2008-11-18_REVISION - C1981022 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981022
• IBM Index Class Name: REVISION
• Doc Date: 11/18/2008
• Doc Name: Cost Estimate and Adequacy Questions Memo
• From: Jim Stark
• To: Marcia Talvitie
• Type & Sequence: TR60
• Email Name: MLT
• 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]
COLORADO
D IV IS I ON OF
RECLAMATION
MINING
SAFETY
INTEROFFICE Bill Ritter, Jr
Governor
MEMORANDUM Harris D. Sherman
Executive Director
Ronald W. Cattany
TO: Marcia Talvitie Division Director
Natural Resource Trustee
FROM: Jim Stark
SUBJECT: Elk Creek TR-60 Cost Estimate and Adequacy Questions
DATE: 18 November 2008
Attached is the reclamation for the Elk Creek Mine's Technical Revision 60 - new Bear
Creek Fan Pad and associated facilities. The estimate is 8 tasks (a summary sheet and
tasks 141-147) and represents an increase in liability of $271,841.00. The estimate as
completed makes two assumptions. The first assumption is that the fan shaft will be
backfilled with dirt and capped with a concrete cap. The second assumption is that there
will be one foot of topsoil removed and replaced at the site.
In addition to the estimate, there are three adequacy questions that Oxbow will need to
address. Oxbow's answers to these questions could change the liability for TR-60. If
any changes are necessary based on Oxbow's adequacy responses, the estimate will be
updated. The following are my adequacy questions.
Table 2.05-E5-T1 shows a topsoil removal and replacement volume of 1,000
cubic yards for the Bear Creek Fan Pad. The Table also shows a topsoil
replacement depth of one foot for the Bear Creek Fan Pad, which equals a
replacement volume of approximately 3,700 cubic yards. These two entries are in
disagreement. The one foot replacement depth, 3,700 cubic yards, was used in
calculating the reclamation cost estimate (task 145). Please review the topsoil
replacement depth and volume for the Bear Creek Fan Pad contained in
Table 2.05-E5-T1 and correct the erroneous entry.
2. There are no detailed closure plans given for the Bear Creek Fan shaft. As such,
the Division has estimated for backfilling the entire depth of the shaft and using a
concrete cap, poured in place, as the closure method. The estimated closure is
detailed in Task 141 of the Division's reclamation cost estimate. Please provide
the Division with a detailed closure plan for the Bear Creek Fan shaft.
Office of Office of
Mined Land Reclamation Denver • Grand Junction • Durango Active and Inactive Mines