Laserfiche WebLink
to the distance to the San Miguel River, approximately 4,500 feet downstream, impacts to the river <br /> would be negligible. ERMR predicted that the anticipated increase in the San Miguel River due to spoil <br /> springs would be 2 to 3%during irrigation season, and 0.4%during non-irrigation periods. <br /> ERMR measured TDS in the San Miguel River upstream and downstream of the confluence with Tuttle <br /> Draw. Post-mining TDS in the river downstream from the Tuttle Draw confluence was 624 mg/L <br /> during irrigation season, and 470 mg/L during non-irrigation season. These TDS concentrations <br /> represent an increases of TDS of 0.7%during irrigation season, and 4.5%during non-irrigation season. <br /> The irrigation season TDS impacts to the San Miguel River are within the predicted estimate. The <br /> increase in TDS post-mining during the non-irrigation season is greater than predicted. ERMR explains <br /> this increase in non-irrigation season TDS is a result of low flow in the San Miguel River. The predicted <br /> TDS increase was based on a low flow of 817 cfs. However,when ERMR measured the post-mining, <br /> downstream non-irrigation season flow in the San Miguel River it was 130.4 cfs. The Division agrees <br /> with ERMR's hydrologist's explanation that, "When the flow rate in the San Miguel River is lower than <br /> predicted,the river has less capacity to dilute TDS mass loading". Flow rates in the San Miguel River <br /> are the result of climate conditions and irrigation,and are not a result of mining. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, <br /> the Division finds that Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, LLC has successfully completed all surface <br /> coal mining reclamation operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan and met all <br /> requirements of the Act and the Rules. <br /> IV. PROPOSED DECISION <br /> Based on the observations above,the Division proposes to approve Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, <br /> LLC's request for a partial Phase I,II and III bond release for the New Horizon Mine. This proposed <br /> decision will release the applicant from liability for backfilling and grading on 3.0 acres requested for <br /> Phase I bond release,topsoil redistribution on 107.8 acres Irrigated Cropland/Prime Farmland,topsoil <br /> redistribution and establishment of vegetation on 12.9 acres of irrigated pasture and 11.7 acres of dryland <br /> pasture requested for Phase II bond release, and all remaining reclamation work on 157 acres of Irrigated <br /> Pasture and Dryland pasture requested for Phase III bond release. <br /> PARTIAL PHASE I,PHASE II, and PHASE III <br /> The Division holds a performance bond of$5,300.00.00 for the New Horizon Mine. The current <br /> liability for the site is$3,641,605.69. The Division estimates its cost to complete remaining reclamation <br /> work at the site to be$1,685,639.00. The Division proposes to release$1,955,966.69. Two reclamation <br /> tasks; 05C, and 05D had previously been included in SL 18 Phase I approval,but were inadvertently <br /> retained in the remaining reclamation liability. These two tasks will be removed with SL22. The <br /> remaining$1,955,966.69. is sufficient to assure completion of the remaining reclamation work at the <br /> site if the work had to be performed by the Division,including the cost of reestablishing vegetation on <br /> Permit Number C1981-008:SL22 Page 16 of 17 <br />