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West Elk Mine <br />conducted because Rule 1 Section 1.04.147 Rules and Regulations Colorado Mined Reclamation <br />Division defines alluvial fans as "upland areas" and as such aze defined as being excluded from <br />AVF consideration. <br />The alluvial origin of the high terraces is questionable, and they may actually represent remnants of <br />glacial debris pazticulazly in light of their relatively thin immature soils. This point is supported in <br />light of the discussion of "upland azeas" found on page 14982, FR, Vol. 40, No. 50, Tuesday, <br />Mazch 13, 1979, wherein OSM states: The term 'higher terraces' in the definition is intended to <br />provide for appropriate exclusion of geologically ancient terraces which were not formed in <br />association with the present alluvial system. This concept is consistent with that included in the <br />Alluvial Valley Floor Identification and Analysis Guidelines (43FR38039), and with Congressional <br />intent to protect only those unconsolidated stream-laid deposits which aze part of a modern valley <br />floor system. These isolated high terrace azeas aze apparently remnants of the last glacial melt <br />period and were not formed by the current alluvial system. <br />To clarify the alluvial valley floor (AVF) (785.19(d)(3)) questions raised in Mr. Donald A. Crane's <br />(former Director of OSM's Western Technical Center) letter of July 3, 1980, a discussion was held <br />with Mr. Walter C. Swain as an OSM employee. As a result, we were advised that OSM's questions <br />were centered on the following terrace azeas: <br />1. SE'/<, Section 9, T13S, R90W, on the north side of the North Fork of the Gunnison River <br />(North Fork). This is an azea that was used by the Beaz Mine as an access road and for <br />coal-loading activities during operation of Bear Mines 1 and 2 (now closed). <br />2. SEY<, Section 9, T13S, R90W, on the south side of the North Fork. This is an azea <br />formerly used by the Bear Mine for its Beaz Mines 1 and 2 portals, supply and office <br />facilities. <br />3. SW'/<, Section 9, T13S, R90W, on the north side of the North Fork. This is currently <br />undeveloped site, except for what appeazs to be a small pumphouse. <br />A brief reconnaissance of the azeas showed no evidence of historic or current agricultural activity. <br />Mr. Bill Beaz, a lifelong resident of this vicinity, confirmed that none of the terraces in question had <br />ever supported any type of agricultural activity. He further stated that the Beaz Mine portal and <br />office facilities had been at that location since the mine was first developed in 1935. These facilities <br />have now been removed and the azea is now being reclaimed. Coal loading facilities for the Beaz <br />Mine were fast installed on the north bank of the river, at approximately their present location, in <br />1940. <br />The 40-yeaz coal haulage, general access road and coal-loading land use pattern associated with the <br />small terrace on the north side of the river (SE Y<, Section 9, T13S, R90W), has totally altered the <br />site with respect to discerning any predevelopment characteristics. <br />These and other high terraces along the North Fork have amining/residential land use history dating <br />back to at least 1935. Valley cross sections of the North Fork of the Gunnison River can be found in <br />Exhibit 21. Terrace sites' isolation from modem river terraces and general site and soil <br />2.067 Revised June 1005 PRIG; Rev. March 2006 <br />