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STATE OF COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1373 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: (303) 866-3567 <br />FAX: (303)832106 <br />TO: Jim McArdle <br />CC: Jim Stazk and David Bevy <br />FROM: Sandy Brown <br />f <br />DATE: December 4, 2003 <br />RE: Corley Refuse Fire <br />COLORADO <br />DIVISION O F <br />MIN SRALS <br />GEOLOGY <br />RE CLAM AiION•MI NING <br />SAFETY•SCIENCE <br />Bill Owens <br />Governor <br />Greg E. Walther <br />Executive Director <br />Ronald W. Cattany <br />Division Director <br />Natural Resource Trustee <br />On October 8, 2003, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) sent the attached letter to Dave <br />Bucknam regarding a burning coal waste pile on Dr. Coney's property in Fremont <br />County. Dr. Corley said he thought the pile was associated with the GEC Mine, however <br />he was not sure. OSM requested the Division to determine whether the refuse is eligible <br />for AML funding and whether the site qualifies as a high priority AML feature. <br />Jim Stazk has researched the pile to determine whether the refuse is associated with a post <br />SMCRA or permitted mine. There was three permitted mines in the area: the Southfield <br />Mine, the Newlin Creek Mine and the GEC Mine. The pile was not a part of the <br />Southfield Mine. Jim inspected the refuse pile and got GPS coordinates, researched the <br />GEC files and permit, reviewed the Newlin Creek permit and files, reviewed the <br />Southfield permit and evaluated historic mining maps. A copy of his review is attached. <br />Based on Jim's research the Division does not believe the refuse is associated with an <br />operation that operated afrer August 3, ] 977. It appears to be associated with the either <br />the Black Diamond Strip Mine or the Canon Black Diamond Mine. <br />I'm not sure what the criteria are to determine a high priority AML feature, but the <br />potential for a surface fire does exist. As stated in OSM's letter and confirmed by Jim <br />Stazk, the immediate fire hazard has been reduced. However, the pile is smoldering and <br />there is a considerable amount of dry vegetation in the area. A number of existing homes <br />are located within approximately one-quarter mile of the pile that could be in danger if a <br />surface fire were ignited. <br />Please contact Jim Stark or me if you have questions or need additional information. <br />Attachments <br />Office of Office of Colorado <br />Mined Land Reclamation Active and Inactive Mines Geological Survey <br />