ENFORCE36322

• Permit No: C1981022
• IBM Index Class Name: Enforcement
• Doc Date: 2/15/1994
• Doc Name: SOMERSET/SANBORN CREEK MINE FN C-81-022 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
• From: DMG
• To: GUNNISON CNTY PLANNING DEPT
• Violation No.: CV0000000
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

;`
ii i i iiiiii ii iiii iii
999
STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Sr, Room 215
Denver, CO 8020)
Phone: [phone]
(A%~ 13071 8328106
February 15, 1994
Steve Westbay
Gunnison County Planning Dept.
200 East Virginia
Gunnison, CO 81230
Re: Somerset/Sanborn Creek Mine, File No. C-81-022, General Correspondence
Dear Mr. Westbay:
os cow
~~ •~b
~.~~y o
a~
/9]6
Roy Romer
Grn-error
Michael 8. Lonti
Division Duecio~
As we discussed by phone on February 11, 1994, Somerset Mining Company has requested,
from Gunnison County, a land use change allowing an increase in coal production, number of
personnel and number of trains loading and hauling coal for that operation. This letter serves to
apprise the Gunnison County Planning Department of the Colorado Division of Minerals and
Geology viewpoint regarding Somerset Mining Company's current situation.
The Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (Division) has, in the 12-month period from
October 1, 1992 to September 30, 1993, issued seven Notices of Violation to Somerset Mining
Company for various infractions of regulations designed to protect environmental well being and
public safety. The Division is currently reviewing these violations to determine if, pursuant to
Rule 5.03.312) of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal
Mining, a pattern of violations exists. If the Division Director determines that a pattern of
violation exists, he may or may not, pursuant to Rule 5.03.3, issue Somerset Mining Company
an Order to Show Cause why the SomersetlSanborn Creek Mine permit should not be
suspended or revoked. If a Show Cause Order is issued, the Mined Land Reclamation Board
(Board) shall provide an opportunity for a public hearing pursuant to Rule 5.03.5. Somerset
Mining Company will have an opportunity at the public hearing, to demonstrate to the Board
why their permit should not be suspended or revoked. Subsequent to the public hearing, or lacN
of request for a public hearing within 30 days of the Show Cause Order issuance, the Board will
issue its written decision whether or not to suspend or revoke the Somerset/Sanborn Creek
Mine permit.
waste storage make this a significant task.
According to coal waste production figures presented in the Somerset/Sanborn Creek Mine
permit application, the facility has limited volume in its coal waste pile and, with increased
production rates, could reach maximum capacity in that pile in approximately five years.
Somerset Mining Co. wilt need to review options for additional coal waste piles to accommodate
their life of mine predictions. Limited areas available near the mine which are conducive to coal
Air emissions permits for coal conveying and transfer are currently limited to 1 ,000,000 tons
per year. Emissions permits for coal stockpiling are currently limited to 600,000 tons per year.