Laserfiche WebLink
thence N 90d00'00" E a distance of 9.92 ; <br />thence N 02d29'15" E a distance of 67.93 ; <br />thence N 90d00'00" E a distance of 651.00 ; <br />thence N OOd00'00" E a distance of 200.00 ; <br />which is the point of beginning, <br />having an area of 3730418.07 square feet, or approximately 85.64 acres. <br />III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />All major drainages that were disturbed by mining activities have been reclaimed to approximate the <br />pre-mining configuration and blends in with the undisturbed drainage above and below the reclaimed <br />area. The drainage channels have gently sloping banks that are stabilized with vegetation and will <br />safely pass the 10 year, 24 hour event. <br />An on the ground inspection was performed on September 18, 2002, to verify that the conditions of <br />the permit and bond release application were met. Reclamation activities for the bond release azea took <br />place at various times between 1999 and 2002. The parcel of land requested for release is south of <br />BB-Road and east of 2700-Road, in Section 6. The postmining configuration of this area resembles <br />the original contour and drainage patterns. <br />Drainage reconstruction and control for the Phase I bond release area was thoroughly inspected and <br />found to be superior to the original system. The main drainages had broad and relatively mild slopes <br />leading into the well vegetated channels. Only insignificant signs oferosion was evident in the stream <br />channel itself. All waters from the disturbed area are routed to either Pond 007 or Pond 008 which <br />control sediment for the Mine 2 area. All of the permanently reclaimed drainages in the release area <br />blend into the sites original topography and aid in the approved post mining land use of irrigated <br />pastures. Backfilling and grading for the bond release area was closely inspected and no signs of <br />subsidence, erosion, or differential settling at the face of the highwalUpit interface were noticed. One <br />small depression, approximately 100 feet in diameter and 12-18 inches deep, was noted in the release <br />azea. This area was noted previously and has a minor revision approved to eliminated the depression in <br />late fall or early winter of 2002. Since the site was heavily vegetated and the alfalfa crop was to be cut <br />and baled (4'" cutting) no action was determined to be necessary at this time. As noted above, the <br />operator has committed to filling it in and reseeding it. The reclaimed topography, channel gradients, <br />backfilling, grading and general engineered designs are in compliance with all rules and regulations. <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 finds 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 Westem Fuel's request for a Phase <br />1 bond release for the New Horizon Mine 2. This proposed decision will release the applicant from <br />liability for backfilling, grading, and drainage reestablishment for the 85.64 acre paccel known as Area <br />4 of New Horizon Mine 2. <br />The Division holds a performance bond of $2,500,000 for the New Horizon Mine. The Division <br />