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Chimney, Puertecito, Little Pine, and Jeff Canyons are all ephemeral streams, each with <br />valley bottoms of no more than 45 acres. Depth to water exceeds 14 feet and soil depth <br />reaches a maximum at 60 inches, precluding sub-irrigation. Sinuosity is low and flood <br />irrigation would not be possible due to the lack of useable water. <br />13. The Division hereby approves the post-mining land use for the disturbed area of the <br />operation. The post-mining land use of rangeland is not a change from the pre-mining use. <br />Pre-mine rangeland areas will be returned to a rangeland post-mining land use, although the <br />reclaimed areas will have a different vegetative character due to the abundance of grasses <br />and forbs in the early stages of vegetation succession. (2.07.6(2)(1)) <br />14. Specific approvals have been granted or are proposed. These approvals are addressed in <br />Section B, which follows. (2.07.6(2)(m)) <br />I5. The Division finds that the activities proposed by the applicant would not affect the <br />continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or <br />adverse modification of their critical habitats. (2.07.6(2)(n)) <br />16. The Division has contacted the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation Fees Branch. As of <br />this time, the operator, Lorencito Coal Company, LLC, is current in the payment of <br />reclamation fees required by 30 CFR Chapter VII, subchapter R. (2.07.6(2)(0)) <br />Section B -Rule 4 <br />I. Roads <br />A. Haul Roads <br />Haul roads are discussed beginning on page 2.05-13 of the permit application and shown <br />on Maps 2.05.3-1, 2.05.3-3, 2.05.3-3a, 2.05.3-3b, and 2.05.3-3c. Haul roads that have <br />been constructed are the Jeff Canyon Haul Road and the Lorencito Canyon Haul Road. <br />Alternative criteria and specifications were used during the design of haul <br />roads. The Division based on an analytical demonstration that the roads will <br />be environmentally sound and reclamation can be achieved approves these <br />criteria and specifications. The proposed criteria and specifications pertain to <br />haul road drainage structures. A combination culvert and concrete ford may <br />be used to pass the 2-year/24-hour and the 10-year/24-hour storm events, <br />respectively. This altemative design is depicted on pages 2.05-24 and 2.05- <br />25, figures 2.05.3-12 and 2.05-13, respectively. Due to large, intense <br />precipitation, the steep grade of the terrain, and the preponderance of soils <br />with slow infiltration characteristics, this design is preferable over a standard <br />culvert crossing design. This alternative design will in no way increase the <br />potential for erosion. (4.03.1(4)(e)(vi)) <br />13 <br />