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if a maximum stream flow were ever obtained for this section. Below Paonia <br />• the aquatic habitat is only in fair condition due to partial dewatering for <br />irrigation and return of poor quality irrigation drainage water to the <br />system. <br />In general, the cobbled bottom of the North Fork provides a good <br />substrate, and there is a fairly rich diversity of aquatic life. Major <br />groups of insects are stoneflies, caddisflies, true flies, beetles, <br />mayflies, dragonflies, and true bugs. Numerically, the most abundant <br />groups are the flies, oligochaete worms, and caddisflies. Overall density <br />of organisms averages 950 per square meter. In general, the diversity of <br />benthic organisms and densities found indicates relatively good water <br />quality. The main source of primary production in the North Fork is <br />attached filamentous green algae (Cladophora). <br />• The following is a description of aquatic studies conducted at ARCO's <br />Mt. Gunnison Coal Project and along the North Fork of the Gunnison River <br />about one mile downstream from the Hawk's Nest Mine. This information <br />provides supplemental data useful in a description of the resources present. <br />It is taken directly from a recent ARCO coal mining permit application. <br />Aquatic Studies <br />"Aquatic environments on the Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Project <br />study area were investigated to obtain seasonal information <br />on physical, chemical, and biological parameters. This <br />information was gathered from 12 aquatic sampling stations <br />on the study area. Sampling stations which occur on the <br />same stream are identified as upper, middle, and lower sta- <br />tions. While the three major streams and two reservoirs <br />were sampled, strong emphasis was placed on the North Fork <br />of the Gunnison River as this is the only area having even <br />limited potential for impact by surface operations at the <br />• Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mine. <br />2.04-66 <br />