2008-02-22_APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE - C2008086 (39)

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CHAPTERFOUR ElnuilrolnlmelntalGonsequences and Mitigation 4.1.10 Hazardous Materials No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no changes to the current management of hazardous materials in the proposed project area. Impacts would remain unchanged from existing conditions. Proposed Action Alternative Mine and Facilities Operation of the proposed facilities would involve potentially toxic or hazardous materials including hydrocarbon waste, detergents, solvents, and batteries. Generated wastes would be handled in accordance with applicable regulations as described in the hazardous materials section of Chapter 3. Hazardous wastes generated during operation would be removed from the site by a licensed regulated waste management contractor at regular intervals and trucked to authorized facilities for recycling or treatment and disposal. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission issues annual hazardous materials transportation permits to anyone hauling hazardous materials that require placarding under 49 CFR 172 or 173. The transporter is required to provide proof of liability insurance at the time of application (CDPHE 2008). Waste rock/ore will be generated through the process of separating the coal from the mined material. Waste rock will also be generated from tunneling or blasting. Sulfur-bearing material can be brought up to the surface in waste rock. When sulfide minerals come in contact with air, precipitation, and groundwater, an acidic leachate can be formed. This leachate can result in acid mine drainage (AMD), which picks up heavy metals and carries these toxins into streams or groundwater. Other toxic forming material (earth materials or waste) can also be brought up to the surface with waste rock. When these materials are acted upon by air, water, and weathering or microbiological processes, they can produce conditions in soils or water that are toxic to plant or animal life. Testing of the rock to date does not indicate that any sulfur-bearing material is present. Lease Area There are no known hazardous material sites within the lease area (EDR 2007). All activities which will involve hazardous materials within the leasing area are described in the Mine and Facilities section. Railroad There are no known hazardous material sites within the project area, and no known hazardous waste haul routes that transect the proposed railroad alignments (EDR 2007). The proposed railroad will not haul hazardous materials. Hazardous materials will be trucked off the mine site via the mine access road and SH 139. Water Pipeline Construction of the water pipeline would not affect hazardous materials. 4-48 DBMS 603