1986-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981017

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-11- The post-mining land uses proposed by the applicant for this permit term are rangeland, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation. A large amount of the area disturbed by mining operations is planned to be retained as part of an alternate post-mining land use (see Table VI-0-5) to be considered for approval near the end of the 40-year mining program. The applicant proposes to use a portion of the disturbed area to facilitate construction of a ski area. The majority of the area needed for the ski area is presently undisturbed by the mining operations. More information on the ski area can be found in the ski area concept study by Paul Hawk in Appendix VI-0-1 of Volume 7 of the application. Since the applicant plans, for this permit term, to reclaim the disturbed areas to a post-mining land use of rangeland, wildlife habitat, and recreation which are consistent with the pre-mining land use, the Division finds that all the requirements of 4.16 are met. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. III. Cultural and Historic Resources - Rules 2.04.4 and 2.05.6(4) The cultural and historic resources information in Section III-B of Volume 4 of the application was checked for compliance with the appropriate requirements. The Colorado Historical Preservation Office has determined that there are no known archaeological or historical resources in the Coal Basin mine plan area. A search of the Colorado Archaeological Site Inventory and the Colorado Inventory of Historic Sites, as well as records of nominations pending or on the National Re ister of Historic Places for Townships 9 and 10 South, Ranges 89 and 90 West which encompass the entire Coal Basin Mine Plan Area) revealed no known sites. The one site that might meet the eligibility requirements of the National Register of Historic Places is the old Coal Basin townsite. Accordingly, Mid-Continent engaged the consulting firm of Powers Elevation to conduct an initial survey and recording of the Coal Basin townsite. That firm concluded that the Coal Basin townsite may meet the eligibility requirements of the National Register of Historic Places. A portion of the Coal Basin townsite was destroyed when the Coal Basin mine was reopened in 1974. However, there are no plans to disturb the remaining portions of the Coal Basin townsite and the townsite will not be undermined. Therefore, the proposed operation should not have an adverse effect on the townsite. Cultural Resources surveys have been performed for areas of surface disturbance during the past few years. Those conducted in areas of the rock tunnel construction and exploration light use roads have located no evidence of archaeological sites. (See Appendices III-B-3, 4, and 5)