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iii iiiiiiiiiiiu iii <br />999 <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />DepanmeN of Natural Resources I~~~ <br />1313 Sherman Sl., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: (307) 866-3567 <br />FAX.1303)832-8106 <br />DEPARTMENT OF <br />NATURAL <br />RESOURCE <br />DATE: March 29 1994 Roy Romer <br />~ Goverror <br />Ken Salazar <br />' Executive Duxior <br />TO: Steve Renner Michael R. lung <br />Division Director <br />FROM: James A. Pendleton, PhD. ~ <br />RE: Stability of the dui Bench and Highwall <br />(Permit No: C-81-O1S~ <br />Pursuant to your request I have formulated an opinion regarding the <br />stability of the. portal bench and highwall and the Fruits <br />underground coal mine in Mesa County. In formulating my opinion I <br />have reviewed all previously completed analyses, performed. an <br />aerial photogrammetric reconnaissance, reviewed existing <br />photography of the bench and highwall area, and completed a <br />aeparate.computerized elope stability analysis. Finally, I have <br />included recommendations regarding final reclamation of the site. <br />Background: <br />The portal area was first disturbed by the Farmer Mine in the mid <br />1900s. The Fruits Mine existed on the site when SMCRA was adopted <br />in 1977. Dorchester Coal Company enlarged the mine bench in order <br />to accommodate their intended increase in production in 1977 and <br />1978. The bench configuration was modified when obtaining its <br />permanent program permit in 1981. In 1983 a grandiose proposal was <br />forwarded by Dorchester Coal involving the acquisition and <br />development of three large adjoining federal leases totaling 15,800 <br />acres. International investors participated in completing <br />preliminary plans for an expanded mine plan. However, in 1984 the <br />plan was withdrawn and activity at the site declined to eventual <br />cessation in the late 1980s. <br />Geomorphology: <br />The Fruits mine portal facilities are located on the Book Cliffs at <br />an elevation of approximately 5,720 feet amsl. The Book Cliffs <br />