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is discussed in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences (PHC) section of the permit application <br />package (Volume 4, Tab 7). The increase in flow is due to the changing of the ground water <br />system from a structurally controlled artesian aquifer to a topographically controlled <br />unconfined system. This change increases the amount of groundwater available for discharge <br />into the surface water system. At the Seneca II Mine this may increase the flow of Grassy <br />Creek, Little Grassy Creek, and the unnamed tributaries of Fish Creek. <br />Climate <br />Annual precipitation at the mine site is 16.11 inches. The precipitation is consistent <br />throughout the year with no significant dry periods. The average temperature in January is <br />17. VF and is 65.9°F in July. Regionally, wind directions run east-west following the Yampa <br />River Valley. More localized wind patterns trend along the side valleys. <br />Land Use <br />Current and historic land use in the vicinity of the operation has been mining, grazing for <br />livestock, and wildlife habitat. Irrigated cropland in the area is limited to portions of the Fish <br />Creek alluvial body and to the Yampa River floodplain. Non-irrigated crops are grown on <br />sloping upland areas, as well as on alluvial flats. No cropland was disturbed by mining. <br />Soils <br />The soils found within and adjacent to the mine plan area are typical of soils found in the cold, <br />semi-arid regions of the Western United States. The soils are moderately deep (20 to 40 <br />inches) to shallow (10 to 20 inches). Soils were developed in weathered, interbedded fine <br />sandstone, siltstone, and shale, and in local slopewash and colluvium. <br />Vegetation <br />Three vegetative types; mixed brush, sagebrush grassland, and aspen characterize vegetation <br />in the vicinity of the operation. Because of livestock grazing, shrubs have increased in density <br />while fortis and grasses have decreased. <br />Fish and Wildlife <br />Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area of the mine site. The most predominant <br />big game species are elk and mule deer. Common raptors are Golden Eagle, Red-Tailed <br />Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Marsh Hawk and American Kestrel. <br />Cultural and Historic Resources <br />The applicant conducted a number of site specific archaeological investigations of the original <br />permit area between 1978 and 1987. During these cultural resource inventories, two (2) <br />archaeological sites and one (1) isolated prehistoric artifact within the permit boundary were <br />5