2010-01-25_PERMIT FILE - C1981044A (3)

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Concerns raised by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been resolved and this correspondence is included in the Exhibit. • Archaeological survey and excerpts from the "Final Environmental Impact Statement Northwest Colorado Coal". Archaeological survey sites referenced in this report have been located on the Known Archaeological Sites Map (Map 5). One major archaeological site (SMF 281) which was affected by the Colorado Coal Company's railroad construction was excavated by Colorado State University, Archaeological Department Personnel during the summer of 1978. • Colorado Historical Society -File search 1986 EC has committed to contact either the Regional Director of the District Mining Supervisor if any archaeological or cultural resources are discovered during EC's mining activities. Past Minin Activity Information concerning past and present mining activities is presented on Table 2, Past Mining Activity Information. It is apparent from this table that coal mining has been conducted in the general area since the 1930's. The locations of active and abandoned mines within the permit boundary are shown on the Active/Abandoned Mine Map (Map 4). F~ional History The first known white explorers to visit the area known as "The Moffat Country" were Father Escalante and Father Garcia, two (2) Jesuit priests. They conducted their exploration of the area during the Revolutionary War. Father Escalante and Father Garcia are also credited for the discovery of the Green River, and records of their journey indicate they also visited Split Mountain Canyon, which is now part of Dinosaur National Monument. During the next 50 years, [here were minor expeditions into the area by mountain men. In 1837, Davy Crockett and his party passed through the area and established a trading post on the Green River near the mouth of Vermillion Creek. The trading post was active for two (2) to three (3) years trading with the Ute Indians. In 1844, Jim Fremont, with Kit Carson as a guide and scout, crossed "Moffat Country" from west to east. Fremont set up a trading post across the Green River from the abandoned Davy Crockett trading post. In 1861, W.A. Doyle, Joseph Hahn, and George Way made the first gold discovery in the area. The discovery was near a mountain peak, which is today called Hahn's Peak. In the years that followed, many miners were attracted to the area and took up the task of developing placer mines. In 1869, the most important event in the early history of Moffat County occurred when the Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad was completed. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad paved the way for an increasing number of settlers to come to the area to develop the wilderness into ranching and farming communities. The city of Craig, Colorado was established in 1878 and incorporated in 1908. Today, [he most notable industries in Moffat County are ranching, farming, energy production, and coal mining. 2.04.5 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HYDROLOGY AND GEOLOGY The Geology Map (Map 7) and the Geologic Cross-Sections presented in this permit were prepared by Amuedo and Ivey, Consultants, unless otherwise identified in the title block of the maps. The Geology Map (Map 7) was prepared by Photogeologic Evaluation and a brief field review. Spot checks were made of data points using electric logs and the logs were interpreted in a reconnaissance manner (without lithologic data) to detemtine predominant sandstone Permit Revision 04-34 2.04-2 Revised 7/2/04