REV08131

• Permit No: C1981012
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 7/5/2000
• Doc Name: MR-82 EXTEND CULVERT C-24 NEW ELK MINE C-81-012
• From: DMG
• To: GREYSTONE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
• Type & Sequence: MR82
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

III IIIIIIIIIIIII III
999
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Resources
U ! 3 Snr. man 5. ,Room _' 1 i
Denver, Colorado 80?03
Phone: [phone]i
FA;(: 13031 832 8106
July 5, 2000
Jerry Koblitz
Principal
Greystone Development Consultants
5231 South Quebec Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
RE: NIR-82, Extend Culvert C-24, New EIk Mioe, #C-81-012
Mr. Koblitz:
~~+ u
DIVISION Of"
MINERALS
Sc
G EOLOGY"
0.EC LA MATION
MININ G•SAFETY
Bil I Owens
Governor
Greg E. Walther
E*ecubvr Director
nfichael B Lons
Division D~recmr
The Division of Minerals and Geology has completed review of Minor Revision No. 82 for the
New Elk mine. This revision proposes to extend culvert C-24 over an azea of subsidence and
remove culvert C49 from the permit.
With regard to culvert C-24, the Division is not in favor of using a culvert to bridge this area to
arrest subsidence. If the culvert were used as a temporary measure for a short period of time, that
would be acceptable. However, the long-term stability of this area would be in question until it
is demonstrated that surface flows can pass over this area without further settlement. Ultimately,
a period of performance without any artificial diversion would be required.
The Division believes Rule 4.07. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Ooenines is the
appropriate Rule that addresses the mitigation of this situation. Specifically, Rule 4.07.1(1)(b)
AND (c) require that "exposed underground openings be plugged, sealed, or otherwise managed,
as approved by the Division to...minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance
and...ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife, and machinery in the permit and
adjacent area." Rule 4.07.3 Permanent Sealing clearly identifies the measures required for
permanent sealing of this opening. Please submit permit text, with appropriate drawings, if
necessary, for Division review.
STATE OF COLORADO
Regarding culvert C-49 at the far west end of the West mine, please provide supporting evidence
that this culvert was established prior to SMCRA and was not necessary for mine operations after
post-law permitting of the mine. The culvert does lie within the permit boundary and Map3,