GENERAL52691 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

In two of these areas (Bush Draw and Williams Draw), there apparently is not sufficient water to support agricultural activities. There is no existing or historic flood irrigation in these valleys (p. 785-16aa), these valleys are not capable of flood irrigation (Exhibit 37a), and the areas where the vegetation suggests sub-irrigation are discontinuous and limited to narrow bands along the channel ways (Map 15a). Therefore, Bush Draw and Williams Draw are not alluvial valley floors. The four remaining areas meet the criteria for alluvial valley floors. The floodplain of the Illinois River meets the water availability criteria for sub-irrigation (p 785-27). The floodplain of the Canadian River is currently flood irrigated (p 785-27), and is also sub-irrigated (p. 785-24). Bolton Draw contains 55 acres of a flood irrigated pasture. The water used for this irrigation is drived from the Michigan River (p. 785-aa). In addition, 95 acres of Bolton Draw alluvium contain vegetation suggesting sub-irrigation (Map 15a). At one site, soil moisture data (Exhibit 38) collected during the week of September 15, 1980, show the capillary fringe associated with the alluvial water table to be within 1.5 feet of the surface. However, data are not available for more than one site, or through the growing season. Therefore, based upon the available data the entire 95 acres are assumed to be sub-irrigated. Analysis of the regional flood irrigation practices (Exhibit 37a) indicates no capability for additional flood irrigation using runoff from the watershed itself. The applicant has identified 77 acres of alluvium along Sudduth Draw which have vegetation suggestive of sub-irrigation. Soil moisture data (Exhibit 38> collected during the week of September 13, 1980, indicates sub-irrigation. At the location sampled, the root zone extended approximately five feet into the capillary fringe. No existing or historic flood irrigation has been identified in Sudduth Draw (p 785-16aa>. The analysis of regional flood irrigation practices (Exhibit 38) does not indicate that the area is capable of flood irrigation. Alluvial Valley Floors - Illinois River - Findings The proposed surface coal mining operations would not interrupt, discontinue, or preclude farming on an alluvial valley floor. The tipple is already in existence. Areas immediately adjacent to the loadout include the marsh, a lumber mill, and the railroad. The bench itself, although located within the floodplain, is in a marshy area that would not have supported agricultural activities prior to bench constructions. 2. The proposed surface coal mining operations would not materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and underground water systems that supply those alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley floors.