1993-11-15_PERMIT FILE - C1981017

• Permit No: C1981017
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 11/15/1993
• Doc Name: Request for federal; Intervention ‎(Part 1of 2)‎
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

STATE OF COLOMDO
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
bepartment of Natural Resources
it
1313 Sherman St., Room 215Denver,CO 8020341
Phone:[phone]
FAX-[phone]
Roy Romer
Governor
Michael B.Long
Division Director
November 15, 1993
Ms. Anne Shields
Acting Director
Office of Surface Mining
Washington D.C. 20240
Re: Request for Federal Intervention, Coal Basin Mine, Pi'tkin
County, Colorado
Dear Ms. Shields: ,
Enclosed is the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology initial
response to the allegations contained in the Crystal Valley
Environmental--Protection Association request for Federal
intervention at the Coal Basin Mine in, Cglorado. The Crystal
Valley Environmental Protection Association has petitioned that
the Office of Surface Mining, under Title 30 part 733 of the
Federal Code of Regulations, assume regulatory authority at the
Coal Basin Mine.
In its petition, the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection
Association alleged approximately nine deficiencies in the State
administration of the site. Colorado has evaluated each of the
allegations, and then reviewed the record to document our
handling of these issues. The enclosed narrative and appendices
summarize the actions which have been taken by both the State and
the Office of Surface Mining in regard to each of the
allegations.
Colorado is extremely committed to the ultimate reclamation of
the Coal Basin Mine site. To this end, the State has been active
in the Mid-Continent Resources bankruptcy proceedings in order to
maximize the returns on the reclamation bond held in trust by the
bankruptcy court. Colorado has also filed a personal liability
suit against the owners and agents, of Mid-Continent Resources.
The State seeks a court order requiring Mid-Continent, its agents
and owners to accomplish site reclamation or provide Colorado
with sufficient funds to achieve reclamation. Our inspectors are
at the site on a bi-weekly basis. They have written numerous
violations and have caused the permit to be revised many times to
secure better operational and reclamation practices.