1983-09-01_PERMIT FILE - C1981017

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The pre-mining uses of the Coal Basin itself have largely continued through the mining operations, and will continue when mining ceases. The Coal Basin has been under U. S. Forest Service management since 1913 and has been managed in accordance with long-standing U. S. Forest Service policy for multiple uses, including recreation, watershed, grazing and wildlife habitat. Grazing and wildlife uses of the Basin have continued, unabated, during mining, although recreational use has been somewhat curtailed. Plans for postmining use of the Coal Basin have been developed in accordance with the wishes of the U. S. Forest Service, and to incorporate pre-mining multiple-use management for recreation, grazing and wildlife habitat. Land use planning goals for the Coal Basin were determined by the Forest Service in 1976, in the Thompson Creek Land Use Plan. The Forest Service plan is for a postmining use which would develop and capitalize on the recreational use and potential of the Basin. Alternative No. 3 - Disapproval The Disapproval alternative would result in the closure of the existing operations. Such a closure would result in the loss of 325 jobs in the Carbondale area. This alternative would preclude the continued development and mining of prime coking coal essential for the production of steel. The mine operator would begin reclamation of the disturbed surface area. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Land Features and Climate The Coal Basin permit area is characterized by a diverse climate due to the high elevation and precipitous rise in elevation. The lowest point within the permit area is the preparation plant at 8,000 feet, while the highest point is along Huntsman Ridge at 11,852 feet. As a result, temperature, precipitation, and wind conditions are quite variable throughout the permit area. Winters in Coal Basin are long, with snowfall beginning in October and continuing through May. Annual snowfalls approaching 200 inches are not uncommon in Coal Basin. The growing season is short. In preparation plant area, the growing season extends from May through September (170 days), with about 90 frost-free days. At the mine portals all above 10,000 feet in elevation, the growing season extends from mid-May through mid-September (130 days) with only 60 frost-free days. Land Use Prior to the submittal of this application, the predominant land use classifications on the permit area were undeveloped land for wildlife habitat, watershed, limited livestock grazing, limited outdoor recreation and previously disturbed coal mined land. Cultural Resources Please refer to page (12 and 13) of the T.A. -4-