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<br /> <br /> <br /> 14 <br />Haul roads, as shown on Map 2.05.3(3)-3, were constructed within the disturbed area. Removal <br />of the coal resource commenced in 2013 and is approved through 2020 (NHN notified the Division <br />on June 8, 2017 that coal extraction had ceased until further notice). The primary coal seam to be <br />recovered is the Lower Dakota seam. The Upper Dakota seam will be recovered if it is thick <br />enough and of sufficient quality. The rate of coal production, which supplies Tri-State Generating <br />and Transmission Association's Nucla Station, is approved to be 250,000 to 460,000 tons per year. <br />For the years 2014 – 2016, the production averaged 236,565 tons per year. Coal is transported to <br />the plant by contracted haulage trucks over a network of Montrose County roads. <br /> <br />Reclamation Plan <br /> <br />Reclamation activities occur concurrently with mining. The Division proposes to re-approve an <br />extension to the 180-day requirement for completion of backfill and grading based on equipment <br />and manpower availability. This extension was originally approved with MR-20 on July 10, 2017. <br />The backfill and grading timeline is outlined in Table 2.05.4(2)(a)-1 of the permit. A typical <br />diagram illustrating the mining and backfill process is provided in Map 2.05.3-1 of the permit. <br />Following backfilling and grading, topsoil is redistributed to the thicknesses shown on Map <br />2.05.4(2)(d)-1. The type and thickness of topsoil is related to the post-mining land use. Replaced <br />soils are prepared for seeding as described in Sections 2.05.4(2)(d) and (e) of the permit. The <br />reclaimed lands will be capable of supporting the same uses that were present prior to disturbance. <br /> <br />Water rights and usage <br /> <br />ERMR owns several water rights which are detailed in Table 1 of Appendix 2.05.6(3)-1b of the <br />permit. The water will be used for irrigation, industrial and storage. The approved water <br />augmentation plan is in Appendix 2.05.6(3)-1c of the permit. <br /> <br />All the wells within a 1-mile radius of NHN permit area are listed on Table 2.04.7-4 in Section <br />2.04.7 of the permit. The approved NHN well permits are listed in Appendix 2.05.6(3)-4 of the <br />permit. <br /> <br />