2008-03-21_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1980007 ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Date: 3/21/2008
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision & Findings of Compliance for PR12
• From: add 1,517 acres/Dry Fork Lease
• Permit Index Doc Type: Findings
• Email Name: DIH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Findings of the
Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
for the
West Elk Mine
Explanation of Findings
Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2) of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board
for Coal Mining, and the approved state program, the Division of Reclamation, Mining and
Safety or the Board must make specific written findings prior to issuance of a new permit, a
permit renewal, or a permit revision. These findings are based on information made available to
the Division that demonstrates that the applicant will be able to operate in compliance with the
Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act and the Regulations promulgated pursuant to the
Act.
The findings in the following sections required by Rule 2.07.6(2) are listed in accordance with
that Rule. The findings and specific approvals required pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(m) are listed
in accordance with Rule 4 and are organized under subject or discipline subtitles.
This findings document is updated upon permit renewal, which occurs every five years for most
mines, and upon approval of a permit revision. This is the findings document for Permit
Revision No. 12. The following findings were re-evaluated and updated, if necessary, to reflect
changes which have occurred as a result of this permit renewal.
Section A
Findings Required by Rule 2.07.6(2).
1. The permit application is accurate and complete. All requirements of the Act and these
rules have been complied with [2.07.6(2)(a)].
2. Based on information contained in the permit document and other information available
to the Division, the Division finds that surface coal mining and reclamation can be
feasibly accomplished at the West Elk Mine [2.07.6(2)(b)].
3. The assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the
general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in 2.05.6(3), has been made by the
Division. This assessment, entitled "Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Study -North Fork
of the Gunnison River," is available for inspection at the offices of the Division. The
Division finds that the operations proposed under the application have been designed to
prevent damage to the hydrologic balance outside the proposed permit area [2.07.6(2)(c)].
4. The Division finds that the permit area is, subject to valid rights existing as of August 3,
1977, not within:
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