REV12602

• Permit No: C1981032
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 8/1/1997
• Doc Name: FINAL PHASE II III BOND RELEASE INSPECTION MEEKER AREA MINES C-81-032
• From: DMG
• To: CDOT
• Type & Sequence: SL2
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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STATE OF CO~~~v 9~v~
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Depanmem of Nalu ral Resources
1317 Sherman 51., Ronm 21 5
Denver, Colorado A0203
Phone: IJ011 86h~3567
FAX: [phone]?-8106
August 1, 1997
Charles Dunn
Colorado Department ofTransportation -Region ]II
222 S. 6th, Room 217
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Re: Final Phase 1[/111 Bond Release Inspection, Meeker Area Mines, C-81-032
Dear Mr. Dunn:
I~~~~
DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES
Roy Romer
Governor
lames 5. Lochhea8
E.ecutive Dueaor
Michael B. Long
Division DveUOr
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of a final Phase II/III Bond Release inspection (Inspection) of
the Meeker Area Mines (Northem # 1 and Rienau #2) scheduled for 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 14,
1997. The Inspection will be conducted by the Division of Minerals and Geology (Division), and will
begin at the Northern #I Mine identification sign on State Highway l3 between Meeker and Craig
(approximately one mile south of the summit ofNinemile Gap pass). The Inspection applies to a request
for release of remaining coal mine reclamation bond monies.
The State of Colorado holds bonds for reclamation of disturbed areas at coal mines in Colorado. The
Meeker Area mines are permitted by the Division under Permit Number C-81-032 (Permit) to the Enron
Coal Company (Enron). The original reclamation bond was for $:,50,000. Rule. of the Colorado Surface
Coal Mining Reclamation Act (Rules) permit progressive release of teclamation bonds. A percentage of
the bond may be released (a Phase 1 release) for backfilling and grading, and an additional percentage (a
Phase II release) for establishment of vegetation, which supports the approved postmining land use.
Disturbed surface areas of the mines were backfilled, regraded and reseeded in 1986 and 1992. Phase 1
and Phase Il releases reduced the reclamation bond to $ 184,071. By letter of May 7, 1997, Enron
submitted a request for a final Phase II/III bond release at the Meeker Area Mines. The request was
considered complete for filing after receipt of proof of publication of the request in The eLfeeker Hera/d.
The Inspection will be conducted to determine, in part, if release of the remaining $184,071 is
appropriate. Inherent with granting of the request is the termination of Permit C-81-032 and any
jurisdiction by the Division. As State Highway 13 traverses the Permit area, an invitation is extended to
you to join the Division in this inspection. Please call me at 303-866-4941 if you have any questions
concerning the inspection, reclamation work, or bond release at the Meeker Area Mines.
Yours truly,
B~ G. Walker
Environmental Protection Specialist
Certified Mail: P 213 351 922