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The applicant plans to reclaim the disturbed areas to postmining <br /> land uses of rangeland, watershed, wildlife habitat, and recreation <br /> which are consistent with the premining land uses. <br /> Fragile and historic lands <br /> The proposed mining and reclamation operations will not result in <br /> significant damage to important historic, cultural or scientific <br /> resources in the permit area based on the surveys and information <br /> contained in the permit application package, and information <br /> provided by the State Historic Preservation Officer. <br /> A cultural resources inventory (Powers Elevation 1980) was conducted <br /> at Coal Basin which identified one historic site (Coal Basin <br /> Townsite) which was eligible for listing on the National Register of <br /> Historic Places. A portion of the townsite was destroyed in 1974 <br /> when the mine reopened; however, future plans will not have any <br /> adverse effects on the site. <br /> The Colorado Historical Preservation Office has determined that <br /> there are no other known archaeological or historical resources in <br /> the Coal Basin mines permit area. A search of the Colorado <br /> Archaeological Site Inventory and the Colorado Inventory of Historic <br /> Sites, as well as records of nominations pending or on the National <br /> Register of Historic Places for Townships 9 and 10 South, Ranges 89 <br /> and 90 West (which encompass the entire Coal Basin mines permit <br /> area) revealed no known sites. The proposed permit boundary <br /> revision includes no additional surface disturbance. Since no <br /> subsidence effects are expected on any cultural resources, the 1981 <br /> SHPO clearance is still applicable. <br /> The applicant has fully complied with the requirements and OSMRE has <br /> complied with the procedures required by Section 106 of the National <br /> Historic Preservation Act and its implementing procedures (36 CFR <br /> Part 800). The mining plan, as modified, does not involve any <br /> additional surface disturbance. <br /> Renewable resource lands <br /> Based on the assessment of cumulative hydrologic impacts and <br /> probable hydrologic consequences of the proposed operations, the <br /> mining and reclamation operations will not result in a substantial <br /> loss or reduction of long-range productivity of the water supply in <br /> the area including aquifers and aquifer recharge areas. <br /> Natural hazard lands <br /> The mine portal area which is located on the east side of the mine <br /> plan area has been classified as a steep slope mining area. <br /> Reclamation of the portal bench will be accomplished by moving the <br /> bench material upslope against the highwall. The highwall will be <br /> -5- <br />