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CMA <br />December 15, 2010 <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />long-term stability and reclamation of the site may have never been achieved due to the <br />magnitude of the slide event and the material involved. <br />Trapper Mining Inc. is to be commended for their efforts in overcoming the many obstacles <br />created by this massive slide and for their dedication and commitment to reclaiming the land to <br />promote long-term stability. <br />Outstanding Clean-up of a Pre-law Area and Development of New Facilities <br />Mountain Coal Company L.L.C. - West Elk Mine <br />P.O. Box 591 <br />5174 Highway 133 <br />Somerset, CO 81434 <br />Contact: Doug Nolte, Manager of Engineering and Environmental Affairs and <br />970-929-5015 <br />Mountain Coal Company is nominated for their clean-up of a pre-law coal mine site and <br />construction of their new sediment control pond. One of the challenges of operating in the steep, <br />mountainous terrain surrounding the West Elk Mine site is the limited areas available for <br />facilities and the presence of pre-law mining activities. In this case, the presence of previous, <br />pre-law mining activities old Bear No. 1 and 2 Mine at the location of the proposed new <br />sediment pond resulted in an unexpected challenge. <br />Mining at the old Bear Mines in this location started in 1934, with reclamation completed in the <br />early 1980's. Portals were sealed, structures were demolished, and the site was regraded and <br />seeded by the Bear Coal Company. MCC later acquired the property as a future location for <br />surface facilities. When construction on the ponds began, MCC encountered more coal refuse, <br />trash, and rubble than originally anticipated. Instead of pushing it aside, re-burying it or leaving <br />the materials in place, MCC directed the construction contractor to remove all debris and refuse <br />for appropriate disposal under today's standards. Excavation found steel pipes, cables, rebar, <br />rails, beams, concrete, and even an intact egg carton, absent the eggs. All told, 175 tons of trash <br />and debris were removed and hauled to a local landfill. Over 4000 yards of coal refuse was <br />removed and deposited in MCC's coal refuse pile. MCC backfilled and regraded portal areas, <br />hauled clean soils to the site, and stabilized areas adjacent to the steep hillside and the North <br />Fork of the Gunnison River. The actions of MCC resulted in safe disposal of trash and debris, <br />minimized the potential for future coal combustion, and stabilized the hillside and the banks of <br />the river. <br />Mountain Coal Company is recognized for their exemplary efforts at site clean-up and <br />reclamation and their strong commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.