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This issue is also significant and serious because it goes to the scope of a state's authority <br />when it has been granted primary, but not exclusive, responsibility to enforce the Surface Mining <br />Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. <br />The third issue raised by the Application for Review also meets this criterion. That issue <br />is whether the final surface configuration achieved by Kerr meets the AOC requirement of the <br />State program, without regard to the terms of the Permit. Because no highwalls or spoil/refuse <br />piles aze left, this issue involves whether the final surface configuration "closely resembles the <br />general surface configuration of the land prior to mining and blends into and complements the <br />drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain,..." Colorado Rule 1.04(13). Kerr contends that it <br />does, while OSM's appazent position is that virtually exact, rather than approximate, original <br />contour must be achieved. <br />Resolution of this issue requires technical evidence specific to the site by experts <br />expressing their professional judgment on the two pertinent elements of the AOC definition. <br />Kerr's position on this issue is asserted seriously and in good faith. Accordingly, this issue also <br />is fair ground for litigation. <br />[II. QUEST FOR RELIEF <br />For the foregoing reasons, Kerr respectfully requests temporary relief from the abatement <br />provisions of the NOV and from any further enforcement action by OSM with respect to the <br />violation alleged in NOV until final adjudication of the Application for Review. Further Kerr <br />requests an expedited evidentiary hearing on its request for temporary relief, unless OSM <br />stipulates or does not object to granting it. <br />Dated June 4, 1994. <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />DUFFORD & BROWN, P.C. <br />By: ~ ~~~ <br />Richazd L. Fanyo <br />1700 Broadway, Suite 1700 <br />Denver, CO 80290-1701 <br />Phone: (303)861-8013 <br />Attorneys for Kerr Coal Company <br />IJJ3~l. NIAJ <br />