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Proposed Decision The Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division proposes to approve an application for a permit revision. The application was submitted by Kaiser Steel Resources, for the Chimney Rock Mine. This approval decision is based on a finding that the proposed operation will comply all requirements of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act, C.R.S. 34-33-101, et sec., and the regulations promulgated thereunder. If no request for a formal hearing is made within thirty (30) days of the first publication of the issuance of this proposed decision, then this decision becomes final. The permit application, all supporting documentation and any stipulations or conditions will become a binding part of the permit. Summary The Review Process The Division received a complete application for PR-04 on August 9, 1991. Acknowledgement of this was made to the operator. Public notification began on August 9, 1991 for 4 consecutive weeks in the Pagosa Springs Sun Newspaper. Staff comments generated in regard to adequacy issues identified during review of the proposed revision were conveyed to Greystone Development Consultants in a letter dated October 1, 1991. Due to the nature of the required responses in regard to these adequacy issues, the 120 day decision was waived by the operator and the review period extended. The final revised narrative and maps in response to the adequacy summary were received on December 21, 1991. Since the remaining issues were addressed with this material, the Division is proposing to approve the application for PR-04. Since this revision also includes federal mineral ownership, it is also being reviewed by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM). Description of the Environment Please refer to the February, 1988 Findings of Compliance (Renewal). Description of the Reclamation Plans Following removal of the coal resource, the area was backfilled and graded. The final land form in the East Pit Area resembles a mesa. The Barren Ridge and Federal Lease Areas were graded to approximate original contours with the majority of the slopes descending in an easterly direction toward Stollsteimer Creek. All outslopes are stabilized and all highwalls and spoil piles were eliminated during the backfilling and grading operations. Following final backfilling and grading operations, the area was retopsoiled. The redistributed topsoil was then tested for fertilization requirements and other soil amendments an added as required. -2-