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Table of Contents <br />Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 <br />Background ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 <br />Findings to Reduce the Inspection Frequency At the Sunlight Mine ...........................................................................4 <br />Proposed Reduced Inspection Frequency ....................................................................................................................6 <br />Introduction <br />This document presents the basis for a reduction in frequency of inspections conducted by the <br />Division of Minerals and Geology (Division) of the Sunlight Coal Mine (Permit C-1981-046). <br />Monthly partial (on-site or aerial) inspections are required by Rule 5.02.2(1), and a quarterly <br />complete inspection is required by Rule 5.02.2(2) of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined land <br />Reclamation Board for Coal Mining (Rules). Under the provisions of Rule 5.02.2(8), these <br />frequencies of inspections may, under certain circumstances, be reduced. This findings document <br />demonstrates compliance with the requirements of Rule 5.02.2(8) for a reduced frequency of one <br />complete inspection, and three partial inspections, per calendar year. This frequency is <br />commensurate with the public health and safety and environmental considerations present at the <br />Sunlight Coal Mine site. <br />The Sunlight Coal Mine site is located south and west of Glenwood Springs, in southeastern <br />Gazfield County, Colorado. It straddles Garfield County Road 117 approximately 8 miles from <br />Glenwood Springs (0.5 mile before reaching the Sunlight Ski Area). The site is located in <br />portions of Sections 28, 33 and 34, Township 7 South, Range 89 West. This region is depicted on <br />the Cattle Creek, Colorado USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle topographic map. The surface and <br />mineral rights are privately owned. <br />Rule 5.02.2(8)(a) requires that in selecting an alternate inspection frequency, the Division shall <br />first conduct a complete inspection of the revoked site and provide public notice under Rule <br />5.02.2(8)(b). Complete inspections of the revoked Sunlight Mine site have been made at least <br />quarterly, the three most recent having been conducted on July 16, 2003, April 15, 2003, and <br />January 15, 2003. Backfilling and grading, erosion, stability, roads, impoundments, diversions <br />and establishment of vegetation were among the items assessed during the inspections. A special <br />inspection was made on October 16, 2001 to evaluate vegetation on disturbed azeas of the site. <br />Copies of these inspection reports are on file at the Division (1313 Sherman Street Room 215, <br />Denver, Colorado). <br />A public notice in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent newspaper will provide the public <br />with a 30-day period in which to submit written comments on this proposed reduced inspection <br />frequency of the Sunlight Coal Mine. <br />