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AVF as a result of the permittees' proposed pumping of water from the AVF for use in the <br />mine. The permittee had demonstrated that the volume of water removed from the alluvium <br />was insignificant to the flow volumes observed on the White River even during years of low <br />flow, and had concluded that the effects of drawdown on the alluvial water body would not <br />significantly impact farming due to the exclusive use of artificial flood irrigation rather than <br />natural sub-irrigation practices in the area. This was felt to be a reasonable conclusion; <br />however, it was also felt that natural sub-irrigation might provide additional, supplemental <br />moisture to flood irrigated crops. In view of this, two stipulations were attached to the <br />permit to provide for ongoing monitoring of the alluvial body to verify the anticipated draw <br />downs caused by pumping, and to provide for the development of a mitigation plan to <br />protect farming operations in the event that drawdown of the White River alluvial aquifer <br />had a detrimental effect on established agricultural activities. A monitoring plan was <br />subsequently approved and implemented, thereby resolving the requirements of the <br />stipulation. The approved plan called for monthly monitoring of six alluvial wells installed <br />within the White River alluvium above, below, and adjacent to the alluvial well field utilized <br />to supply water to the mining operation. At present, only well QAL-5 is monitored due to <br />the complete inundation of the remaining wells by raising water levels from the filling of <br />Kenney Reservoir. A raw water lagoon was constructed within the vicinity of the alluvial <br />well field at the confluence of Scullion Gulch and the White River, subsequent to <br />construction of Kenney reservoir. Water to supply the mine is now pumped from the lagoon, <br />rather than the alluvium. <br />Due to high water table in the immediate vicinity of the raw water lagoon, cattails and other <br />wetland species that are not significant to farming dominate the vegetation. No other surface <br />facilities are proposed by the permittee that would in any way significantly affect agricultural <br />activities established on the alluvial valley floor of the White River. No underground mining <br />activities are proposed beneath any portions of the identified AVF during the permit term or <br />over the proposed life of mining operation. <br />A. The Division has determined that an alluvial valley floor exists within the affected or <br />adjacent area. Therefore, the following findings are in order for the alluvial valley floor <br />located on the White River. <br />1. The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, <br />discontinue, or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or <br />naturally sub-irrigated (4.24.3(1)). <br />2. The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water <br />in the surface or ground water system described above (4.24.3(3) and <br />2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)). <br />3. The proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the <br />Regulations with respect to alluvial valley floors (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)). <br />4. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the <br />essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and <br />Deserado Mine 32 September 19, 2008