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-35- IX Climatological information is presented in Volume I, page 3-96 of the Snowmass - North Thompson Creek Mine application. Since the mine and loadout are located several miles apart and differ in elevation, climatological conditions were discussed separately for each site. Mine site climatology was obtained from the nearby weather station at Redstone, whereas Glenwood Springs data was used to characterize the loadout. In general, the mine experiences cooler temperatures and more precipitation than the loadout. Most of the precipitation at the mine is in the form of snowfall. The Emissions Permits issued by the Colorado Department of Health can be found in Volume III, Appendix 4-F. These permits stipulate that emissions not exceed 20% capacity. To reduce emissions, the mine employs the use of spray bars, water trucks, and conveyor enclosures. The operation has been and currently is 1n compliance with all applicable State and Federal Air Quality standards. The Division finds the operation in compliance with the requirements of this section. X. Topsoil -.Rules 2.04.9. 2.05.3(5). 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06 Soil resources baseline information for the mine and' loadout can be found 1n Volume I, page 3-100 to 3-122 of the Snowmass Coal Company application. Topsoil handling for the mine is described in Volume I, page 4-19 and pages 4-46 and 47. Topsoil handling for the loadout is described in Volume I, page 4-39 and pages 4-80 to 86. A discussion of Prime Farmlands can be found in Volume I, page 5-1. For findings concerning Prime Farmlands, please refer to Section XIII of this document. The surface facilities at the mine area have been in existence for over 20 years, prior to any topsoil salvage requirements. The naturally existing soils at the mine have been modified by disturbance and are no longer recognizable. With the exception of the coal refuse area, no additional surface disturbance at the mine site is anticipated. The reclamation plan for the mine calls for grading and recontouring the area and direct revegetation of the disturbed media. The operator sampled the disturbed soils at 6 "worse-case" locations to assess its suitability as a plant growth medium. The results of the analysis demonstrate that the material will be acceptable as a suitable media for plant growth. The coal refuse area is located in a small side-ridge valley at the east edge of the mine site. Available topsoil has been salvaged from the area and is stockpiled for future reclamation of the refuse pile. Topsoil Within this valley is limited due to the steep sideslopes of 15 to 55% and rocky valley bottom.