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protect and maintain the value and use of the surface lands. Implemen- <br />tation of these regulations will minimize the impacts of subsidence. <br />Paleontology <br />Mining may damage or destroy any paleontological resources which exist <br />on the lease tract. <br />Soils <br />In the absence of surface disturbance, no change in soil erosion would <br />be expected. However, any surface subsidence could expose bare soil <br />along tension cracks and thereby result in accelerated soil movement. <br />Because of the unpredictability of subsidence, no quantification of <br />increased erosion is possible. <br />k'ater <br />Mining activity resulting in subsidence of the Pine Gulch stream channel <br />or its 100-year floodplain would impact the water quality (suspended <br />sediments), and discharge rates. Subsidence, causing a sudden change it <br />the streambed level (temporary base level) could substantially add to <br />sediment load because erosion would be severe until natural channeli- <br />zation is achieved (longitudinal stream profile smoothened). <br />Discharge rates could be reduced by tension cracks, resulting from <br />.subsidence, formed within the stream channel. Tenison cracks could <br />capture streamflow and serve as a means for water to enter the mine <br />workings. Surface water entering the ground through subsidence cracks <br />could affect the ground water moisture and cause mass movement. <br />Vegetation <br />There will be no impact on vegetation if subsidence does not occur. If <br />there is substantial subsidence, the vegetation may be impacted to an <br />unknown degree through substrate movement, increased soil erosion, and <br />alteration of stream and drainage pattern. _ <br />T <br />lJildlife <br />Since the proposed action is for subsurface mining, no direct impacts to <br />big game are anticipated. Indirect impacts, however, and truck traffic <br />and human activity may affect these species, particularly during the <br />winter months. Other impacts anticipated are those resulting from any <br />subsidence which might occur. If significant diversion and loss of <br />20 <br />