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XX. Operations on Steep Slopes <br />Mining at the Beaz No. 3 portals involves face-up azeas and portal benches constructed on <br />the steep valley slopes south of the North Fork of the Gunnison River and is classified as <br />steep slope mining. Beaz Coat Company has requested a variance from the approximate <br />original contour requirements of Rule 4.27.3(3) as provided by Rule 4.27.4. <br />A number ofaltemative portal stabilization techniques and backfilling plans were proposed <br />as a result of geotechnical analyses conducted by Rocky Mountain Geotechnical. The <br />Division has granted a variance from the approximate original contour requirements. The <br />variance allows for partial backfilling scheme which will ensure stability of the reclaimed <br />surface at the Beaz No. 3 portals. The specifics of the proposed reclamation and portal <br />stabilization plans aze discussed in Section XVI (Backfilling and Grading) of this document. <br />The approximate original contour variance has been granted to allow for the most <br />stable backfilling configuration possible on the historically disturbed portal bench. The <br />factor of safety of the proposed backfill plan will decrease the stability of the existing <br />bench by only five percent. The existing bench has been stable since 1934. <br />The Division has completed a thorough review of the Bear No. 3 portal backfilling <br />plan and has made the following findings: <br />1. Reclamation of the land to undeveloped land for wildlife habitat will result in the <br />best post-mining land use for the portal areas. This land use is equal in economic <br />and public use to the pre-mining land use of wildlife habitat. <br />2. The proposed post-mining land use meets the requirements of Rule 4.16. <br />No significant changes in the quantity or quality of runoff from the partially <br />backfilled bench will occur; therefore, no impacts to the surface water system is <br />expected. <br />4. The variance meets all other criteria of Rule 2.06.5. <br />The Bear Coal operation is in compliance with the provisions of this section. <br />XXI. In Situ Processing <br />This section does not apply to the Bear Coal Company permit. <br />c:/word/bear3Bear No. 3 Renewal No. 4 Findings <br />33 <br />