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~~ I I II ~ I~ ~ I~ ~~~~ II~ <br />sss <br /> <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1713 Sherman 51., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: 13071 866-3567 <br />FAX: 13031 8328106 <br />DATE: January 13, 1995 <br />TO: Susan Burgmaier <br />FROM: Larry Routten ~~ <br />RE: Yoast Mine Permit Application (C-94-082) <br />~I~~~ <br />DEPARTMEIx1T OF <br />NATURAI. <br />RESOURCES <br />Roy Romer <br />Governor <br />lames 5. Lochhead <br />Executive Director <br />Michael B. Long <br />Division DveUOr <br />I reviewed the Yoast PAP information regarding overburden characterization and soil <br />reconstruction. In particular, I reviewed Tabs 6 and 21. In general, SCC followed the same <br />procedures and offered the same plans as at the Seneca II and II West mines. Here is a <br />summary of the major points in Tab 21 (Overburden Assessment) and some of Tab 6 (Soil <br />Reconstruction- also reviewed by Janet), as well as adequacy questions to be forwarded to <br />the SCC. <br />SCC characterized the Yoast overburden with data from 14 holes in a two phase program. <br />Ten Phase I holes were cored, separated by lithologic formation, and sampled for the <br />relevant parameters i^ 1980. Rotary chips were collected in two-foot intervals from four <br />additional Phase II holes and analyzed for a few additional parameters in 1990. This <br />resulted in an average of one hole per 35 acres of proposed mine area, which is more than <br />the minimum recommended by DMG guidelines. The PAP indicates the sampling plan was <br />approved by DMG in 1990, although I found no correspondence to that effect. <br />The Wadge and Wolf Creek overburden material in the Yoast area appears to be very <br />similar to the corresponding material at the Seneca II and IIW Mines. The only potential <br />concerns with overburden quality identified by the sampling program are: <br />1. low pH and acid forming potential in 20-35 feet of the Wolf Creek OB, <br />2. low pH and acid forming potential in the Lennox coal seam and associated shale, <br />3. high Boron levels in the Lennox coal seam, <br />4. high clay content in the 60 feet of shale above the Lennox coal seam. <br />