters that supply the 55 acres flood irrigated pasture are originally
derived from the Michigan River. As discussed previously, no mining-related impacts
will occur on the Michigan River.
Because of the low precipitation rates (11 inches per year) and low infiltration
properties of the mine area, very little mine drainage is expected to be generated
from the reclaimed spoils. Therefore, water quality impacts, associated with the
leaching of spoils material, are expected to be insignificant.
3. The proposed operation would be conducted in accordance with 9.24 and alI other
applicable requirements of the Act and these Rules (2.0G.8(5)(a)(iii).
Mining operations would not physically disrupt the AVF. With successful reclamation
and removal of the sediment control system, the surface r.•ater flow to the draw would
be restored and water chemistry would return to natural conditions.
4. Any change in land use of the Lands covered by the proposed permit area and
adjacent area, from its pre-mining use in or adjacent to the alluvial valley floor of
Bolton Draw will not interfere with or preclude the reestablishment of the essential
functions of the alluvial valley floor (2.06.8(5)(a)(iv)).
No change in the Land use within the AVF is proposed or anticipated.