Laserfiche WebLink
JAMES A. BECKWITH <br />LETTER TO BROCK BOWLES, CO DRMS / SNOWCAP COAL COMPANY RECLAMATION / PG. 14 <br />C. Leveling Surface Depressions and Filling Existing Sinkholes <br />In Appendix F (5.6.2016), Fontanari submitted survey plats of Tracts 70 and 71 as <br />conducted by Mr. Walter Eldridge, PLS 11980 in April, 2016. In Tract 71, Mr. Eldridge platted <br />the irrigation ditch sinkholes were platted and three surface depressions: two on Fontanari land; <br />and, one on Carey land. In Tract 70, Mr. Eldridge platted 15 sinkholes and one depression. <br />These sinkholes and depressions must be covered and the surface leveled before crop production <br />can be conducted on the surface. This does not include uncovering and filling in sub -surface <br />fissures and abysses: which will await eventual discovery during mineral extraction. <br />Equipment used will include: transport and dump trucks for importation of topsoils and <br />fill materials; bulldozers; large front end loaders; and grading equipment. Leveling will involve <br />removal of 1 ft. of topsoil; importation of fill; and, replacing the topsoil. Based on his many <br />years of experience in performing such work, Mr. Rudy Fontanari, Jr., currently estimates <br />$52,565.00 for filling and leveling the Carey and Tract 71. He also estimates $73,410.00 for <br />filling and leveling the one depression and 15 surface sinkholes currently existing (and known to <br />exist by Snowcap Coal) in Tract 70. An itemized estimate of repairs, equipment and materials <br />will be a late -filed Appendix R. <br />D. Surface Crop Selection <br />On October 17, 2016, soil samples from Fontanari Tracts 70 and 71, and the Carey Tract, <br />were taken by Mr. Ken Walter, Mr. David Fox, and in conjunction with Mr. Douglas Dean, <br />Director, CSU Extension Service, Grand Junction, CO. The soils have been analyzed and the <br />reports are attached as Appendix S. Unfortunately, there is insufficient time before filing of this <br />report in which to have the lab results reviewed by Mr. Dean and his staff in order to recommend <br />specific types of surface crops for the lands. The recommendations of CSU Extension will be <br />submitted as a late -filed report. <br />Nonetheless, Mr. Jason Carey has previously analyzed the Carey Tract for its suitability <br />to grow grapes: a high value agricultural crop in the Palisade area. Mr. Carey's report is attached <br />as Appendix T. <br />E. Future Sub -Surface Fissures Repair <br />These repairs are the most difficult to estimate, as it requires some specific knowledge of <br />the size, character and in situ geologic and/or hydrologic conditions encountered. Fontanari's <br />mining plan already proposes a drainage system for water entering the mineral extraction area. <br />Once mineral extraction uncovers a sub -surface fissure DRMS, Fontanari and Carey can address <br />the fissure's repair. This will, of course, necessitate modification of the drainage contours and <br />