REV08576

• Permit No: M1988044
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 1/19/1996
• Doc Name: TRIAD WESTERN CORP COAL CREEK RESOURCES PN M-88-044 AM-001
• From: DOW
• To: DMG
• Type & Sequence: AM1
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

•
STATE OF COLORADO
Roy Romer, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
AN EQUAL OPPORTIINITV EMPLOYER
John W. Mumma. Director
6060 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80216
Telephone: [phone]
Januazy 12, 1996
Cazl Mount
Division of Minerals and Geology
1313 Sherman Street Room 215
Denver, CO 80203
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RE: Triad Western Corporation -Coal Creek Resources -Permit 1i M-88-044 - AM-001
Deaz Mr. Mount:
Sorry for these comments being late. Because the nature of the proposed Amendment to this
Permit was very unclear in the application, we only viewed a portion of the proposed azea to
be added. District Wildlife Manager Liza Moore visited the "East Upland Mining Area", but
did not view the "South Lowland Mining Area". These are the two proposed new additions to
the Permit as it has been explained to us.
The Fast Upland Mining Area consists of moderate to heavily grazed shortgrass prairie. It does
have significant value as wildlife habitat. We suggest that this azea be revegetated following
mining t.o as closely as possible duplicate the current mix of prairie plants, other than cheatgrass.
While W+e did not visit the South Lowland Mining Area, it is likely that large cottonwoods aze
present in this vicinity as they are along much of Coal Creek. Because as the application states,
the stream bottom area has been overtaken by leafy spurge, the cottonwoods provide the most
significant wildlife values in this area. It is very important that these cottonwoods not die as a
result of mining in the stream bed area. Lowering of the ground water table has the potential
to injure these trees and we urge that appropriate measures be taken to protect them from injury.
Additionally, any excavation in the stream bed has the potential to cause upstream erosion due
to head cutting. It is important that head cutting not occur and measures should be taken to
prevent it if this azea is to be mined. Lastly, once a "hole" is created in the stream bed by
mining, the natural flow of sediments downstream will be interrupted below the mine site. This
may be undesirable from a stream stability standpoint -the experts at the Urban Drainage and
Flood Control District should be consulted to determine how much of a problem this may be.
I hope this information is helpful -please let me know if you have any questions.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, James S. Lochhead, Executive Director
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Arnold Salazar, Chairman • Rebecca L. Frank, Vice Chair • Mark LeValley, Secretary
Louis F Swill, Member • Jesse Langston Boyd, Jr., Member
William R. Hegberg, Member • John Stulp, Member • James R. Long, Member