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<br /> <br /> <br /> 14 C1981-041 RN7 findings <br />canyons. The post-mining land use for the permitted area is wildlife habitat, with the exception <br />that the Division approved, within Permit Revision No. 3, a postmining land use of “Industrial or <br />Commercial” for a designated portion of the disturbed area within the South Portals facility area. <br />Also with Permit Revision No. 4, the Division approved a postmining land use of “Industrial or <br />Commercial” for the entire Unit Train Loadout area as shown on Exhibit 63 of the permit <br />application package. With the approval of Permit Revision No. 6, all remaining areas located at <br />the North Portal area, reclaimed pond 11, and CRDA 1 and 2 were approved as <br />commercial/industrial post-mining land use. These areas will be developed by the Town of <br />Palisade, with partnership with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, into a state of the art <br />shooting range and education center. <br /> <br /> <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br /> <br />The general description of mine operations can be found in Tab 12 of the application; the <br />reclamation plan in Tab 14. <br /> <br />Mining by modern underground methods began in the permit area in 1974. Between 1974 and <br />December 1999, when operations ceased, a total of 3,281 acres were affected by underground <br />workings (including surface area encompassed by the projected 12 degree subsidence angle of <br />draw). Total surface disturbance associated with the mining and reclamation operation is <br />approximately 243 acres. Since December 1999, activity has been limited to reclamation, <br />maintenance, and monitoring. The only operational activity approved repair to an airshaft in <br />section 34 (TR-69), general maintenance and weed management. Mine portals have been sealed <br />and extensive reclamation work has been performed. The approved permit does not include plans <br />to reinitiate mining, and no future disturbance of previously undisturbed areas is proposed. Cameo <br />Refuse Disposal Area No. 3 (CRDA-3) and ancillary facilities had been proposed prior to mine <br />closure, and were to be constructed in Coal Canyon, west of CRDA-1. Disturbance associated <br />with the facilities did not occur, and the permit has been amended to clarify that the facilities are <br />no longer proposed or approved. Final reclamation is to be completed in all areas by the end of <br />2009. <br /> <br />The reader is referred to the Division’s February 10, 2000 Findings of Compliance Document for <br />a discussion of the mining methods employed during active operations. <br /> <br />Sediment Control System <br /> <br />All surface runoff from disturbed areas was routed through sediment ponds to prevent additional <br />contributions of sediment to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area due to mining <br />disturbances. Alternative sediment controls are utilized at a number of approved small area <br />exemption sites. During operations a total of 12 sediment ponds were designed and built. All <br />ponds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 have all been reclaimed. All reclaimed ponds have <br />received Phase III bond release. <br /> <br />Water Consumption <br />