2011-07-26_REVISION - C1980007 (6)

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DIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: (303) 866 -3567 FAX: (303) 832 -8106 July 26, 2011 Tom Spezze SW Regional Wildlife Manager Colorado Division of Wildlife SW Regional Service Center 415 Turner Drive Durango, CO 81303 Re: West Elk Mine (Permit No. C- 1980 -007) Technical Revision Application No. 125 (TR -125) Revegetation Success Standards Dear Mr. Spezze: STATE OF COLORADO COLORADO D I V I S I O N O F RECLAMATION MINING SAF ETY The Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety hereby issues notice, in accordance with Title 34, Article 33, Section 116, Paragraph 4, of the Colorado Revised Statutes, that on July 25, 2011 an application to revise coal mining operations at the West Elk Mine was considered complete for the purposes of filing. The revision was submitted by Mountain Coal Company, LLC. All review and comment periods as provided in the Act and the Regulations initiate from this date of filing. The operator proposes to insert in the mine permit application specific values for the revegetation success criteria of cover, species diversity, and production. The operator also proposes to eliminate from the revegetation success criteria in the permit application a standard for woody plant density. The underground coal mining operation is on land located approximately 9 miles East of Paonia, Colorado. The permit area is further described as follows: All or portions of: Sections 9 through 36 (inclusive), Township 13 South, Range 90 West; Sections 23 through 26 (inclusive), Township 13 South, Range 91 West; and Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, Township 14 South, Range 90 West; all of the 6th Principal Meridian. Located in Gunnison and Delta Counties The above - mentioned tracts of land are shown on USGS 7.5 minute Quadrangle map of Somerset. Because the above referenced technical revision application would incorporate additional lands into the permit area or might otherwise alter previously approved permit conditions or mitigation measures, we are requesting your agency's evaluation of the proposal. Your comments and concerns relating to the adequacy of fish and wildlife resources information, the fish and wildlife plan, and the reclamation plan as it relates to fish and wildlife considerations, including potential impacts to threatened or endangered species, are requested. If wildlife habitat is the proposed postmining land use, we request your evaluation of proposed woody plant stocking levels, planting arrangements, and methods for mitigation of potential adverse impacts. Office of rlan.mr • (:rand Innrtinn • rliiranan Office of Active and Inactive Mines