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._ _ . Interoffice Memorandum Walker to File Mazch 24, 1998 Page 2 of 3 March 31, 1998. Rule 2.07.3(3)(6). On July 14, 1997, the Division provided notice of the Application by letter to the Colorado Geological Survey, Colorado Natural Heritage Inventory, Little Snake Resource Area (BLM), Craig District Office (BLM), U.S. Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Boazd of Land Commissioners, the Colorado Historical Society, Colorado Department of Health (Water Quality control Division and Air Pollution Control Division), Colorado Historical Society, Division of Water Resources, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the applicant. The Colorado Division of Wildlife responded to the notice by letter of July 31, 1997, with no objection (a copy was provided to the applicant by a cover letter of August 5, 1997). Coal Handbook (CH). The Division submitted technical adequacy concerns to Colowyo by letter of 29 September 1997. Colowyo responded to adequacy concems by letter of December 3, 1997. The Division submitted remaining adequacy concerns to Colowyo by letter of 7 January, 1998. Colowyo responded by letter of February 17, 1998. By letter of February 23, 1998, the Division submitted remaining technical adequacy concerns to Colowyo. Colowyo responded to the comments in a letter of March 10, 1998. The Division finds technical adequacy concerns resolved with the Mazch ] 0, 1998 response. On March 17, 1998, the Division confirmed the cutrent change constituted by TR 43 with Colowyo. 2. Technical Discussion. The reduction in reclamation liability, and in the amount of bond required, represents significant reductions in the quantities of earthwork estimated for the previous reclamation plan. A previously-approved single seam operation located on the west end of the East Pit in Section 9 was never pursued. This change reduced the regrade volume by approximately 1,300,000 cubic yards. The previous plan also included closure of the Section 16 Pit initial shovel box cut. The current estimate recognizes that the Section l6 Pit has advanced beyond the initial box cut, and excavation of the end wall is no longer a requirement. This change reduced wall excavation, grading and channel cutting earthwork volumes by approximately 113,256 cubic yards. The previous plan required the closure of two open pits in Section 16. Only one of these pits was developed, however, resulting in a reduction of 3,445,375 cubic yards of regrade volume. A reduction of 222,640 yards of topsoil distribution and associated reclamation costs (once anadd- on to the East Pit) are also recognized by the current cost estimate and reclamation plan.