|
RULE 2 PERMITS
<br />�^�..,. �, �. . °.4"'T:..ae.-^»•, + .� ., a, •,z^. .:.�; E^ -• .. ., : a: ,.. �.�.° •.t.�i7K^' .. ,. ., ., .. '..v Ta •:..�,ma�,xv .&tw,.. ....e wL :t�.?�.'.. -a
<br />proposed disturbance that would cause an adverse effect to both locations. Sites 5MF969, 5MF4003,
<br />5MF6098, and 5MF6128 are adjacent to areas of proposed disturbance or occur within areas designated
<br />by Colowyo as potential areas of future disturbance. Impacts to these sites would constitute an adverse
<br />effect as well. Therefore, avoidance is recommended for these sites. If they cannot be avoided, testing
<br />and data recovery excavation should be implemented to mitigate the adverse effect to these sites. A
<br />formal testing and data recovery plan has been completed for four sites (5MF969, 5MF3996, 5MF4003,
<br />and 5MF6098) and submitted as a separate document (Exhibit 5, Item 2). If site 5MF6128 is expected to
<br />experience disturbance, a formal testing and data recovery plan will need to be developed for this site.
<br />The unevaluated sites consist of 15 prehistoric sites. There are nine cairns (Sites 5MF4006, 5MF5417,
<br />5MF5418, 5MF 419, 5MF5420, 5MF6066, 5MF6068, 5MF6103, and 5MF6166, three open camps (Sites
<br />5MF1652, 5MF6120, and 5MF6126), three lithic scatters (Sites 5MF4010, 5MF6088, and 5MF6130).
<br />All 15 sites occur outside the area of proposed disturbance, and there will be no adverse effect from the
<br />undertaking as currently proposed. However, if these sites are proposed for disturbance in the future, they
<br />should be avoided. The nine cairn sites may possess Native American traditional cultural significance
<br />and represent Traditional Cultural Properties. If these sites cannot be avoided, Native American
<br />consultation should be conducted to determine their individual or collective NRHP cultural significance
<br />to avert an adverse effect. If the remaining six unevaluated sites cannot be avoided, a testing program
<br />should be initiated to determine their NRHP eligibility.
<br />2.04.5 General Description of Hydrology and Geology
<br />A detailed description and maps, as required, of geology, hydrology, and groundwater and surface water
<br />quality and quantity of all lands within the Collom permit expansion area, the adjacent area, and the
<br />general area, as defined in Section 1.04 (Definitions) of the Coal Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land
<br />Reclamation Board are provided below.
<br />Since 1973, detailed data and information have been collected, compiled, and analyzed by Colowyo on
<br />the geology and hydrology of lands within the Colowyo permit area, the adjacent area and the general
<br />area. This information is a compilation of previously -published reports, high-density exploration drilling,
<br />field investigations, geologic mapping, aerial photography reviews, topographic mapping, data from
<br />investigations by independent consultants, and climatologic monitoring data from on-site and the Craig
<br />and Meeker climatological stations.
<br />Colowyo has maintained close cooperation with many government agencies and has invited and allowed
<br />numerous agencies to conduct investigations and experiments within and adjacent to the mining area.
<br />These include but are not limited to the Water Resources and the Conservation Divisions of the U.S.
<br />Geological Survey, Colorado State University, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Land
<br />Management. A list of government agencies, references, and consultants that provided information used
<br />in this application is provided in the discussion under Section 2.03.3.
<br />The "general area" with respect to hydrology is defined by Rule 1.04, as that topographic basin that
<br />surrounds the area to be mined during the life of the operation. This area includes several watersheds and
<br />groundwater systems, which will allow assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of the quantity and
<br />quality of the surface and groundwater systems. Specifically, the "general area" includes the drainages of
<br />Wilson Creek, a perennial stream; and Taylor Creek, Jubb Creek, Little Collom Gulch, and Collom
<br />Gulch, minor ephemeral or intermittent drainages. Of these, the drainages of Little Collom Gulch,
<br />Collom Gulch, and the West Fork of Jubb Creek may be directly affected by mining operations. The
<br />remainder of the Jubb Creek drainage, along with Taylor and Wilson Creeks, may be slightly affected by
<br />power line, haul road construction, but will not be mined. Groundwater resources within the "general
<br />Collom — Rule 2, Page I 1 Revision Date: 11/9/15
<br />Revision No.: PR -04
<br />
|