Laserfiche WebLink
J. E. STOVER & ASSOCIATES <br />2768 COMPASS DRIVE, SUITE 101 <br />GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO 81506 <br />PHONE: (970) 245-4101, FAX 242-7908 <br />MINE ENGINEERING <br />MINE RECLAMA710N <br />December 27, 1999 <br />Dan T. Mathews <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />2148 Broadway, #C5 <br />Grand Junction, CO 81503 <br />Re: Powderhorn Coal Company <br />Elam/PCC Transfer <br />Permit C-81-041 <br />Dear Mr. Mathews: <br />III IIIIIIIIIIII IIII , <br />999 <br />CIVIL ENGINEERING <br />CONST. MANAGEMENT <br /> <br />` A - 2000 <br />r,-. _ _ _ <br />' ~1 .. '.1~. c1 <br />As you are aware, Elam Construction is reviewing the possibility of taking over the <br />reclamation responsibility of the Cameo and Roadside Mines under Permit C-81-041. One <br />part of the negotiations hinges on the ability of Elam to mine gravel in the unit train loadout <br />area. The enclosed map shows the area that Elam would like to eventually mine. <br />Elam's mine plan would entail mining the gravel to a depth of approximately 30 feet, which <br />would result in shallow ponds similar to those at the State Recreation Area immediately <br />upstream on the Colorado River. Elam would use available water rights to provide <br />augmentation for the subsequent evaporation from the ponds. <br />In reviewing the Alluvial Valley Floor Study for the Unit Train Loadout Site done by Kaman <br />Tempo In August 1982 (see Appendix 21-2 of the approved permit), it is apparent the area <br />is classified as an alluvial valley floor although it was disturbed prior to initiation of SMCRA <br />in 1977. The Kaman Tempo report states capillary soil moisture is present at <br />approximately 2 feet from the surface and flood irrigation was also possible from the <br />Highline Canal. Therefore, both hydrologic functions of the AVF were present prior to <br />development. It is also demonstrated coal was produced in commercial quantities prior to <br />August 3, 1977, which means the site was exempt from the AVF significance test relative <br />to the interruption of farming. The relatively small area in the river bend and the poor soil <br />do not indicate the area was extremely valuable to farming prior to development. The <br />report does state the current reclamation plan shows restoration of both the subirrigation <br />and flood irrigation capability of the unit train loadout area. <br />We would like to know if it is possible to mine sand and gravel in this area by either: <br />converting this part of the coal permit to industrial use, which would be gravel <br />mining. Anew gravel mining 112 permit would then be submitted to the DMG which <br />