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11. The Division has made a negative determination for the presence of prime <br />farmland within the permit area. The decision was based on information <br />provided by the applicant which documents that the area proposed to be <br />disturbed by surface operations has not historically been used as <br />cropland; contains slopes of greater than ten percent (1090; is not <br />irrigated and receives less than 14 inches of annual precipitation <br />demonstrating that no prime farmland mapping units are found within the <br />permit area. (2.07.6(2)(k)). <br />12. Based on information provided in the application the Divi<_:ion has <br />determined that an alluvial valley floor exists within the permit <br />area. The areas designated as Qaf, Qtl, Qt2 and Qt3 along the Ward Creek <br />and Williams Creek valleys, as shown on Map 7 of Appendix 8, are alluvial <br />valley floors due to flood irrigability. Due to their location in <br />relationship to the portal area, they will not be affected by the Red <br />Canyon Mine. (2.07.6(2)(K) and 2.06.8(3)(C)). <br />For additional specific findings concerning this alluvial valley floor <br />please see Section B, XVII. <br />13. The Division hereby approves the post-mining land use of i:he operation. <br />It was determined that wildlife habitat meets the requirements of Rule <br />4.16 for the permit area. (2.07.6(2)(1)). <br />14. The Division finds that the activities proposed by the applicant would <br />not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or <br />result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical <br />habitats. (2.07.6(2)(n)). The Colorado Division of Wildlife indicated <br />that the bald eagle was the only threatened species in the area and that <br />its habitat would not be disrupted by the mine. Electric transmission <br />and distribution lines within the permit area have been constructed to <br />the specification of Rule 4.18, to ensure the protection of large raptors. <br />15. The Division has contacted the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation Fees <br />Branch. On July 18, 1988, the Applicant Violator System prepared an <br />"Issue" evaluation and it indicated that the operator is current in the <br />payment of reclamation fees required by 30 CFR Chapter VI1:, subchapter R. <br />(2.07.6(2)(0)). <br />-15- <br />