2007-07-30_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981041

Home Browse Search

RSRDA waste disposal site Water Consumption Water usage during operations was from consumption in the mines, in the coal preparation plant, and in the surface facilities. Consumptive use is monitored and results included in the Annual Hydrology Report (AHR). Consumptive use will be minimal in the future because mining and washing ofcoal has ceased. Water use will be limited to dust control activities during reclamation and for operations at the unit train loadout (if the loadout operation is re-activated). In association with PR-3, based on projected mining related water depletions to the Colorado River, Snowcap Coal Company entered into a Recovery Agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to comply with obligations associated with recovery of the endangered fish species of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Mine Water Discharge A permanent, gravity flow minewater discharge site (Outfall 016) has been established in the vicinity of the reclaimed North Decline facility area. The installation involved angled drilling into the lowest elevation ofthe South Mine workings. Outfa11002, a siphon type discharge located at the backfilled Northwest Intake Portal adjacent to I-70 has been inactivated. Outfall 002 was previously the primary minewater discharge for the Sou[h Mine workings, but in the future will be used only as an emergency back-up to Outfall 016. The minewater discharge from the South Mine has never required treatment to meet CDPS discharge standards, and is discharged directly into the Colorado River. Discharge from the North Mine workings ceased in 1999 when mining ceased and the pumps were shut down. The mine was subsequently sealed and backfilled, and future discharge is not anticipated, based on projected final ground water elevation. There is infrequent discharge from sedimentation ponds. All discharge from sediment ponds and the underground workings is sampled and reported in accordance with CDPS and DMG permit requirements. For additional information on these discharges, see Section C.ll. of this document. General Reclamation Summary The approved reclamation plan requires that reclamation of most areas is to begin upon cessation of mining. Some locations including the lower benches ofthe Cameo Refuse Disposal Sites and the North Decline were reclaimed in the mid-1990's. Final reclamation of remaining facility areas and refuse pile areas was initiated in 2000, with extensive earthwork and revegetation completed during 2002. Reclamation activity is continuing, with most major tasks to be completed by the end of 2009. Initial tasks include removal of structures and facilities, and sealing of underground openings. Following completion of structural demolition in a specified location, the area is backfilled and graded to approved configuration. Topsoil is redistributed on most reclaimed surfaces, and all reclaimed areas are seeded and mulched. Roads not approved for postmining use will be removed when no longer needed for reclamation activities. Details ofthe reclamation plan are included in Tab 14 of the approved permit application package. Mine entries and ventilation shafts are sealed with concrete and at least ten feet of noncombustible material, or simply backfilled with 25 feet of non-combustible material in accordance with procedures specified in the approved permit. Drill holes and monitoring wells will be filled with drill hole cuttings or sealant and plugged with cement. Disturbed areas other than refuse areas will be backfilled to approximate original contour, with the exception ofa designated portion of the South Portal facilities area, for which the Division (within PR-3) is proposingto approve a Steep Slope Variance from Approximate Original Contour, to allow for retention of facilities to support a proposed alternative "industrial or Commercial" postmining land use. The reader is refereed to Permit Revision No. 3 Permit No. C-1981-041 July 30, 2007 Page 13