1986-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981017

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-10- Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(h) , the Division finds that Mid-Continent Resources, Inc. does not control and has not controlled any mining operations with a demonstrated pattern of willful violations of the Act of such nature, duration, and with such resulting irreparable damage to the environment as to indicate an intent not to comply with the provisions of the Act. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements addressed in this section. II . Land Use - Rules 2.04.3, 2.05.5 and 4.16 Information on land use reviewed by the Division can be found in Section A, Chapter III, Volume 4 and Chapter VI, Volume 7 of the application. Coal Basin, including over 60 percent of the mine plan area, has been in the jurisdiction and under management of the U.S. Forest Service since 1913. It is within the Thompson Creek planning unit of the White River National Forest. The majority of the disturbed areas within the permit area are on fee lands held by Mid-Continent. However, there are some disturbed areas on U.S. Forest Service land consisting of roads, powerline right-of-ways, and waste disposal sites which are being utilized under Forest Service Special Use Permits. The pre-mining land uses of the permit and adjacent areas were wildlife habitat, rangeland, and recreation. The wildlife population of Coal Basin is diverse. Use of the area by wildlife has continued in conjunction with the mining operation, although some disturbance to species particularly sensitive to human activity may have occurred. Use is largely confined to the summer months due to the heavy snows and prolonged winter season which characterize Coal Basin. The grazing use of the permit area includes cattle grazing in Coal Basin and sheep grazing in the area beyond Huntsman Ridge. Range conditions have been good in Coal Basin, except for areas of high natural erosion and some small over-grazed areas dating to the early 1940's. Coal Basin has been used as a recreational area since mining began in 1900. Coal Basin and the permit area are within an area of scenic beauty, characterized by rugged mountain terrain, streams, and forests. Presently, as a safety measure, Mid-Continent restricts access to mine facilities and roads and does not allow hunting. Other environmental resources which exist within the permit and adjacent areas are timber and water resources. Aspen and conifer stands are found in Coal Basin. However, the timber resources of Coal Basin exhibit no commercial potential due to slope and accessibility problems. Surface runoff from the mine plan area contributes to the Colorado River drainage system, and some recharge of ground water aquifers occurs within the area. There is very little development of the water resources, with the exception of small stockponds and water supply wells.