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West Elk Mine <br />characteristics indicate that agricultural development prior to its present use is not likely. <br />The only AVF chazacteristic that the sites might have is a flood irrigatibility capability. But because <br />of their topographic position, an elaborate network of diversions would be necessary to provide <br />flood irrigation. Thus, if sufficient water rights were available, some form of flood irrigation is <br />possible although not necessarily economically viable. Furthermore, the immature soils would not <br />be adequate to support general agronomic activities, and development would probably be limited to <br />improved pasture. Mountain Coal Company's current mining plans will not affect the terrace north <br />of the river (Area 1). Relocation of State Highway 133, has permanently altered the site. <br />Accordingly, any designation or nondesignation of this area as an AVF is moot. <br />The terrace area previously occupied by the Bear Mine portal and office complex (SE'/<, Section 9, <br />T13S, R90W, south side of the North Fork,) has had a mining land use pattern for the last 45 yeazs. <br />Substantial modification of the area has occurred over time. Geomorphic evidence indicates that <br />this terrace is nothing more than a glacial remnant gravel baz not directly associated with the <br />"present alluvial system" except by proximity. <br />Mining activities at the West Elk Mine will not affect the quantity or quality of water in the North <br />Fork. The F coal seam lies a significant distance above the river and is not considered to be an <br />aquifer. Surface facilities have been designed and located to prevent contamination of the river. The <br />low terrace azea previously used for Bear Coal Company's facilities and portal was reclaimed in <br />1984 with the exception of a portion of the site used for a temporary overburden stockpile. The <br />• stockpile has since been removed and the azea will either be reclaimed or used for an additional <br />fresh water storage pond. This is the only surface disturbance currently expected for this azea. Upon <br />completion of mining activities, the disturbed azea will be regraded to match the remainder of the <br />site, covered with suitable seed bed quality material and revegetated. As a result, the azea will <br />exhibit the same general topographic configuration currently evident with its general proximity to <br />the river unchanged. Any flood irrigatability capability that may have existed over 45 years ago, <br />prior to this azea's use for coal mining, should be restored. <br />Mountain Coal Company has no control over the terrace area on the north side of the North Fork <br />(SW '/<, Section 9, T13S) and has no plans for developing this site in association with the West Elk <br />Mine. Less than 10 acres of noncolluvial materials aze evident at this location. Most of these are <br />associated with the appazent glacial remnant gravel deposits. No agricultural activities have been <br />conducted on this site. <br />In the permit approval issued July 29, 1981, Mountain Coal Company was notified of a positive <br />alluvial valley floor declaration for the North Fork of the Gunnison River in Section 18, T13S, <br />R90W and Sections 13 and 14, T13S, R91W. A stipulation was included in the permit approval <br />requiring that the applicant shall demonstrate that the mining operations' fresh water usage will not <br />materially damage the quantity and quality of water supplying the alluvial valley floor. <br />Information contained in this document, the Technical Environmental Analysis completed for OSM <br />by Willard Owens and Associates and the West Elk NPDES permit application was assimilated to <br />provide an assessment of risk of material damage to quantity and quality of water supplying the <br />AVF identified on the North Fork of the Gunnison River. <br />1.068 Revised June 1005 PR70; Rev. March 1006 <br />