2015-10-08_REVISION - C1981041 ‎(12)‎

• Permit No: C1981041
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 10/8/2015
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance
• From: DRMS
• To: Snowcap Coal Company, Inc
• Type & Sequence: SL8
• Email Name: BFB
• Email Name: DIH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

locations. Care was taken to salvage suitable growth media from the Roadside Borrow Area which
was then placed on the out slopes of the RSRDA.
The required topsoil replacement thickness for all other areas disturbed under Colorado's Permanent
Program at the Roadside Portals Mine was 6 inches. 12.5 acres at CRDA# 1 were reclaimed in 1994.
Topsoil was redistributed on these acres at time of reclamation. 13.6 acres at CRDA#1 were
reclaimed in 2002. In place of topsoil, a more suitable material from Cameo Borrow Area #2 was
utilized instead based on analytical results (see permit page 9-5 of the PAP). CRDA#2 encompasses
30.6 acres. 7.5 acres were reclaimed in 1994 and 20.2 acres were reclaimed in 2002. Additionally,
2.9 acres at Topsoil Piles 7, 8, and 9 were reclaimed in 2002. Topsoil was redistributed on all of these
acreages at the time of reclamation.
To verify topsoil replacement thickness, the Division, along with Tonya Hammond of SCC and Jim
Stover of J.E. Stover & Associates, Inc, conducted random sampling on October 24, 2013 as part of
this bond release inspection to verify topsoil depths on all areas where topsoil was replaced and that
were requested for Phase II, III bond release with SL -8. A total of 28 topsoil test holes were dug and
the depths recorded (see Photograph No's 37 and 38). A GPS unit was used to verify location of
topsoil depth test holes. The results of the sampling effort are tabulated in Division inspection report
for SL -8 dated December 30, 2013. The topsoil depths ranged from 5.5 inches to 15.0 inches with
only one sample out of 28 falling below the required replacement thickness of 6.0 inches. The results
show that the topsoil replacement was in compliance with permit conditions.
RECLAMATION SUCCESS
All reclamation obligations have been completed for the majority of the acreages included within the
SL -8 bond release request areas. For those acreages listed on Attachment 2 that are being requested
for Phase I bond release, all requirements have been met. SCC has complied with all permit
conditions and has met the requirements for those disturbed acreages listed on Attachment 2 being
requested for Phase II & III bond release with exception of five areas which will be disallowed Phase
III bond release. These areas are shown on Attachment 5 and summarized below:
Phase III Acres Withheld I Surface Disturbed Area Reason Disallowed
0.5 Pond 7 Lack of Desirable Vegetation
2.3 North Decline West Pending Hydrologic Investigation
4.3 North Decline East Pending Hydrologic Investigation
1.1 Roadside Borrow Area Pending Hydrologic Investigation
0.3 Substation B Pending Hydrologic Investigation
SCC has met the requirements for release from liability of areas overlying underground coal mine
workings. Since these lands were not directly disturbed, a specific bond was not required. Of the
2147 acres of affected area requested for release, the Division proposes to release 2,032.9 acres. These
areas are shown on Attachment 5 and summarized as follows. A total of 114.1 acres are proposed to
be withheld pending further hydrologic investigation regarding the potential for communication
between the surface and the underground workings and potential subsidence related impacts. These
areas include Erickson (16.2 acres), Hasstedt (13.8 acres), Fontanari (39.7 acres), and USA- BLM
(44.4 acres).
Page 34