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vv , <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1 J I }Sherman 51., Room 215 <br />Dcnver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phony 1303) 866-3567 <br />FAX.IJ031832-8106 <br />August 29, 1995 <br />Mr. Jim Fulton <br />Director, Denver Field Office <br />Western Regional Coordinating Center <br />Office of Surface Mining <br />1999 Broadway, Suite 3320 <br />Denver, CO 80202-5733 <br />RE: Ten Day Notice 95-020-179-003 <br />Coal Ridge Mine (C-84-065) <br />Dear Mr. Fulton: <br />~II ~II'I~~II IIII I~I <br />STATE OF COLORADO <br />~~''~' <br />llEPARTMENT OF <br />NATURAL <br />RESOURCES <br />Roy Romei <br />Governor <br />lames 5. Lochhead <br />Eaecunve Direuor <br />Michael B. Long <br />Division Dveaor <br />The Division of Minerals and Geology ("the Division") received the Albuquerque Field <br />Office's July 27, 1995 finding that the approximate original contour matters cited in the <br />above referenced TDN should be addressed by our offices following a meeting to discuss <br />reclamation of the Coal Ridge Mine site. At that meeting, which was held in our office on <br />August 28, 1995, we indicated a letter would be forwarded to the Denver Field Office <br />explaining the regulatory rational behind approval of the Coal Ridge reclamation plan. That <br />rational is explained below. <br />In regard to approximate original contour: <br />The TDN alleges a violation of Colorado Rule 4.14.2 for failure to regrade disturbed areas <br />to approximate original contour (AOC), specifically referencing terraces which are part of <br />the reclaimed mine site. Retention of terraces on this site does not conflict with the <br />regulatory provisions for reclamation to approximate original contour. Rule 1.04(13), which <br />defines approximate original contour, specifically includes a provision for terraces. The <br />definition specifies that a reclaimed area, <br />"closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior to mining and <br />blends into and complements the drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain, with <br />all highwalls, refuse piles, and spoil piles eliminated." <br />