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inaccessibility, due to weather, to the proposed road alignment at the time of <br /> the upper waste pile revision, a geotechnical investigation of the road <br /> corridor has not been completed. This investigation would include a <br /> reconnaissance geologic map with emphasis on slope instabilities and <br /> drainage characteristics. Based on this map, a preliminary access road <br /> cut-slope stabilization and drainage design will be developed. Once <br /> approved by the Division, initial construction will be as a pioneer road with <br /> minimal excavation. This investigation and final design will be completed as <br /> the road is excavated. The upper refuse pile is not proposed for this permit <br /> term; therefore, construction of the road is not proposed. More information <br /> is included as Exhibit 50 in the permit document. <br /> C. Light Use Roads <br /> 1. The West Elk Mine has several light-use roads at the site. They are <br /> around the southern and eastern perimeter of MB-2R and around the <br /> base of lower refuse pile, above the facilities area and on Jumbo <br /> Mountain to access monitoring sites and the water tank, and the Lone <br /> Pine Gulch fan road. Additional light use roads that were originally <br /> used for exploration have been reopened in the West Flatiron area. <br /> The designs, except for some preexisting roads, are in compliance with <br /> Rules 2.05.3 and 4.03.3. <br /> II. Support Facilities - Rule 4.04 <br /> A. Construction of support facilities did not result in any damage to any protected <br /> structures. Therefore, the Division proposes to approve those activities <br /> (4.04(6)). <br /> III. Hydrologic Balance - Rule 4.05 <br /> A. Water Quality Standards and Effluent Limitations <br /> 1. There are seven sediment ponds and one freshwater pond at the West Elk <br /> Mine that treat drainage from the disturbed area. These ponds function as <br /> designed to ensure that applicable water quality standards and effluent <br /> standards are met per the requirements of CDPS Permit No. CO-0038776. <br /> 2. The Division proposes to grant small area exemptions from the use of <br /> sediment ponds, due to the limited size of the area, the fact that ponds and <br /> treatment facilities are not necessary for the drainage to meet the effluent <br /> limitations of Rule 4.05.2 and applicable State and Federal water quality <br /> standards for receiving streams, and due to the fact that no mixing of surface <br /> drainage with a discharge from underground workings will occur. The <br /> small areas to be exempted are located at the Sylvester Gulch fan site, the <br /> lay-down area between FW-1 and MB-I, an area located downstream from <br /> 27 <br />