INSPEC10693 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The project entailed removal of the corrugated metal pipe (CMP) dischazge structures, reducing the slope of the embankment cut created by CMP removal, and lining of the excavation with rock rip rap, planting of all azeas at the water line elevation with a wetlands seed mixture and willows, and planting azeas above the water line with an appropriate upland seed mixture. The disturbed areas which contributed storm water runoff to the ponds impacted by this project were revegetated prior to beginning pond reclamation work. As a result, the volume of sediment input to the individual ponds was minimal. Further, the spillway elevation did not change when the corrugated metal pipe dewatering devices were replaced with a rock lined spillway; therefore, storm water retention time did not change, thus allowing sediment, if any, to settle in the reclaimed ponds. All of the sediment retention ponds in Coal Basin had been regulated by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division under a National Pollution Dischazge Elimination System (NPDES) permit held by Mid Continent Resources. By 2000, the contributing azeas to the ponds had been substantially reclaimed, thus sediment contribution to the ponds was minimal. Prior to project implementation, the Colorado Water Quality Control Division terminated the NPDES permit for all but the 016 ponds. In order to facilitate NPDES permit termination, and thus project initiation, DRMS applied for and received a Storm Water permit that covered each of the ponds to be affected by the project. This permit was eventually terminated in 2005. The 016 ponds NPDES permit was terminated at the request of Mid Continent Resources under a sepazate action at a later date. All NPDES point source and storm water permits for the Coal Basin Mine have been terminated by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division. Tree Planting A volunteer effort to plant a total of approximately 5,000 trees was undertaken on two occasions in 1997. Trees were planted at the Mine 1 bench area, along the upper quarter mile portion of Road D, and at the Mine 2 loadout azea. Trees were also planted at the Mine 4 bench and at the former location of the powder magazines adjacent to Road B. Groups of volunteers from local schools and public interest groups were supervised by the Division and OSM staff. Two-yeaz-old seedling trees were planted. In 2000, eighteen thousand seven hundred fifty (18,750) seedling trees were planted at the site. A mixture of Englemann spruce, Subalpine fir, Colorado blue spruce and Douglas fir were planted at disturbed azeas throughout the mine azea. The trees were planted in clumps by species, depending upon species and site chazacteristics. Trees were planted primarily by contractors, but school and community volunteers assisted with the tree planting. Coal Basin Mine Reduced Inspection Frequency September 10, 2007 7