Laserfiche WebLink
of 4 inches. In addition, the DMG approved mining and reclamation plan at 3.3 <br />Topsoil Placement indicates topsoil will be placed " in lifts approximately 4 <br />inches to 8 inches. "The 30 CFR Federal Regulations at Sec. 817.22 require a <br />minimum of 6 inches of topsoil, or an approved substitute, to be segregated <br />and replaced on all affected areas. It appears there may be a deficiency in <br />Colorado's approved rules at Rule 4.06 Topsoil: This deficiency was also noted <br />in a 12/02/93 complete oversight inspection. The AFO will research the <br />proposed Colorado amendments to their approved regulations to determine if <br />732 Letter notification is warranted. We discussed the permittee's request for a <br />variance from the approximate original contour (AOC) for the mine bench area. <br />Details of the AOC variance request begin on page 3-3 of the approved 3.0 <br />Reclamation Plan. The variance is being requested to ensure stability of the <br />reconstructed drainageways and slopes at the bench area. The highwalls in this <br />canyon at the face up area are natural sandstone highwalls which existed prior <br />to any mining above and below the outcropped coal seam. No highwall which <br />was affected by mining is proposed to remain in the variance request. This <br />variance request will be further researched by AFO to determine if it complies <br />with the approved Colorado Regulatory Program.This discussion concluded our <br />office records inspection of 12/15/93. <br />As indicated above, snow cover was present on a majority of the facilities area <br />and the entire portals/face up area making observations difficult. The haulroad <br />and associated drainage ditches/culverts were well maintained at the time of <br />the inspection. The undisturbed runoff diversions/culverts were also well <br />maintained. The sediment pond was frozen but appeared to contain little water. <br />The pond inlets and outlets were stable. The diversion/dugout sumps appear to <br />be very effective for the three small area exemptions noted above. The topsoil <br />stockpile is stable. Signs and markers required are posted. This concluded the <br />inspection. <br />Performance standards indicated as not applicable do not exist on site. Please <br />address any questions concerning this report to Henry Austin or Stephen <br />Rathbun at (505) 766-1486. <br />