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Approximately 0.6% of the drainage area of Big Salt Wash could be effected by the operation <br />in this worst-case scenario. This fact indicates that there is very little potential for any effect <br />on the quality of water in Big Salt Wash as a result of this operation. <br />It is apparent from this discussion that the potential for diminution of quantity and quality of <br />water supplied to the Big Salt Wash potential alluvial valley floor would be minimal. The <br />Division finds that there will be essentially no effect of the operation on the hydrologic <br />character of the Big Salt Wash drainage system. <br />Grand Valley Coal Company has established surface water monitoring stations upstream and <br />downstream of the confluence of Munger and East Salt Creeks. Additionally, Grand Valley <br />Coal Company will monitor mine inflows, mine discharges, ground water downgradient of <br />the waste rock pile, coal processing waste pile and central facilities area, and ground water in <br />the alluvium of East Salt Creek. The monitoring system established by Grand Valley Coal <br />Company will be sufficient to verify conclusions of the Division with respect to the effect of <br />the operation on water quality and quantity and will indicate if any problems arise which may <br />require mitigation. <br />Therefore, pursuant to 2.06.8(5)(iii), the Division finds the proposed operation will not <br />materially damage the quantity and quality of water in surface and ground water systems that <br />supply alluvial valley floors or portions of alluvial valley floors. <br />Alluvial Valley Floor Findings With Regard to Preserving Essential Hydrologic Functions <br />The potential for any effect of surface water quality and quantity in East Salt Creek was <br />previously discussed. Even though the potential for impact is minimal, Grand Valley Coal <br />Company has established a monitoring network to verify these projections and to identify <br />detrimental effects if they were to occur. This monitoring network is established to detect <br />changes in surface and ground water within the alluvial valley floor. <br />Upon termination of mining operations, all mine surface facilities will be removed, coal <br />material will be disposed of, topsoil will be spread, all openings will be sealed and a stable, <br />protective stand of vegetation will be established on the area. <br />Therefore, pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(iii), the Division finds that the proposed surface coal <br />mining and reclamation operation will preserve, throughout the mining and reclamation <br />process, the essential hydrologic functions of the alluvial valley floor. <br />AVF Findings <br />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 />known as East Salt Creek located in Township 7 South, Range 102 West of the 6th Principal <br />Meridian Sections 21 and 29 of the permit area. <br />43