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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 />