Laserfiche WebLink
<br />5 <br />The postmining configuration of this area closely resembles the original contour and drainage patterns. <br />The reconstructed Nucla Road 5 meets the county rules and is far superior to the original Road 5. <br />Drainage reconstruction and control for the Phase [bond release area was thoroughly inspected and <br />found to be far superior to the original system. The main drainages had broad and relatively mild <br />slopes leading into the well vegetated channels. Only insignificant signs of erosion was evident in the <br />stream channel itself. All water from the disturbed area is routed to Pond 7 which is the only sediment <br />control pond for the Mine 2 area. All of the permanently reclaimed drainages in the release area blend <br />into the sites original topography and aid in the approved post mining land use of dryland and irrigated <br />pastures. The reclaimed topography, channel gradients and general engineered designs are in <br />compliance with all rules and regulations. <br />Backfilling and grading for the bond release area was closely inspected and no signs of differential <br />settling at the face of the highwall/pit interface, subsidence, or erosion were noticed. One small <br />depression, approximately 10 feet in diameter and 6-10 inches deep, was noted in the release area. <br />Since the site was heavily vegetated and showed no signs of any water retention, no action was <br />determined to be necessary at this time. In the event that this particular depression settles any more or <br />starts ponding water, the operator has committed to filling it in and reseeding it. All backfilling and <br />grading requirements of the bond release area are in compliance with all of the Rules and permit <br />requirements. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />Based upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, <br />the Division fords that Western Fuels-Colorado has completed backfilling, grading and drainage <br />reestablishment at the New Horizon Mine in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. <br />IV. PROPOSED DECISION <br />Based on the observations above, the Division proposes to approve Wester Fuel's request for a Phase <br />1 bond release for the New Horizon Mine. This proposed decision will release the applicant from <br />liability for backfilling, grading, and drainage reestablishment for the 67.4 acre parcel known as Area <br />2 of New Horizon Mine 2 <br />The Division holds a performance bond of $1,662,471 for the New Horizon Mine. The Division <br />proposes to release from liability $73,331. The remaining $1,589,140 is sufficient to assure completion <br />of the remaining reclamation work at the site if the work had to be performed by the Division, <br />including the cost of reestablishing vegetation on any revegetated areas, should those areas fail. The <br />Division estimates its cost to complete remaining reclamation work at the site to be $1,498,379. <br />Any person with a valid legal interest which might be adversely affected by this proposed decision may <br />request a formal public hearing before the Mined Land Reclamation Board in accordance with Rule <br />