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<br /> <br />1313 Sherman St. Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 P (303) 866-3567 F (303) 832-8106 https://drms.colorado.gov <br />Jared Polis, Governor | Dan Gibbs, Executive Director | Michael A. Cunningham, Director <br />July 15, 2024 <br /> <br />Howard Strand <br />Office of Surface Mining <br />Western Region <br />One Federal Center, Building 41 <br />PO Box 25065 <br />Denver, CO 80225 <br /> <br /> <br />Re: West Elk Mine (Permit No. C-1980-007) <br /> Bond Release Application No. 17 (SL-17) <br /> <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Strand: <br /> <br />The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety has issued a proposed decision to <br />approve Bond Release Application No. 17 at the West Elk Mine. This decision will become final <br />at the close of the thirty (30) day public comment period, which commences the day following the <br />initial publication in the Delta County Independent. A copy of the proposed decision and written <br />findings is enclosed. <br /> <br />With the approval of SL-17, Mountain Coal Company is released from all reclamation liability for <br />9.25 acres of disturbance on the pads and roads associated with Mine Ventilation Boreholes <br />(MVBs) and exploration holes. The reclamation was completed between 2004 and 2008. Since <br />this mine is a federal mine, our decision is subject to the concurrence of OSM, and the signature <br />of an authorized OSM representative is required for release of the bond. Therefore, the Division <br />respectfully requests that OSM notify the Division of concurrence or nonconcurrence prior to the <br />end of the public comment period, in accordance with the agreement dated June 30, 1997, <br />Procedures for Cooperating State and Federal Agencies to Provide Mutual Concurrence on the <br />Release of Performance Bonds from Federal Lands Coal Mining Operations. <br /> <br />If you have questions or need of additional information, please contact me. <br />