Laserfiche WebLink
In addition to water quality degradation, another type of material damage that can occur to an <br />AVF is physical disruption of the AVF's capability for irrigation or subirrigation (the AVF's <br />essential hydrologic function). PSCM does not propose excavations in the Fish Creek, <br />Grassy Creek, or Little Grassy Creek AVFs; therefore, the essential hydrologic functions of <br />these AVFs will not be physically disrupted. <br />PSCM will monitor discharges to the Grassy Creek and Little Grassy Creek AVFs at pond <br />pond 002 and will monitor discharges to the Fish Creek AVF at pond 004. PSCM will <br />monitor alluvial ground water in the Grassy Creek AVF in well YSG5 and in the Little <br />Grassy Creek AVF in well SGAL71. PSCM will monitor surface water in the Fish Creek <br />AVF at SSC10. <br />AVF Findings <br />The Division has determined that AVFs exist within the affected or adjacent area; therefore, <br />the following findings are in order for the Fish Creek, Grassy Creek, and Little Grassy Creek <br />AVFs. <br />The Division finds that activities proposed by the applicant will not interrupt, discontinue, or <br />preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or naturally sub-irrigated. <br />(4.24.3(1)). <br />The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in the <br />surface or ground water system described above. (4.24.3(3) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)). <br />The proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations <br />with respect to alluvial valley floors. (2.06.8(5)(a)(iii)). <br />Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the essential <br />hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and to reestablish the <br />essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors within the affected area throughout the <br />mining and reclamation process. (4.24.2). <br />An environmental monitoring system for alluvial valley floors will be installed, maintained, <br />and operated by the permittee during surface coal mining and reclamation operations and will <br />be continued until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3. (4.24.4). <br />Those areas of the operation in the Grassy Creek or Little Grassy Creek watersheds, where <br />only surface coal mining activities will be conducted, produced coal in commercial quantities <br />and were located within or adjacent to an alluvial valley floor prior to August 3, 1977 <br />(4.24.3(4)(a) and 2.06.8(5)(b)(I)(A)). <br />Peabody Sage Creek Mine 39 May 7, 2010