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the White River AVF as a result of the permittee's proposed pumping of water from the <br />AVF for use in the mine. The permittee had demonstrated that the volume of water <br />removed from the alluvium was insignificant to the flow volumes observed on the White <br />River even during years of low flow, and had concluded that the effects of drawdown on <br />the alluvial water body would not significantly impact farming due to the exclusive use of <br />artificial flood irrigation rather than natural sub-irrigation practices in the area. This was <br />felt to be a reasonable conclusion.; however, it was also felt that natural sub-irrigation <br />might provide additional, supplemental moisture to flood irrigated crops. In view of this, <br />two stipulations were attached to the permit to provide for ongoing monitoring of the <br />alluvial body to verify the anticipated draw downs caused by pumping, and to provide for <br />the development of a mitigation plan to protect farming operations in the event that <br />drawdown of the White River alluvial aquifer had a detrimental effect on established <br />agricultural activities. A monitoring plan was subsequently approved and implemented, <br />thereby resolving the requirements of the stipulation. The approved plan called for <br />monthly monitoring of six alluvial wells installed within the White River alluvium above, <br />below, and adjacent to the alluvial well field utilized to supply water to the mining <br />operation. At present, only well QAL-5 is monitored due to the complete inundation of <br />the remaining wells by raising water levels from the filling of Kenney Reservoir. A raw <br />water lagoon was constructed within the vicinity of the alluvial well field at the <br />confluence of Scullion Gulch and. the White River, subsequent to construction of Kenney <br />reservoir. Water to supply the mine is now pumped from the lagoon, rather than from the <br />alluvium. <br />Due to high water table in the immediate vicinity of the raw water lagoon, cattails and <br />other wetland species that are not significant to farming dominate the vegetation. No <br />other surface facilities are proposed by the permittee that would in any way significantly <br />affect agricultural activities established on the alluvial valley floor of the White River. <br />No underground mining activities are proposed beneath any portions of the identified <br />AVF during the permit term or 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 fanning on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or <br />naturally sub-irrigated (4.24.3(l)). <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 44 June 18, 2009