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AVF Findings <br />Given the limited effect of Seneca II Mine discharge on Fish Creek surface water <br />quality, it is deduced that alluvial ground water quality should not be significantly <br />impaired. Recharge of the Fish Creek alluvium from the Cow Camp and Bond Creek <br />tributaries would be expected to be minimal compared to upstream contributions. <br />Sub - irrigation would be expected to be less affected by mine discharge than irrigation <br />using surface waters. A conservative estimate of the expected effect of mining <br />indicates that no material damage would result. <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 <br />floor known as the Fish Creek Alluvial Valley Floor. <br />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 />The proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in <br />the 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 <br />Regulations 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 <br />essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and to <br />reestablish the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors within the affected <br />area throughout the mining and reclamation process. (4.24.2). <br />An environmental monitoring system for alluvial valley floors has been installed, <br />maintained, and operated by the permittee during surface coal mining and reclamation <br />operations and will be continued until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3. <br />(4.24.4). <br />XVIII. Operations on Prime Farmland <br />The Division has made a negative determination for the presence of prime farmlands <br />within the permit area. This decision was based on the evidence provided by the Soil <br />Conservation Service that there are no prime farmlands mapping units within the <br />proposed permit area. This evidence can be found in Volume 7, Tab 9, Attachment 9- <br />1. <br />XIX. Mountaintop Removal. <br />There are no mountaintop removal operations proposed for the Seneca II Mine. <br />30 <br />