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If the sediment yield per acre were found to <br /> be significantly higher in Dutch Creek, one could assume the <br /> difference to be due to mining activities since geology, <br /> slopes , and vegetation are similar . The rate that sediment <br /> is being produced varies during the hydrologic year . Sedi- <br /> ment production is highest during June and reduces in concen- <br /> tration during low base flow periods . In addition, sediment <br /> production increases during thunderstorm runoff events . <br /> During the study , total sediment yields for Dutch Creek and <br /> Bear Creek were not obtained although, generally , sediment <br /> production from Dutch Creek was higher . The assessment , <br /> based on the USFS report , reveals that the sediment in Dutch <br /> Creek had a finer texture and may be related to erosion from <br /> • mine platforms and haul roads . The report also states that <br /> the study was not able to quantify accelerated sediment <br /> production associated with mining though visual inspection <br /> indicates mine activities do contribute to increased stream <br /> sedimentation in Dutch and Coal Creeks . "Most of the problems <br /> cannot be isolated to any point source but appear to be the <br /> result of a combination of non-point sources directly related <br /> to the haul roads and mine platforms . " The report states <br /> that accelerated erosion is attributed to by the mining <br /> platforms and road systems and recommends "best management <br /> practices" be adopted . <br /> As a result of this study Mid-Continent has <br /> . implemented erosion control practices to minimize potential <br /> 41 <br />