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VH. Post-mining Land Use A. The Division has approved an alternative post-mining land use of residential, commercial, and industrial use. The land-use meets the criteria of Rule 4.16.3. VIII. Protection of Fish. Wildlife and Related Environmental Values A. The applicant has proposed the use of persistent pesticides on the site during reclamation operations. The Division proposes to approve this usage (4.18(4)(8)). B. Fish and wildlife habitat is not a planned post-mining land use, however, the applicant has selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife (4.18(4)(1)). IX. Oneraions on Alluvia] Vallev Floors A. The Division has determhred that an alluvial valley floor exists within the affected or adjacent azea. Therefore, the following findings are in order for the alluvia] valley floor known as the Animas River Alluvial Valley Floor located on the Animas River flowing through Durango, Colorado. The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or naturally subimgated (4.24.3(1)). Upland Terrace Deposits The upland terrace deposits adjacent to and within the permit area of the mine consist of unconsolidated stream laid deposits laid down by the Animas River when it flowed 400 feet higher than its present level. However, there is insufficient surface water to sustain irrigation of the terrace deposits. Regionally, these types of terraces are not irrigated, and aze primarily used for the production of dryland wheat. The potential for flood irrigating these upland terraces using Animas River water is not feasible, given the length of the canal needed and the fact that a canal would have to flow through the city of Durango, Colorado. The coarser gravels at the base of these deposits act as an underdrain and prevent subirrigation. Since the terraces aze not capable of irrigation or subirrigation, the Division finds that the upland terrace deposits do not constitute an AVF. The Stream Vallev in Carbon Junction Canvon Much of the stream valley of Carbon Junction Canyon flows over sandstone bedrock. Alluvial deposits in this canyon are less than 50 feet wide and 10 acres in extent. Alluvial deposits of such limited extent aze not considered substantial enough to support agricultural activities. Therefore, the stream valley in Carbon Junction Canyon does not contain an AVF. The Animas River Vallev Within Two Miles of the Mininc Onera[ion The Division has determined that the alluvial deposits and terraces directly adjacent to the Animas River constitute an alluvial valley floor. The unconsolidated stream laid deposits have the potential for flood and subirrigation. These alluvial deposits aze flood irrigated south and 15