Laserfiche WebLink
iii iiiiiiiiiiiii iii <br />MEMORANDUM <br />DATE: October 26, 2001 <br />TO: David Berry, Coal Program Supervisor <br />FROM: Bill York-Feirn, Mine Safety Program Supervisor <br />SUBJECT: Lorencito Canyon Mine -Cease and Desist Order on Blasting <br />Operations <br />I thought you should know that I visited the Lorencito Canyon Coal Mine in Las Animas <br />County, for the purpose of inspection for an explosive permit on site on Thursday, <br />October 25, 2001. I was accompanied by Elmer Bentley, Superintendent and Erik <br />Addingtion, Mine Manager with Lorencito Coal Company, LLC, Dave Dannenberger, <br />Sales Manager, Buckley Powder Company and Florie Massazotti, private health and <br />safety consultant on the inspection. I inspected the two recently placed explosive <br />magazines on site with these gentlemen which were located on a ridge along the road to <br />the mine site. The magazines were found [o be well constructed according to ATF <br />requirements with [he exception of some minor, easily fixed concerns as noted on the <br />inspection report. The permits were issued and in force only when these minor concerns <br />were addressed and fixed. <br />After the explosive magazine inspection we drove up to the active stripping and mining <br />azea. Two loaders were working in the upper exposed coal seam and filling trucks which <br />were taking the coal down to a stockpile azea near the entrance to the property. I also <br />observed the blasting crew had drilled out a bench and were loading the holes with <br />explosives. It was clear from our discussions that previous blasting had occurred to <br />reduce the topography to the current bench levels. <br />Soon after I left the site, it occurred to me that I had not check for Colorado blasters and <br />shotfirers certifications for coal mines. I contacted Mr. Bentley and Mr. Dannenberger to <br />check on whether those responsible for blasting had valid coal blasters and shotfirer <br />certifications from the Slate of Colorado. They both admitted that they did not have <br />anyone on site with State of Colorado coal blasters or shotfirers certification. <br />At 8:05 a.m. October 26, 2001 I issued a verbal order to Mr. Bentley and Mr. <br />Dannenberger that blasting operations at the site were to cease until properly certified <br />officials in the State of Colorado were on site and supervising blasting operations. <br />M:G mp\wcyUorencitomemo <br />