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<br />In regards to the final issue, it should be made clear that the field and permit reviews did not <br />reveal any other blasting violation of the Colorado program or identify public dangers that would <br />require a blasting plan revision. The parts of the blasting plan that I reviewed are incompliance <br />with the regulatory requirements. An inspection of the area in question did not reveal flyrock off <br />of the permitted area or other physical evidence of excessive or violative blasting operations. At <br />this point in time, surface blasting operations that may need to be conducted at this underground <br />mine aze minimal, for maintenance reasons only, e.g. blasting rock that may fall and block a ditch <br />line. <br />My belief that the public will be better served by allowing Oxbow to re-post a blasting warning <br />sign at the road closed sign is not based on dangers perceived from this review, but from my <br />experience and perception of public sensitivity to blasting operations. Even so, mining operations <br />are dangerous in and of themselves regardless of blasting operations. Posting a warning sign at <br />the point of road closure allows the public to use the vehicle turn around loop rather than <br />proceeding into the permit area to turn around. An operation that meets the requirements of <br />SMCRA and takes additional measures to elevate the level of public awareness and degree of <br />safety afforded the public is commendable. <br />If you do not agree with the actions taken, you still have the right under 30 CFR 842.15, to <br />request an informal review of the actions taken. The request should contain statements of how <br />you may be adversely affected and why you feel these actions merit the informal review. Your <br />appeal should be addressed to: <br />Mr. Richard J. Seibcl, Regional Director <br />U.S. Department of the Interior <br />Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement <br />Western Regional Coordinating Center <br />1999 Broadway, Suite 3320 ' <br />Denver. CO 80202 <br />Aside from this issue, it is my understanding that you are in some way affiliated with the Citizens <br />Coal Council. OSM recently tried to get input from the public, environmental groups, and the <br />coal industry for oversight of the Colorado program for this current evaluation year and was <br />unsuccessful. Public participation is an essential part of SMCRA. I would like to extend an open <br />invitation to you to telephone or meet with me to discuss Colorado issues. <br />