PERMFILE49559

• Permit No: C1981022A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 10/10/2003
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Minimum Requirements for Operation and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

.Section - 2.05.3
133. This road is approximately ]20 feet long, ]0 feet wide, and includes a culvert
crossing of the road ditch along the old State Highway. OMI obtained a highway access
permit from the Colorado Department of Highways for this connecting road and the
associated construction.
D. powerline and Exploration Roads -There are a number of existing powerline and
exploration roads within the mine permit area which were established to provide access
for powerline constmcton and exploration drilling prior to 1976. Most of these roads
were either never reclaimed or have been retained for powerline inspection and
maintenance by Delta-Montrose Electric Association, as the local electric utility and all
are dassiBed as light-use toads.
The only existing powerline road currently utilized for mining-related purposes is the
light-use road along the power transmission line that extends from Elk Creek to Hubbazd
Creek. This road, which was constructed in conjunction with installation of the
powerline prior to 1976, is approximately 6,3 miles long. The road has been used For
access to exploration drillsites and is now used occasionally (primarily by ATE for
inspection and monitoring of upland areas, in addition to powerline inspection and
maintenance. Because it traverses some extremely rugged terrain, much of the road
exceeds 10 percent grade and portions have pitch grades of over 20 percent. This road is
currently stable, no modifications to the road are planned, and maintenance will be
limited to repair of any significant erosion or slides and minor grading as necessary to
maintain access. This road includes a stream ford crossing of Beaz Creek, located above
the point that the Somerset Mine previously discharged water to Beaz Creek.
Three new segments of light-use road totaling approximately 3,100 feet have been
• constmcted from existing powerline access and drill roads to access new power pole
locations for relocation of existing powerlines. These new road segments were reseeded
on completion of powerline relocation to control erosion but will remain for long-term
powerline access.
E. Degasification Well Roads -Existing public, private, powerline and/or exploration roads
may be used to access degasificadon well sites. Minor road improvements such as
grading and widening (to a typical maximum width of 20-feet) in certain areas have been
and will be completed as necessary to provide-for drill equipment access dependent on
existing road conditions. In addition, some well sites may be beyond the limits of
existing roads, requiring construction of short road extensions typically up to S00 feet in
length. Five new light-use road segments were constructed in upper Coal Gulch to
improve access to degasification wells CBM-1 through CBM-15. Any road
improvements will be limited and are (and will be) consistent with the light-use
designation for these roads. These roads were (and will be) utilized for initial site
development and will continue to be utilized for ongoing site inspections and
maintenance so long as the degasificadon installations are in active use.
F. Elk Creek Light-Use Road -The Elk Creek light-use road will be developed by
upgrading the existing light-use exploration road running to the southwest on the west
side of Elk Creek. The existing road is paztia]ly cut-off by the existing natural landslide in
this area. 'The road will initially be reestablished and extended and used in conjunction
with slope stabilization activities for movement of surficial slide material downslope to
construct the Elk Creek Ivfine facilities portal bench and road and for access to construct
• the upper rock catch bench. Following construction, the road will be retained for
inspection and maintenance of the slope stabilization area, maintenance of the rock catch
bench and as a safety feature. The light-use road and associated catch bench will be
construction so that they slope into the hill at ] 5
TR-43 2.05-31 Revised August 2003