2022-04-08_PERMIT FILE - C1981044 ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1981044
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 4/8/2022
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Acid or Toxic Forming Materials
The material directly above and below the coal seams to be mined does not exhibit characteristics of acid or toxic
materials. Please refer to Section 2.04.6 Geology Description for detailed information. Water discharged from the
mines has historically been produced through the roof and floor rock; therefore, it is an indicator of acid/toxic forming
potential. Please refer to Exhibit 22, Mine Water Discharge Analysis, Section 2.04.7 Hydrology Information, and
2.05.6 Mitigation of Impacts of Mining Operations for additional information on mine water discharges. This
information substantiates that mine discharge water contains no known substances in concentrations which can be
classified as acidic or toxic.
2.05.5 POSTMINING LAND USE
The postmining land use for the disturbed areas at the RAG Empire mine site have been previously discussed in the
preceding sections. Postmining land uses are presented on the Reclamation Plan Map(Map 29). The postmining land
use of the major affected areas along with their acreage is presented on Table 72, Postmining Land Use for Disturbed
Areas and Associated Acreage.
The final land use presented will be achieved by planting the sites with the appropriate seed mixtures and
implementing land management techniques consistent with the final land uses. The seeded areas will be monitored
for plant growth and reseeded if necessary,to meet the requirements of Rule 4.15,Revegetation Requirements.
The management practices to be used for each of the postmining land uses will be consistent with the local
management practice for that use. For example, for those areas to be returned to cropland, the area will be cropped
every other year with the area lying fallow during the year in which it is not cropped. For those areas returned to
pastureland(irrigated hayland),the fields will be hayed a maximum of two times per growing season. If possible, the
hay fields will be utilized for either or both early spring pasture or fall pasture. Numbers of animals to be grazed will
be determined at the time the land is ready for grazing. Likewise, for those areas to be returned to rangeland/wildlife,
numbers of animals to be grazed on the site will be determined when the land is ready for grazing. No grazing will
occur within the first two-(2) years following seeding operations. A grazing plan, including area to be grazed, period
of grazing, and number of animals,will be submitted to the Division prior to initiation of grazing on reclaimed lands.
Letters to surface landowners concerning post mining land use have been included in Exhibit 26, Letters to
Landowners.
2.05.6 MITIGATION OF THE IMPACTS OF MINING OPERATIONS
Air Pollution Control Plan
MCM and predecessor entities implemented fugitive dust control measures as an integral part of all mining and
reclamation activities. Air Pollution Control Permits have been obtained from the Colorado Department of Health.
Copies of these Air Pollution Control Permits are available for inspection in Exhibit 2, Other Required Permits.
MCM and predecessor entities implemented an air pollution control plan, which involves the utilization of BACT to
control fugitive dust from its operation. The primary dust suppressant is water used on the mine roads. Dust
collection systems and dust suppression sprays were installed for all coal transfer systems at the mine, as well as
covering the main conveyor belt systems. Details of the coal handling system have been previously discussed under
facilities in Section 2.05.3, Operation Plan-Permit Area.
Fish and Wildlife Plan
Baseline data collection identified no Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive(TES)wildlife species in the Pen-nit Area.
Several TES species, however, are known to exist in the region, with the potential that they could be found in the
Permit and adjacent areas, including; golden and bald eagles, greater sandhill crane, greater sage grouse, Columbian
RN18-07 2.05-35.2 Revised 07/10/18