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StTl1' BY~ ~-95 1~O1PM 0 ~ 309 832.8106:# 6/ 9 <br />• 1 <br />United States Department of the Interior . <br />OFF'1CL OF SliRF9CE M[NL~lG <br />Reclamation and Enforcem[nt <br />Washington, D,G 20240 <br />==3 2 3 19~ <br />Hr. Sill Hume <br />Editorial Page Editor <br />The Albuquerque Journal <br />P.O_ Sox J <br />Albuquerque, New Hexico 87103 <br />Dear Mr. Hume: <br />Just amour brief points in response to Ann Tatum's article in the <br />February 18 Albuquerque Journal criticizing the Department of the <br />Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement <br />(OSM). <br />First, OSM took too long to respond to the state's appeal of our <br />decision. to order a federal inspection of her vacation home in <br />Colorado. On that point she is right. There are reasons for the <br />delay but no excuses. <br />Second, somebody has to determine what's causing the .problems <br />affecting Mrs. Tatum's property. Thanks to OSM, state regulators <br />are revisiting the on-the-ground conditions. Moreover, OSTI is <br />carefully monitoring the state's handling of this case. <br />Third, these actions will get results. If there is a coal <br />mining-related problem, it will be corrected. <br />Fourth, Ms. Tatum is in regular contact with staff and officials <br />of oSM_ She has spoken with OSH employees many times and our <br />employee team will remain in contact with her. An initial report <br />on the subsidence issue has already been sent to Mrs. Tatum. OSH <br />is currently preparing a response to a recent request from Mrs. <br />Tatum far additional information relating to subsidence, as well. <br />as providing technical information related to the report. <br />I share Mrs. Tatum's frustration. We want results and are <br />working hard to get them. <br />Sincerely, <br />i J ; <br />i;~~, ~~ <br />;~ <br />Robert J. Dram <br />Director <br />