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• size fractions (such as sand) are deposited, leaving the silt <br />sized particles to collect in thickness on the flatter regions <br />along the drainage. Surface water readily infiltrates this silt <br />until it reaches an impermeable underclay. Hence, small quantities <br />of perched groundwater are stored in this vicinity. <br />Historically Flood Irrigated Areas <br />Lower Bolton Draw has been historically flood irrigated in the <br />past. This area lies below the Bolton Ditch and encompasses about <br />55 acres. The ditch (filed under Case No. W-846), has an approp- <br />riation of 15 cfs, an appropriation date of October 1, 1947, and a <br />previous adjudication date of December 31, 1974. It is apparent <br />from walking the ditch route that it has not been used in some time. <br />Bolton Draw has historically and is presently being used for <br />grazing. It has not been used for haying. According to John <br />• Nuding, manager of Noffsinger Ranch, the reservoir in Bolton Draw <br />is used as a stockpond. Mr. Nuding also stated that Bolton Ditch <br />is not presently being used, nor has it been used in recent years <br />due to soil conditions. <br />At the southern end of Bolton Draw is Spear Ditch, which takes <br />water from the Michigan River. According to Eric Waggoner, Water <br />Commissioner in Jackson County, Baller Livestock irrigates land in <br />the northeast corner of Section 22 near Bolton Draw from Spear Ditch <br />on the average from the 10th of May to the 15th of July. Thus, the <br />water flow in Bolton Draw terminates after the middle of July. That <br />is, the water supply for Bolton Ditch originates at the Michigan <br />River, in a basin which will not be affected by mining operations. <br />Thus, mining will not have any effect on the quantity or quality <br />of the water used to irrigate Bolton Draw. Therefore, no material <br />damage to Bolton Draw is anticipated from mining and reclamation <br />operations. <br />• <br />-110- <br />