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STATE OF COLORADO <br />DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY <br />Department of Natural Resources <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />Phone: (303) 866-3567 <br />FAX: (303) 832-8106 <br />COLORADO <br />D I V I S ION O F <br />RECLAMATION <br />MINING <br />SAFETY <br />Bill Ritter, Jr. <br />Mr. James Fulton Governor <br />Chief, Denver Field Division <br />Harris D. Sherman <br />Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Executive Director <br />P.O. Box 46667 Ronald W. Cattany <br />Denver, Colorado 80201-6667 Division Director <br />Natural Resource Trustee <br />RE: Nomination for 2009 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining <br />National Reclamation Award <br />Dear Mr. Fulton: <br />The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety is pleased to forward Seneca Coal Company's <br />(Seneca) attached nomination for `Excellence in Surface Coal Mining'. The nomination is submitted for <br />outstanding reclamation efforts at the Seneca 11, Seneca II-W and Yoast Mines in Routt County Colorado. <br />Mining has ceased at these operations and Seneca has conducted final reclamation. <br />Reclamation efforts at the Seneca mines complex have advanced our understanding of reclamation <br />techniques in the west through Seneca's research and innovation. Research efforts at these sites have <br />been coordinated with Colorado State University, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest <br />Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, and our Division. Partial funding for the recent research has <br />been provided through OSM's Applied Science Program. Results of this research, as documented in the <br />attached nomination, demonstrate that using the appropriate techniques, native shrub and aspen stands can <br />be established. In addition to the research, Seneca continues to improve their field techniques to enhance <br />reclamation. Seneca was the first company in Colorado to collect native seed for use in their reclamation. <br />They have evaluated the reestablishment of drainage channels on steep slopes and implemented <br />techniques that result in a more stable channel. Sleep slopes are rigorously roughened to help control <br />surface erosion. Small stockponds dispersed through the reclamation help control surface runoff and <br />enhance the post mining land use. Seneca's research and innovative techniques have resulted in a <br />landscape that provides long term benefits to wildlife and domestic livestock. <br />For their continued and sustained efforts at improving coal mine reclamation, the Division endorses <br />Seneca Coal Company's nomination for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining. <br />Sincer6ly, <br />f. <br />'Da id Berry <br />Director, Office of Mined Land Reclamation <br />Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />Attachment - 6 copies of Seneca Coal Company's Nomination <br />Office of Office of <br />Mined Land Reclamation Denver • Grand Junction • Duraneo Artivq and Inar.tivP Minac