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New Elk Mine (C-1981-012) <br />back into operation. The East Portal, the East Portal vent shaft, two portals at the West Mine, the West <br />Mine vent shaft, and the Upper Apache Canyon vent shaft were reopened in 2010 to allow access of <br />men and materials as well as ventilation airways. Two portal entries at the West Mine were resealed in <br />2010. <br />Production at the mine ceased in July 2012. Upon reclamation, the bench areas at the mine will be <br />graded to the approximate original contour. The disturbed areas will be topsoiled (depending on the <br />area) or ripped, then seeded and mulched to establish a vegetative cover of a variety consistent with <br />surrounding vegetation. The stream channel diversion of the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire River, <br />which was approved under Permit Revision #1, is permanent and will remain as constructed. <br />Monitoring has demonstrated that this work was successful and the reconstructed channel is stable. <br />Topsoil was salvaged from the disturbed area above the RDA during each successive movement of <br />the clean water diversion ditch above the RDA. This material will be used in the reclamation of the <br />RDA. A topsoil borrow area in the West Mine area, in addition to stockpiled topsoil, will be used to <br />reclaim the areas of the existing and proposed surface facilities. Due to previous disturbance prior to <br />the enactment of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act, very little topsoil is available <br />for use during reclamation of areas previously disturbed. Permitted disturbed areas, underlain by <br />refuse, whether pre -law or post -law, will receive topsoil prior to re -seeding and mulching. Permitted <br />disturbed areas not on refuse material will be ripped prior to reseeding and mulching. See Maps 15 <br />and 16 for specific identification of these two types of disturbed areas. <br />The post -mining land use is rangeland for most of the disturbed area and wildlife habitat (upland and <br />riparian) for the remainder of the disturbed area. These land uses are compatible with the surrounding <br />uses. The proximity of the mine site to the Purgatoire River and the heavily forested areas to the south <br />indicate a high probability of wildlife use following reclamation. Riparian vegetation, as well as the <br />use of native grasses and shrubs, is planned. <br />Operations at the Jansen Loadout are limited to the weighing of coal trucks, unloading and <br />stockpiling of coal, and conveying and loading of coal into unit trains. As the mine is currently <br />not operating the loadout facility is idled. The operator estimates that 24,000 tons of coal can be <br />stored at the site. The operator is approved to utilize covered coal conveyors and water spray to <br />minimize fugitive dust. Storm water runoff is handled by the existing grade and a series of <br />ditches and small sumps. One small fuel tank is approved to be stored at the site. DRMS requires <br />the posting of mine identification signs at the entrance to the site on the west side and around the <br />perimeter. <br />The pre -mining and post -mining land use at the Jansen Load out is industrial. When the Jansen <br />Loadout is no longer necessary for loading on coal, all structures, except those specifically identified in <br />Attachment 2 of Exhibit 40 for permanent retention, will be removed and the site will be graded and <br />returned to a rail siding for use by the landowner. <br />New Elk Mine C1981 012 Mid Term 7 Page 9 <br />Date: August 2016 Prepared by: R. Reilley File location: M:\Coal\Findings <br />