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Mrs. Dora Mae Trampe <br />Page Two <br />April 16, 1981 <br />Environments( Issues <br />The comments from Gunnison County concerning environmental issues focused on <br />four areas of concern: water quality; impact on the Fire Mountain Canal; the <br />waste slurry line; and air quality. This section addresses each of these issues and <br />the mitigation efforts being undertaken. <br />Western Slope Carbon has an on-going water quality program on the river. Our <br />data indicate that there is no degradation in the water near the Hawk's Nest <br />operation. A preliminary study prepared by BEAK for Western Slope Carbon last <br />fall indicated that there were limited trout in that section of the river as o result <br />of the gradient of the river, rather than as a result of the water quality. We are <br />presently working with Rick Sherman of the Colorado Division of Wildlife Resources <br />to re-establish the fish habitat at that section of the river. As far as preventing <br />pollution from reaching the river, we are regulated by Colorado Mined Land Re- <br />clamation and the Office of Surface Mining and are planning to put in two addi- <br />tional sediment control ponds upon their approval of our pond design. <br />Concerning the impact of subsidence on the Fire Mountain Canal, our monitoring <br />data indicate that subsidence is practically non-existent. Therefore, we do <br />not anticipate any impact on the Fire Mountain Canal. <br />The proposed waste slurry line will connect the wash plant with the mined out <br />areas of the mine for waste disposal. Approval for this system is being sought <br />from the Bureau of Mines. The slurry line will be placed on flat terrain and <br />extend for a distance of approximately 300 feet. By implementing this system, <br />Western Slope Carbon will also alleviate some of the traffic on SH133 caused by <br />trucks carrying waste to the land fill. <br />Concerning air quality issues, we are regulated by the State Air Pollution Board. <br />We have received a permit from them on the amount of pollutants we are allowed <br />to exit. Since state and federal regulations are identical, the highest practical <br />standards will be observed. <br />Informational Deficiencies in the Socio-Economic Assessment <br />Several informational deficiencies in the socio-economic assessment were listed <br />in the comments letter prepared by the Board of County Commissioners of Delta <br />County. To use this letter as a means of correcting these deficiencies wouldde- <br />crease the value of the assessment as a potential planning tool. Therefore, in this <br />letter we will indicate the types of changes that will be made and propose revising <br />the entire document to include these changes in an integrated manner. The revised <br />document will be available prior to the May 1 meeting for review. These changes <br />(page numbers cited refer to pages in the assessment) will include: <br />