Laserfiche WebLink
If TR -71 is approved (it is currently pending), the Division will approve the diversion of water <br />from sediment ponds into underground mine workings. NECC will have to demonstrate that the <br />diversion will abate water pollution or otherwise eliminate public hazards, be discharged as a <br />controlled and identifiable flow, meets all applicable State and Federal water quality standards or <br />effluent limitations, minimizes disturbance to the hydrologic balance, prevents material damage <br />outside the permit area, does not injure vested water rights, and has been approved by the Mine <br />Safety and Health Administration (4.05.16 and 4.05.3(1)(f)). <br />Stream Buffer Zones <br />The Division has approved underground mining panels under the Middle Fork of the Purgatoire <br />River. This decision is based on a finding that the original stream channel will not be impacted <br />(and restoration and revegetation will not be necessary) and water quality and quantity shall not <br />be adversely affected. The Division has also found that the haul road bridge across the river will <br />not have adverse impacts on the function of the river in terms of hydraulics or ecology <br />(4.05.18(1)). <br />IV. Topsoil <br />No specific approvals are granted for this section. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />No specific approvals are granted for this section. <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />New Elk is an underground mine, and the use of explosives is very limited. No specific <br />approvals are granted for this section. <br />VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br />New Elk is an underground mine, and this section is not relevant to the New Elk Mine. <br />VIII. Coal Mine Waste Banks <br />The Division has approved plans for use, construction, and maintenance of four coal mine waste <br />disposal areas (4.10.1(1)): <br />• The Development Coal Waste Pile (aka Development Waste Pile) is located southwest of <br />the main entrance. It is now reclaimed. <br />New Elk Mine <br />Findings for RN -06, May 11, 2017 <br />13 <br />