ENFORCE34156 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

May 12, 1994 Review of the Mining and Reclamation Plan (MRP), bond release application and on-the-ground performance of reclamation activities conducted by the operator revealed the following: From April, 1990, until November, 1993, the operator has submitted and the Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) has approved a number of revisions to the MRP allowing for Kerr Coal Co. to return the disturbed areas to a final configuration which is other than the AOC. No justification is offered within these revisions for the variances requested nor is there any regulatory provision, within the approved Colorado program or parallel Federal regulations, allowing for the variances to AOC that have been granted by DMG. The "720" pit was the first area viewed. Generally speaking the area would appear to have been restored to a configuration that could resemble AOC based on the elements discussed above. However, there are significant differences that must be noted. Using USGS topographic maps pre-dating mining in the area it appears that the general pre-mining slope ranged from approximately 12 degrees down to 6 degrees. The slope and drainage ran in a generally Eastern direction. The post mining topography consists of a "quick" slope off of the highwall area of approximately 17 to 20 degrees. This slope bottoms out into a flat plane of approximately 1 percent. The drainage flows to the Southern portion of the disturbed area and then. East into the natural drainage.. _. ___ ____. Also, there are two areas in the location of the reclaimed overburden stockpile that have been left approximately 15 feet higher than the original ground. These areas are approximately three acres each. This information was provided by the operators consultant. As to the on-the-ground conditions the following observations were made; The Southern edge of the "720" backfilled highwall is exhibiting signs of settlement. There are three distinct settlement cracks running parallel to the highwall. A diversion feature has been established along the reclaimed slope that more closely resembles a terrace rather than a diversion ditch. The drainage channel established along the Southern perimeter of the disturbed area is showing signs of downcutting. Also, a topsoil stockpile located at the Southeastern edge of the disturbed area will have to be removed so that the drainage course can be re-established in this area prior to any further consideration of the Phase I bond release request.