Laserfiche WebLink
STATE OF COLUI~UU <br />DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY <br />Dcpunmem of Nawral Resowces <br />1 11 4 Sherman SL, Room :I S <br />Dcnvcr. Culnralln 811!07 <br />Phone: I f l l t l 86h- t 567 <br />F A%. 1111 f 1 8 41-li I Ub <br />November 12, 1997 <br />Mr. Forrest Luke <br />Trapper Mining Inc. <br />P.O. Box 187 <br />II~~~ <br />DEPARTMENT OF <br />NATURAL <br />RESOURCES <br />Rov Romer <br />Greernur <br />Crai ,Col, CDl ra <br />g Wmesl Lrxhhead <br />Executive Dueunr <br />Dear uke: h1lChael e. L^np <br />Drviwm Direcmr <br />The staff of the Division of Minerals and Geology highly commends the staff and management of <br />Trapper Mining lnc. for its rapid and diligent response following the heavy rains that fell on <br />September 18 and 19, 1997. Your actions following the rains demonstrate a high regard for <br />environmental protection at the Trapper Mine. <br />Portions of the Trapper Mine sediment and drainage control systems were extensively impacted by <br />the severe runoff conditions; however, significant offsite impacts were prevented and the sediment <br />and drainage control systems were repaired and re-established as quickly as possible. <br />Three actions are especially noteworthy. <br />• Trapper environmental staff devised a method of measuring pond sediment levels that could be <br />carried out before the rainfall stopped. Although the method was simple, in that it used a fishing <br />line and float. it was technically effective and enabled management to quickly make the decision <br />that a contractor should be hired to clean out four ponds on the mine. <br />• Trapper management expedited cleanout of the ponds by making the extra effort to hire a dragline <br />contractor from as far away as Denver at a time when contractors were in high demand <br />throughout the region. <br />• Trapper environmental staff promptly assessed the "damages" (in the form of erosional <br />downcutting) caused by runoff in the mine permit area. The staff prepared a comprehensive <br />written assessment that includes a repair schedule that puts Trapper on a solid footing for <br />mitigating the impacts of the runoff. <br />In addition, we would like to acknowledge the exceptional effort and dedication of Billy Nicholson <br />of Trapper Mining in itemization, contracting, and supervision of the numerous areas of site <br />maintenance. Trapper's special efforts in responding to the rains of September 1997 are highly <br />commendable and are applauded by the Division. Please convey to your staff, our sincere admiration <br />and appreciation for their good work. <br />Sincerely, <br />Susan McCannon <br />Coal Program Supervisor <br />cc: Michael 6. Lung _ , . <br />Tom Kaldcnbach `~ <br />David A. Bcm~ <br />