2010-03-17_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977306

• Permit No: M1977306
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Date: 3/17/2010
• Doc Name: EPP submisssion requirements
• From: DRMS
• To: Cotter Corporation
• Email Name: GRM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

G(/IM
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]
March 17, 2010
Glen Williams
Cotter Corporation
P.O. Box 700
Nucla, Colorado 81424
COLORADO
D I V 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: Response to Correspondence Regarding Designated Mining Operation (DMO) Environmental
Protection Plan (EPP) Submission Requirements.
Dear Mr. Williams,
The Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) received Cotter Corporation's letter requesting
clarification of the timing of submission of EPP's for permitted uranium mine sites affected by the
change of classification per House Bill HB-08-1161. Per HB-08-1161 all uranium mines were changed
from regular permits to DMO status. The agreements made between all parties is that those mines that
were actively in production at the time of the change would be given a year to submit the EPP plans.
Their production is not be hindered while the plans are reviewed and approved.
Those mines that have active permits but are in Temporary Cessation (TC) or Intermittent Status (IS) are
required to submit EPP plans prior to resumption of any mining activities. No activities, other than
general maintenance as required under a TC or IS, are allowed until an EPP is approved.
DRMS staff is encouraging permit holders to start the EPP process sooner rather than later. Data
gathering for water quality, geochemical analysis of ore and waste rock, radiometric surveys of
disturbed lands, and engineering of stormwater controls takes time by the operator prior to submission.
DRMS general review time for a 110d is at a minimum ninety (90) days and 112d's are one-hundred and
fifty (150) days. Those companies developing resumption of mining plans should keep these time lines
in mind as there is little room to shorten the review time. In most cases the review and approval of an
EPP is going beyond the minimums noted. Plus, EPP structures must be constructed in the initial restart
phase prior to any ore production on site. This results in a substantial time investment upfront for the
operator. A quick restart will not happen unless the EPP is already approved by DRMS and operators are
encouraged to submit EPP's sooner rather than later.
Office of
Office of Active and Inactive Mines
Mined Land Reclamation Denver Grand Junction Durango