2007-06-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981022A (2)

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Section - 2.05.3 133. This road is approximately 120 feet long, 10 feet wide, and includes a culvert crossing of the road ditch along the old State Highway. OMI obtained a highway access permit from the Colorado Department of Highways for this connecting road and the associated construction. D. Powerline and Exploration Roads -There are a number of existing powerline and exploration roads within the mine permit area which were established to provide access for powerline construction and exploration drilling prior to 1976. Most of these roads were either never reclaimed or have been retained for powerline inspection and maintenance by Delta-Montrose Electric Association, as the local electric utility and all are classified as light-use roads. The only existing powerline road currently utilized for mining-related purposes is the light-use road along the power transmission line that extends from Elk Creek to Hubbard Creek. This road, which was constructed in conjunction with installation of the powerline prior to 1976, is approximately 6.3 miles long. The road has been used for access to exploration drillsites and is now used occasionally (primarily by ATV) for inspection and monitoring of upland areas, in addition to powerline inspection and maintenance. Because it traverses some extremely rugged terrain, much of the road exceeds 10 percent grade and portions have pitch grades of over 20 percent. This road is currently stable, no modifications to the road are planned, and maintenance will be limited to repair of any significant erosion or slides and minor grading as necessary to maintain access. This road includes a stream ford crossing of Bear Creek, located above the point that the Somerset Mine previously discharged water to Bear Creek. Three new segments of light-use road totaling approximately 3,100 feet have been constructed from existing powerline access and drill roads to access new power pole locations for relocation of existing powerlines. These new road segments were reseeded on completion of powerline relocation to control erosion but will remain for long-term powerline access. E. Degasification Well Roads -Existing public, private, powerline and/or exploration roads may be used to access degasification well sites. Minor road improvements such as grading and widening (to a typical maximum width of 20-feet) in certain areas have been and will be completed as necessary to provide for drill equipment access dependent on existing road conditions. In addition, some well sites may be beyond the limits of existing roads, requiring construction of light use road extensions up to 7739 feet in length. Five new light-use road segments were constructed in upper Coal Gulch to improve access to degasification wells CBM-1 through CBM-15. Eleven light-use road segments are to be constructed in the Bear and Hubbard Creek drainages to access Gob Vent Boreholes. Any road improvements will be limited and are (or will be) consistent with the light-use designation for these roads. These roads were (or will be) utilized for initial site development and will continue to be utilized for ongoing site inspections and maintenance so long as the degasification installations are in active use. F. Elk Creek Light-Use Road -The Elk Creek light-use road will be developed by upgrading the existing light-use exploration road running to the southwest on the west side of Elk Creek. The existing road is partially cut-off by the existing natural landslide in this area. The road will initially be reestablished and extended and used in conjunction with slope stabilization activities for movement of surficial slide material downslope to construct the Elk Creek Mine facilities portal bench and road and for access to construct the upper rock catch bench. Following construction, the road will be retained for inspection and maintenance of the slope stabilization area, TR-56 2.05-31a Revised Apri12007