Laserfiche WebLink
<br />On March 11, 1997, the Division conducted apre-operational inspection at the proposed mine <br />site. Numerous water resources identified in the permit application were visited, exploration <br />activities were inspected, and topsoil and wildlife observations were made. <br />On March 19, 1997 the Division received a report titled The Lorencito Canyon Mine: Results of <br />a Cultural Resource Irtverttary Researdt Desizr: and Treamtent Plmt, Las Animas County <br />Colorndo., prepazed by Metcalf Archeological Consultants, Inc. The report indicated ninety-five <br />sites were identified and 66 isolated finds were recorded. Twenty-five of these sites are <br />considered potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. A treatment plan is <br />outlined in the report, describing further investigation of those sites which could be impacted and <br />are considered eligible. The core of the treatment plan consists of evaluation, test excavations, <br />and data recovery. <br />The SHPO was forwarded a copy of the cultural resources report and treatment plan concurrent <br />with the Division. On Mazch 21, 1997, SHPO responded and gave cleazance for the disturbances <br />proposed at the P3 portal, the R1/R2 portals, the R3/R4 portal and the refuse area (which is no <br />longer in the mine plan). SHPO concurred with Metcalf that site SLA6981 is eligible to the <br />National Register. SHPO also concurred that 24 other sites needed further data before a <br />determination of eligibility could be made. <br />On March 26, 1997 the Division and Lorencito Coal Company representatives met with Las <br />Animas County planning commission members for a overview meeting and site visit. Areas of <br />the proposed mine site visited included the loadout site at the mouth of Lorencito Canyon, Jeff <br />Canyon surface mine area, and Cow Canyon P3 portal location. Visual aspects of the surface <br />mine were the main concern identified. <br />On April 14, 1997, the Las Animas County Planning Commission met to discuss the mine <br />proposal. After some discussion, the planning commission voted 2-2 [o approve the mine plan <br />and forward it to the County Commissioners. Due to the split vote, the mine proposal was sent <br />to the county commissioners with "no recommendation" <br />On April 16, 1997, the Division met with representatives of the Division of Wildlife to conduct a <br />site visit of the Lorencito property. Concerns about habitat impacts, game damage, <br />sedimentation, water quality, and shrub establishment were discussed. The Lorencito stream <br />channel, portal locations in upper Cow Canyon, and the surface mine location were visited. <br />Proof of publication of the public notice of the filing of the mine application was received by the <br />Division on April 25, 1997. The required public notice was published in [he Chronicle-News <br />circulated in the Trinidad area, January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1997. <br />The Division received responses to our initial adequacy comments on April 25, 1997 from <br />Greystone Development Consultants, Inc. Included with these responses were revised permit <br />materials. <br />