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1 <br />MIDTERM REYfEW <br />Apex No. 2 Mine <br />(C-81-011) <br />This document presents the results of the Division's Midterm Review of the <br />Sunland Mining Corporation, Apex No. 2 Mine Permit. This i4idterm Review was <br />conducted to fulfill the requirements of Rules 2.08.3, 2.06.2(10), 2.06.3(4), <br />2.06.7(5) and 3.02.2(4). <br />Rule 2.08.3 requires that the Division conduct a review of each permit issued, <br />prior to its Midterm (2-1 /2 years). Based on this review, for good cause <br />shown, the Division may require reasonable revisions or modifications of the <br />permit provisions to ensure compliance with the Act and Regulations. <br />Rules 2.06.2, 2.06.3, 2.06.5 and 2.06.7 require that experimental practices, <br />mountaintop removal variances, variances from approximate original contour <br />(AOC) and variances from contemporaneous reclamation, respectively, be <br />reviewed by the Division where applicable during the i4idterm Review. <br />Rule 3.02.2(4) requires that the Division review the amount of the bond and <br />the terms of acceptance of the bond every 2-1 /2 years. <br />This Midterm Review consisted of a detailed review of the Apex No. 2 Mine <br />permit application and Findings Document to identify any items that may have <br />been overlooked during the initial review. The Division also reviewed all <br />subsequent revisions and stipulation responses to ensure that all permit <br />commitments and conditions were being followed. Hydrologic monitoring data <br />were reviewed in conjunction with the review of the application to assess the <br />adequacy of the monitoring plan and discussion of hydrologic impacts. <br />Problems and observations from past inspection reports were also considered. <br />SECTION I -HISTORY <br />The Apex No. 2 Mine, operated by Sunland Mining Corporation (Sunland), is <br />located approximately 6.5 miles northwest of the town of Oak Creek, along <br />Routt County Road No. 29. The mine has been operated by Sunland since 1976. <br />The original Permanent Program permit application was submitted by Sunland on <br />February 4, 1981. The Mined Land Reclamation Division (Division) proposed to <br />approve this application, as detailed in the Proposed Decision and Findings of <br />Compliance Document dated t4arch 1983. This decision to approve became final, <br />and Permit C-81-O11 was issued to Sunland on May 26, 1983, fora five-year <br />term. The Apex No. 2 t4ine temporarily ceased operations and has been under a <br />Division-approved temporary cessation since January 31, 1986. <br />The Apex No. 2 Mine permit renewal proceeded in a timely manner, as discussed <br />in the Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance Document dated May 16, <br />