2008-06-06_PERMIT FILE - M1977307

• Permit No: M1977307
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 6/6/2008
• Doc Name: New Requirements DMO-Implementation of HB 1161
• From: DRMS
• To: Cotter Corporation
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
June 6, 2008
Glen Williams
Cotter Corporation
P.O. BOX 700
Nucla, CO 814240000
COLORADO
D IV IS I ON OF
RECLAMATION
MINING
SAFETY
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor
Harris D. Sherman
Executive Director
Ronald W. Cattany
Division Director
Natural Resource Trustee
Re: DRMS File # M1977307 - New Requirements - Designated Mining Operation (DMO) Status -
Implementation of 11111161
Dear Mr. Williams:
On May 20, 2008, the Governor signed into law House Bill (HB) 1161. A copy of the bill is attached for your
convenience. The bill made various changes to the Mined Land Reclamation Act, § 34-32-101, C.R.S.,
including a change to the definition of Designated Mining Operation (DMO). § 34-32-103 (3.5), C.R.S.
Under HB 1161, all uranium mines are now defined as DMOs. Specifically, the new definition of DMO
includes mining operations where "Uranium is developed or extracted, either by in situ leach mining or by
conventional underground or open mining techniques. A uranium mining operation may seek an exemption
from designated mining operation status in accordance with section 34-32-112.5 (2)". § 34-32-103 (3.5) (a)
(III), C.R.S.
HB 1161 applies to all "mining applications currently filed or filed on or after the effective date of this act and
to mining operations currently permitted or permitted on or after the effective date of this act". Thus, the new
definition applies to all existing and future uranium permit applications and all existing and future uranium
operations. Accordingly, the above-referenced mine is now defined as a DMO. The Mined Land Reclamation
Act sets forth requirements for DMOs that are in addition to the requirements applicable to all mining
operations. §§ 34-32-112.5 and 116.5, C.R.S.
Ronald W. Cattany, Director of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, previously issued a statement
regarding the anticipated implementation of DMO requirements for uranium mines now defined as DMOs by
HB 1161. The statement is attached for your review. The attached statement will guide the procedural
implementation of DMO designation and the related permitting requirements.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Please contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Dv' erry
Interim Director, Office of Mined Land Reclamation
Office of Office of
Mined Land Reclamation Denver • Grand )unction • Durango Active and Inactive Mines