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Memo to Tony Waldron <br />Bowie IJo. 2 Geotechnical Adequacy <br />page 4 <br />Mr. Junge, in discussing the land use implications of the designated geological <br />hazard:, included the following "Suggestions to Map Users". <br />"Potentially hazardous geologic conditions are mapped at 1:24,000 in six <br />contiguous 7~/Z-minute quadrangles, including Hotchkiss, Gray Reservoir, <br />Bowie, Paonia, Somerset, and Paonia Reservoir. Geologic-hazard maps <br />prepared for the quadrangles indicate the general location of potentially <br />hazardous conditions. Accompanying Explanation of Map Units and the <br />Geologic Hazards Assessment for Common Land Uses should be consulted. <br />The Explanation of Map Units is a description of the process that affects a <br />o°rtain area and the Geologic Hazards Assessment for Common Land Uses <br />is an estimation of the degree of hazard for a specific land use and <br />description of conditions affecting the hazard. The degree of hazard will <br />vary depending on the particular land use. For example, landslides may be <br />a serious constraint to high-density residential development whereas <br />rE~creational areas may be only slightly affected. The map and <br />a-~companying descriptions and explanations are not intended as a detailed <br />analysis of a particular site or land use. Additionally, this analysis <br />should not supplant detailed field investigations of specific <br />areas. We recommend that the map serve as a basis for further, <br />detailed investigations of particular sites such that the safety <br />and economic viability of a specific project can be adequately <br />evaluated. With more detailed study, specific sites within a general <br />hazard area may be found to be suitable for a certain land use or the <br />degree of the mapped hazard may increase or decrease. Whether increased <br />or decreased, mitigation measures may be devised that lessen or <br />eliminate the geologic hazard.° [Emphasis Added] <br />The potential for disruption of the surface and underground facilities at the <br />Bowie IJo. 2 mine by geologic hazards such as landsliding or expansion of <br />swelling soils represents a significant potential for damage to the environment <br />and compromise of the public health and safety. If the various conveyors, coal <br />and rock storage piles, haul road, or sediment ponds and ditches were disrupted <br />by rejuvenated landsliding, spillage and sediment release could subject the <br />environment and the public to risk. As such this potential must be adequately <br />