GENERAL41075

• Permit No: C1981035
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 2/4/1982
• Doc Name: PROPOSED DECISION AND FINDINGS OF COMPLIANCE
• Permit Index Doc Type: FINDINGS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

XZ. Topsoil (2.04.9, 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d), 4.06)
The King Coal mine is in a unique situation in that all surface disturbance
occurred prior to any statutory reclamation standards. At that time, topsoil
salvaging and stockpiling operations were not practiced. Therefore, no topsoil
remains on the disturbed area.
Soil resource information was based on sampling done in undisturbed areas within
the permit boundary. Testing of the undisturbed area revealed that there are
soils within the undisturbed portion of the permit boundary which would be
suitable as a plant growth medium. However, since no further surface disturbance
is anticipated, these soils are unavailable for use during reclamation.
National King Coal has committed to import from outside sources approximately
6700 yd3 of topsoil to be used as a plant growth medium. This will allow National
King Coal to distribute approximately 6" of topsoil over the regraded areas
during reclamation of the site. Before distribution, the topsoil will be
analyzed for the re9uired parameters and the results submitted to the Division.
The proposed operation is in compliance.
XZI. Vegetation (2.09.10, 2.05.4(2)(e), 4.I5)
The King Coal mine site has been disturbed since 1991. Consequently, no pre-
mining inventory was collected. In lieu of this, the applicant provides a
description of the adjacent areas which are similar to what most likely existed
in the pre-disturbed mine site. These are: mountain shrub, pinyon-juniper
and introduced pasture. The application is in compliance with Rule 2.04.10.
Since the area to be disturbed will not increase, there is no anticipated impact
to rare and endangered plant species. No known threatened and endangered
plant species exist in the area presently. Hence, the Division finds that the
activities will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened
plant species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their
critical habitats as determined under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 USC Sec. 153 et. seq.), or The Non game, Endangered or Threatened Species
Conservation Act (Section 33-8-101 et. seq., C.R.S. 1973).
Pursuant to Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)(vi), National King Coal requested the Division to
set the revegetation success criteria based on local environmental conditions
and similar sites. Subsequently, the Division developed a reclamation plan
and a set of standards to be used as success criteria for the mine.
The reclamation plan and success criteria were based upon:
1) description of undisturbed adjacent areas;
2) baseline data from an adjacent proposed mine site, which exhibits similar
environmental characteristics; and
3) SCS range site data.
National King Coal has accepted the Division's recommendations and incorporated
them into the operation and reclamation plan contained in the application.