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2 <br /> adjacent to the Maxwell Mine. How much of this change is due to <br /> natural change and degradation as the water flows from the mountains <br /> to the plains and how much, if any, is due to mine effluents and <br /> other effects is unknown. <br /> i <br /> The chemical changes in the Purgatoire River due to the Allen <br /> and Maxwell mines should not create an environment toxic to the <br /> indigenous populations of fish. Neither should these changes signi- <br /> ficantly affect the productive capacity of food chain organisms supporting <br /> the fish populations. Suspended and settleable solids can adversely <br /> affect fish populations. Damage to spawning sites and coating of <br /> ben'thic (bottom) food organisms are examples of problems associated <br /> with an excess of suspended and settleable solids. Operations in <br /> compliance with the current regulations minimizes stream sedimentation <br /> and should be followed. <br /> Introduction <br /> i <br /> This study was requested by CF&I Steel Corporation, P.O. Box 316, <br /> Pueblo, CO 81002, to provide information sufficient to satisfy <br /> requirements of the Federal Office of Surface Mining (Sec. 779.20) and <br /> State Mineral Land Reclamation Board (Sec. 2.04. 11) regulations in a <br /> form acceptable for permitting purposes at the Allen and Maxwell mines. <br /> The federal regulations state that "Each application shall include <br /> a study of fish and wildlife and their habitats within the proposed <br /> mine plan area and the portions of the adjacent areas where effects on <br />