Laserfiche WebLink
<br />two small Apache Canyon areas, the main reclaimed area south of Highway 1 Z, and the larger <br />area of recent underground tttining located north of Highwav 1?. <br />Until the mine applies for, and is granted, a Phase II bond release, DMG is required to make <br />monthly inspections to the site. At this time, we understand that access through the main gate <br />will continue to be possible. If special arrangements need to be made for a private lock, please <br />let us know. <br />There are a few things that come to mind with regard to mining activities and public access. <br />First, the railroad crossing of the permanent road which accesses Apache and Ciruela Canyon is <br />unprotected. with no gate or warning lights. At the present time the railroad is idle as a result of <br />inaction by Lorencito Coal Company. However, Lorencito may begin operations at any time, <br />which would include railroad traffic. In my opinion, the current railroad warnings are inadequate <br />to ensure a reasonable amount of safety to the public. Secondly, the Apache Canyon shafrs sites <br />are not a place where smoking or campfires would be advised due to methane gas leakage. High <br />fencing of these locations would be appropriate to prevent access to these small areas. Presently <br />one is poorly fenced and the other is not fenced. Finally, a number of coal exploration sites <br />remain to be inspected before coal exploration bonds can be released. We anticipate completing <br />the inspection of these sites this spring and eazly summer. Generally, these consist of short <br />stretches of reclaimed or water-barred roads and a small clearing of grass and shrubs at the <br />former drill site. Most of these.aze mazked for positive identification and mazkers should remain <br />until the inspections aze completed, and beyond if possible. <br />Finally, we understand a committee of local government officials, landowners, and sportsmen <br />will have input into the management plan for the property. I would recommend that Ron <br />Thompson of Basin Resources be asked to sit on this committee. Ron has a long history with the <br />property and it's development for coal mining. He is very familiaz with the access to the <br />property and is likely the only person locally who can provide details on the process of the mine <br />closure and reclamation. There aze very few people locally who have spent as much time as Ron <br />on the property. I think Ron would be a strong addition to the committee. <br />Again, DMG looks forward to working with DOW and Basin Resources with the objective of <br />Iinal bond release under the rules governing coal mining. Please feel free to contact me <br />regarding questions or concerns as they may arise. <br />Sincer y, ~~~ <br />Ken Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />CC: Bob Holder, DOW <br />Ron Thompson, Basin Resources <br />