PERMFILE114594 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Chimney Rock Coal obtained approval to relocate a portion of the • State Highway immediately adjacent to its surface pit at the Martinez Strip, south of Pagosa Springs. The adjoining augering activities, which were not projected to cause significant damage to the pre-existing roadway, resulted in the complete disintegration of the asphaltic road surface. Had the company somehow obtained approval to retain the roadway in its original location, the roadway would have required complete reconstruction, in any case. In the event that the operator were to propose relocation of State Highway No. 13 to an area previously undermined, a demonstration would have to be completed to ensure the stability and safety of the relocated highway. The applicant would have to demonstrate that subsidence had ceased in the proposed roadway allignment, or that the design would withstand projected movement. In any case the relocation would have to be the subject of appropriate public notice and public hearing. further, concurrence would have to be obtained from the Colorado Highway Department, prior to approval • from the Division. In the event that the applicant were to resolve the prohibition, it will then have to demonstrate that the undermining can be conducted without subjecting the public to hazard. Hazards will be construed not only as immediate injury on a disrupted roadway, but include such indirect results as disruption of emergency services for fire, ambulance and police coverage. The applicant will have to demonstrate that these hazards can be mitigated during subsidence occurrence and that the road can be adequately rehabilitated to return it to the condition it would have been in had subsidence not occurred. Further, concurrence would have to be obtained from the Colorado Highway Department, prior to approval from the Division. RESPONSE: See response to Description of Worst Possible Consequences No. 3 above. 39-31