2015-11-24_REVISION - C1981008 (2)

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On October 17, 2012, the Division received an application for a permit revision (PR-7) to incorporate the re-evaluation of prime farmland, suitability of soils and an irrigated cropland reference area. The application was deemed complete on January 3, 2013. WFC withdrew PR-7 on June 6, 2013. On November 13, 2012, the Division received an application to renew a valid existing permit to conduct coal mining operations in Colorado (RN-6). The Division called the application complete on November 23, 2012. RN-6 was issued on December 10, 2013. On September 26, 2013, the Division received and application for a permit revision (PR-8). PR-8 revised the prime farmland reclamation practices, topsoil redistribution, revegetation standards, irrigated cropland success standards and the determination of prime farmlands. The application was deemed complete on October 4, 2013 the permit revision proposed decision was issued on March 18, 2014. The New Horizon Mine encompasses a total of 926.06 acres. Of this total, 98.62 acres are located ately 1991, but has not yet achieved Phase III revegetation success standards. New Horizon Mine occupies the remaining 827.44 acres of the permit area, and is located immediately west of the town of Nucla. Mining commenced at the southeastern corner in 1993, progressed to the north and west, and was completed in June 2013. Reclamation activities, including backfilling and grading, topsoil distribution, seeding, and irrigation (depending on post-mining land use) have followed behind the active pit. Phase I bond release has been achieved for all reclaimed lands located east of 2700 Road, and some areas have achieved Phase II release. There have been no Notices of Violation issued since Permit Renewal 6. One bond release has been approved since Permit Renewal 6 in Oct 2013. SL-13 released 100.16 acres of Phase I and 7.22 acres of Phase III. The Division is currently reviewing three bond release applications: 1.SL-15 Phase II bond release on 77.4 acres 2.SL-16 Phase I bond release on 107.8 acres 3.SL-17 Phase I, II and III bond release on 9.4 acres This Midterm Review was due on November 26, 2015. SECTION II REVISIONS TO THE PERMIT The following is a summary of the revisions to the permit since the Permit Renewal 6 Findings Document dated October 29, 2013. New Horizon Mine -4- 11/25/2015