GENERAL31966 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Request for Permit Termination; Coal Basin Sediment Pond Reclamation Stormwater Permit (COR-040208) The Coal Basin Mines were operated under a Mining Permit (C-81-017) issued to Mid- Continent Resources by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Boazd. Subsequent to permit issuance, the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board revoked the permit and forfeited the reclamation bond. The Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (Division) initiated reclamation operations at the site in 1995. Reclamation of the entire mine site was substantially completed in the fall of 2000. Reclamation of the entire Coal Basin Mine was accomplished as a series of smaller reclamation projects, each project targeting a specific portion of the larger disturbed area. The Division implemented various reclamation construction projects at the site through independent contractors. Completion of these projects was a necessary component of the reclamation process undertaken by the Division as required by the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act. The Coal Basin Sediment Pond Reclamation Stormwater Permit was issued after consultation between the Division of Minerals and Geology and Water Quality Control Division. It was agreed by the agencies that the issuance of a stormwater permit would facilitate reclamation of sediment retention ponds permitted through the NPDES process by the former operator of the Coal Basin Mine. Minerals and Geology submitted the Coal Basin Sediment Pond Reclamation Stormwater Permit application in August 1999. Water Quality Control Division approved the application in October 1999. Subsequently, the NPDES permit pertaining to the ponds reclaimed by Minerals and Geology was terminated. The subject stormwater permit was issued for very specific, well-defined disturbed areas at each of twelve former sediment retention ponds. These disturbed azeas were confined to the area immediately surrounding the discharge structure at each pond, and the disturbances created when excavating each discharge structure. The stormwater permit was issued in order to protect receiving streams from sediment loading while reclamation of mining related sediment pond dewatering devices was being accomplished. Specifically, the permit contemplated the implementation of Best Management Practices at the location of corrugated metal pipe (CMP) dewatering devices at the twelve sediment ponds as the devices were removed from the ponds. A list of the affected ponds is attached. The NPDES outfall number associated with each pond is included with the list for ease of reference. Pond Reclamation Description The reclamation concept for the affected sediment ponds was to utilize these facilities to benefit the post-reclamation land use of wildlife habitat and non-motorized recreation.