GENERAL47996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STATE OF COLORADO DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY DeUarlmenl of Natural Resources 131.7 Sherman sl., Ronm 215 Denver, Cnlnwdn 8U_'Ol Phone: 110 11 8fi6-3567 F.~,%~. I A) 41 85'_-8106 May 26, 1998 Mr. William A. Bear Jr. Bowie Resources Limited Bowie No. 2 Mine P.O. Box 483 Paonia, Colorado 81428 r„ II~ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES_-_ Koy Rnmer Gmemw tames 5 Lochhead Execmroe Direcinr Michel B. Lnng Division Direcmr RE: Fugitive Coal Dust, Bowie No. 2 Mine, Permit No. C-96-083, Bowie Resources Limited Deaz Mr. Beaz: As we discussed during the field inspection of May 21, 1998, the Division of Minerals and Geology (the Division) received a phone call from a concemed citizen of the Paonia area. The concerned parry stated that there has been truck traffic 24 hours a day along Highway 133 and that coal dust has accumulated along Highway 133. Further, it was stated that coal dust was most prevalent when the haul trucks were running empty. The concemed party, who requested confidentiality, did not wish to file a formal, w7itten complaint at this time. Since the Division believes that this issue involves the Bowie No. 2 Mine haul trucks and the Bowie No. 1 loadout, both Bowie No. 1 and Bowie No. 2 aze receiving this letter. Also, Scott Miller of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in Grand Junction is receiving a copy of this litter. The Division decided to investigate this matter during the week of May 18, 1998. Division personnel observed the haul truck traffic between the Bowie No. 2 Mine and the Bowie No. 1 loadout, as well as at the loadout, on Wednesday, May 20, 1998. This took place during dry weather conditions. On the morning of Thursday, May 21, 1998, Division personnel observed the same location during slightly wet conditions. The Division believes that the evidence shows that fugitive coal dust has become a problem along the haulage route and at the Bowie No. 1 loadout. The Division also believes that the evidence clearly shows that the Bowie No. 2 coal haul trucks and the Bowie No. 1 loadout are the probable sources of this fugitive dust. Concerning the amount of haul truck traffic on Highway 133, the Division does not have direct jurisdiction in this matter. However, concemin~; the issue of fugitive coal dust. the Division has the jurisdiction under Rules 4.01 and 4.17 to deal with this matter.