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• <br />Section 6 <br />Summary Recommendations <br />A two step approach to mitigation contingencies associated with <br />5DT700 has been presented in an effort to satisfy "Special Condition 3" <br />of Colorado Westmoreland's Mining Plan Approval Document (OSM 1985). <br />Appropriate triggering criteria for initiating these steps have also <br />been outlined. <br />Step I, or a formal test excavation program has already been <br />triggered by OSM's issuing Special Condition 3. This condition is <br />consistent with the recommendations of Centuries Research (Baker 1984) <br />as they reflect Westmoreland's preferred plan of dealing with the <br />resources in its project area. Reviews by OSM and the SHPO have left <br />Colorado Westmoreland with responsibility for only one of several <br />potentialy good cultural resources in its project area (Baker 1984). <br />This limited responsibility should be veiwed as a blessing to the <br />company from a potential cost viewpoint. The responsibility for this <br />one remaining resource is entirely consistent with that seen in similar <br />projects throughout Colorado. There is no basis for questioning the <br />need to initiate the Step I effort. It is Centuries' recommendation <br />that the Step I effort be initiated as soon as possible. There may well <br />be justification for considerable discussion and negotiation of <br />mitigation needs once Step I is completed. It is also possible that <br />there will be no need at all for mitigation concern once Step I is done. <br />Step II, or an extensive mitigation program, may or may not be <br />necessary. It cannot be undertaken or even planned until Step I is <br />complete. Following Step I, it will be necessary to develop, initiate, <br />and complete a mitigation plan prior to mining beneath the site or in <br />keeping with time tables developed by OSM. <br />It is recommended that, if 5DT700 proves to be eligible for the <br />National Register of Historic Places, a mitigation program be intiated <br />and completed within the next two years. This will result in Colorado <br />Westmoreland meeting its obligation and removing all of its obligations <br />under Special Condition 3 in a timely and most cost effective manner. <br />-14- <br />