1990-06-26_REVISION - C1981035 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-2- Based on the information provided, as well as our own observations of May 30, 1990, the Division finds that the limited alluvial deposits which occur along Pine Gulch within the proposed revision area are not currently flood irrigated and there is no indication of historical flood irrigation. Also, we find that there is not sufficient alluvial groundwater to enhance the productivity of agriculturally useful vegetation along Pine Gulch within the permit area. The following additional information, however, will need to be submitted to allow the Division to make the remainder of the necessary AVF findings for Pine Gulch. Information regarding Pine Gulch AVF investigations should be included in Section 2.06.8 of the revised application. If this information is not available prior to our proposed decision, it is possible to stipulate approval of the revision by finding Pine Gulch an AVF and restricting mining around it until a negative determination is made later on. a. A negative AVF determination for Pine Gulch within the permit area, requires us to find that it would not be an accepted regional practice to irrigate alluvial bodies of comparable extent to those which occur along Pine Gulch, given the stream' s ephemeral nature and limited water availability. The local Soil Conservation Service and County Extension offices should be able to provide information on regional irrigation practices, which would allow us to make this determination. b. We must address the potential existence of an AVF on Pine Gulch, not only within the permit area but also the drainage segment between the permit area boundary and the confluence with Hay Gulch. We will need to know the extent of any alluvial deposits in this area, and the regional geology map will need to be modified if necessary. We'll also need to know whether there is any flood or subirrigated agricultural activity (the SCS and county extension agent should be able to help with this). The source of flood irrigation water on lower Pine Gulch should be identified and the potential for any mining related impacts to the quality or quantity of water supplying any irrigation on Pine Gulch should be evaluated and discussed. C. The alluvial deposits along Hay Gulch previously designated an alluvial valley floor were not delineated on the regional geology map. This map needs to be revised to include these alluvial deposits. d. King Coal will need to demonstrate that mining will not reduce or degrade the quantity or quality of water supplying subirrigated or flood irrigated areas significant to farming on the Hay Gulch AVF or the Pine Gulch AVF (if any such lands occur on Pine Gulch) .