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Pursuant to Rule 5.02.2(8)(a)(i), the GEC Mine meets the defmition of an abandoned site based on <br />Rules 1.04(1)(d)(i) and 1.04(1)(d)(ii). The permit for the site has been revoked (23 February 1984) <br />and the performance bond has been forfeited (11 June 1987). <br />Risks to Public Health, Safety, and the Environment <br />The only structures that remain at the site aze six concrete drop-structures that were placed in the <br />East Pit drainage. These drop-structures were placed in the drainage during reclamation to slow the <br />water flowing through this area. Since their placement they have been under-cut, side-cut and all <br />six have failed. Other erosion features include two lazge gullies below the access road and one <br />lazge gully above the access road. While these drop-structures and lazge gullies could pose a <br />potential risk to public health and safety, the azea is remote and access to the site is only possible <br />through a locked gate. No other problems have been identified that could contribute to the public <br />health and safety or to the environmental health at the Section 24 reclamation azeas. It is the <br />opinion of the Division that potential dangers to public health, safety and the environment at the <br />site, as it exists today have been minimised to the extent possible. <br />Additionally, the GEC Mine is not located neaz or above any urbanized azeas, communities, <br />occupied dwellings, schools or other public or commercial buildings and facilities (Rule <br />5.02.2(8)(a)(v)). The neazest occupied dwelling is approximately'/~-mile above the GEC Mine area <br />and is occupied only on a seasonal basis. Other dwellings are several miles away from the mine <br />site. <br />Sediment and Erosion Control Function <br />There aze no sediment ponds or other sediment control features remaining at either the East and <br />West Pits or the Section 24 azeas. While all of the water that passes through these sites does so <br />without treatment, it is the opinion of the Division that the untreated water does not pose a problem <br />to the receiving waters. The total watershed for the East and West Pits is approximately 620 acres. <br />The runoff flows into Magpie Creek then travels approximately one-mile before Homing into <br />Newlin Creek. Newlin Creek is an ephemeral stream because the City of Florence removes all of <br />the water (for its drinking water) above the Southfield Mine, which is just west of the GEC Mine. <br />Newlin Creek travels approximately five miles before converging with Hazdscrabble Creek. <br />Hazdscrabble Creek then travels approximately five miles before joining the Arkansas River. <br />The great distance the runoff must travel (approximately 11 miles) before entering a river system <br />that is used for recreation, irrigation and drinking water, reduces the potential for possible impacts. <br />Additionally, on 7 February 2000, the Division and the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) conducted <br />a joint inspection of the GEC Mine to detemline the quality of reclamation as it related to off-site <br />impacts and specifically off-site sedimentation. This inspection was part of OSM's annual review <br />of the Colorado Program. In their 2000 Annual Oversight Report OSM made the following <br />findings: <br />