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Findings of the <br /> Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology <br /> for the <br /> West Elk Mine <br /> Explanation of Finding <br /> Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2) of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board <br /> for Coal Mining, and the approved state program, the Division of Minerals and Geology or the <br /> Board must make specific written findings prior to issuance of a permit, permit renewal or <br /> permit revision. These findings are based on information made available to the Division that <br /> demonstrates that the applicant will be able to operate in compliance with the Colorado Surface <br /> Coal Mining Reclamation Act and the Regulations promulgated pursuant to the Act. <br /> The findings in the following sections required by Rule 2.07.6(2) are listed in accordance with <br /> that Rule. The findings and specific approvals required pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(m) are <br /> listed in accordance with Rule 4 and are organized under subject or discipline subtitles. <br /> This findings document is updated upon permit renewal, which occurs every five years for <br /> most mines, and upon approval of a permit revision. This is the findings document for Permit <br /> Revision No. 8. The following findings were reevaluated and updated, if necessary, to reflect <br /> changes which have occurred as a result of this permit renewal. <br /> Section A <br /> Findings Required by Rule 2.07.6(2). <br /> 1. The permit application is accurate and complete. All requirements of the Act and these <br /> rules have been complied with (2.07.6(2)(a)). <br /> 2. Based on information contained in the permit document and other information available <br /> to the Division, the Division finds that surface coal mining and reclamation can be <br /> feasibly accomplished at the West Elk Mine (2.07.6(2)(b)). <br /> 3. The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the <br /> general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in 2.05.6(3), has been made by the <br /> Division. This assessment, entitled "Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study - North <br /> Fork of the Gunnison River," is available for inspection at the offices of the Division. <br /> The Division finds that the operations proposed under the application have been <br /> designed to prevent damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area <br /> (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br /> 4. The Division finds that the permit area is, subject to valid rights existing as of August <br /> 3, 1977, not within: <br /> 20 <br />