2018-11-05_REVISION - C1981044

• Permit No: C1981044
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 11/5/2018
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance
• From: DRMS
• To: Moffat County Mining, LLC
• Type & Sequence: RN7
• Email Name: RAR
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Williams Fork Mines Prepared by: R. Reilley M.S. GISP
C1981044 5 November 2018

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 2
Proposed Decision ........................................................................................................................ 3
Summary of Permitting Actions ................................................................................................. 3
Description of the Environment ..................................................................................................... 4
Summary of the Mine Operation Plan ........................................................................................... 9
Summary of the Reclamation Plan .............................................................................................. 11
Findings of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety for the Williams Fork
Mines ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 12
Information Sources of Findings .................................................................................................. 12
Section A - Findings Required by Rule 2.07.6(2) ....................................................................... 12
Section B – Findings and Specific Approvals Required by Rule 4 ............................................. 16
I. Roads - Rule 4.03 .................................................................................................. 16
II. Hydrologic Balance - Rule 4.05 ........................................................................... 17
III. Topsoil .................................................................................................................. 26
IV. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings ......................................... 27
V. Use of Explosives ................................................................................................ 27
VI. Coal Mine Waste Banks ....................................................................................... 27
VII. Backfilling and Grading ...................................................................................... 28
VIII. Revegetation ........................................................................................................ 29
IX. Protection of Fish, Wildlife, and Related Environmental Values ...................... 31
X. Subsidence ............................................................................................................ 33
XI. Operations on Alluvial Valley Floors ................................................................. 34
XII. Operations on Prime Farmland ........................................................................... 39

INTRODUCTION

Purpose and Scope of this Document. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (the
Division) has received an application (RN7), from Moffat County Mining, LLC (MCM), to renew permit
C1981044 for conducting surface coal mining and reclamation operations at the Williams Fork Mines.

The Williams Fork Mines were formerly operated by Empire Energy Corporation, Cyprus Empire Corporation,
RAG Empire Corporation, BTU Empire Corporation, LLC. The renewal application number is RN7. The
mines were formerly known as the Eagle No. 5 and No. 9 Mines, as well as the Eagle Mine Complex. The
Division is required to make specific written findings. In accordance with Section 34-33-114 of the Colorado
Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act and Rule 2.07.6(2) of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land
Reclamation Board for Coal Mining, this document presents those findings and the Division’s proposed
decision regarding approval of MCM’s permit renewal application. The findings and proposed decision can