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VII. Water Rights and Replacement - Rules 2.04.7(3), 2.05.6(3)(a) (iii ) , <br /> c and 4.U5. 15 <br /> There are no additional impacts on ground or surface water anticipated as <br /> a result of mining in the area of PR No. 2. There are no changes <br /> proposed in the current surface water and sediment control system of the <br /> mine. There are no changes in the commitment made by the mine to effect <br /> repairs to the Huntington Irrigation Ditch should the mining operation <br /> impact the structure. The specific findings made in this section of the <br /> July, 1987 Findings Document (Renewal ) therefore, are applicable to the <br /> proposed future mining operation. <br /> The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this <br /> section. <br /> VIII. Alluvial Valley Floors - Rules 2.06.8, 2.07.6(2) (k) and 4.24 <br /> The specific findings made in regard to Hay Gulch in the July, 1987 <br /> Findings Document (Renewal ) are not altered by proposed PR No. 2 and <br /> remain applicable to that drainage. <br /> Sufficient information has been supplied by the operator in regard to <br /> Pine Gulch, and confirmed in the field by the Division, to make the <br /> determination that Pine Gulch does not contain an alluvial valley floor <br /> (AVF) in the proposed permit area. While there are limited alluvial <br /> deposits in Pine Gulch, these are not currently flood irrigated for <br /> agricultural purposes and have not been cultivated historically. Due to <br /> the limited surface water availability in Pine Gulch, an ephemeral <br /> drainage, and the limited and discontinuous nature of the alluvial <br /> deposits , there would appear to be no potential for future surface <br /> irrigation along Pine Gulch within the proposed permit area. <br /> Additionally, there is not sufficient alluvial ground water to enhance <br /> the productivity of agriculturally useful vegetation along Pine Gulch <br /> within the permit area. <br /> The operator has indicated that the area of confluence of Pine Gulch with <br /> Hay Gulch which lies several miles beyond the permit area is an alluvial <br /> valley floor where agricultural practices are being conducted. This <br /> agricultural activity, however, is not dependent upon surface or ground <br /> water associated with Pine Gulch but primarily upon irrigation with water <br /> diverted to the area from the La Plata River. While subirrigation may <br /> also be a factor in the productivity of this area, it is the opinion of <br /> the Soil Conservation Service that this subirrigation would most likely <br /> be related to the Hay Gulch water table. Based on these considerations <br /> and other aspects of the proposed activity relating to Pine Gulch, the <br /> Division makes the following three findings: <br /> 1 . Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(a) (i ), the current and proposed future <br /> operations at the King Coal Mine will not interrupt, discontinue, <br /> or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floor of which <br /> Pine Gulch is part. <br /> 2. Pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5) (a)(ii ) the current and proposed future <br /> operations at the King Coal Mine will not materially damage the <br /> quantity or quality in surface or ground water systems that supply <br /> the alluvial valley floor of which Pine Gulch is part. <br /> -6- <br />