2004-05-12_REVISION - M1979191 - Laserfiche WebLink

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s~AT~ of ~oLO~o DIVISION OF MINERALS ANO GEOLOGY DepartmenC of Natural Resources t373 Sherman SL, Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80?03 Pfanc: (30LL3)]]86--gg6113g55567 AUgti5231o,z2U8.3 Ms. Mary Harnett LaFazge West, Inc, 1800 N. Taft Hill Road P.~. BOX 21$7 Ft. Collins, CO 80522 RE: LaFarge West, Inc., Three Bells Pit; Permit No. M-1979-19I, TR-01, Adequacy Letter Dear Ms. Harnett, COLORADO DIVISION O F MINF~RALS GEOLOGY REC LANATION•MIN INC SAEETY~SCIEN CE gln own,: Gorernar Greg E. Walther ExeCUtiae D1(eQOr Ronald W. Urtany Division DlrMnr NatY21 RHOUKe rfllltee The Division received your Technical Revision (TR-01) for the Three Bells Pii, Permit No. M-1979-191. The revision was submitted as a result of the Division's inspection of May 1, 2003. The revision involves depicting the actual reclaimed configuration of Pond 5 on a map. The Division has only once concern noted in your letter of August 12, 2003. You note that ". ,.some of the tnateriat in the existing berms on the south and west side of the permit area may be used to reclaim the area north of Pond 5... if not used for [his purpose the berms may stay in place." Please be aware that the approved topsoil replacement depth for this site is 6" to 12" (based on an adequacy review letter submitted to the Division on Sanuary 15, 1980 from The Three Bells Ranch). During the May 1, 2003 inspection, the Division did not verify that 6" to 12" of topsoil was replaced on the reclaimed portions of Pond 5, but noted that no topsoil was replace on the area north of Pond 5. If LaFazge intends to retain the stockpile berms as a permanent feature under this technical revision, then the operator will need to demonstrate that all affected lands within the Three Bells Pit have been replaced with 6" to 12" of topsoil. In addition, maps will need to be revised to reflect the location of the stockpiles, demonstrate that they aze stable, and demonstrate that they conform to the posttnining land use of pastureland. The retention of the stockpiles as a pettnanent feature changes their status io a "structure" that must meet the requirement of Rule 3.1.11 of the Construction Materials Rules and Regulations. In particular, the operator must provide a signed, notarized letter from the landowner stating that the landowner accepts the proposed changes to the past mining land use and reclamation plan with the retention of the topsoil piles and the operator will need to submit documentation to the Division that retention of the stmcmres will not conflict with the post-mining Land use of pastureland and that the structures conform to local zoning codes. Such documentation mast be a letter from Lorimer County stating that the stockpiles left itt place will meet the zoning requirements and the approved post-mining land use. Please clarify LaPazge's intent to incorporate the retention of topsoiUoverburden piles on site as a part of this Technical Revision. If so, the items noted above must be addressed by September 12, 2003. If you feel more time is needed to complete your reply, the Division can grant an extension to the decision date. This will be done upon receipt of a written waiver of your right to a decision by September 12, 2003 and request for additional time. This must be received no later than the deadline date. IFyou have any questions, please contact me at (303) 866-4943. S' ceiely, ca S. Crosby Environmental Protection ialist cc' Carl Mrntnh DMC: ~ elrrtrnnir rrancmiccinnl _ Office of OtFce of Colorado Mined Land Rer/smarian ARive and Inactive Mines Geological Sarv¢y