1997-05-27_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017

• Permit No: C1981017
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Date: 5/27/1997
• Doc Name: Bid Documents ‎(IMP)‎
• Permit Index Doc Type: General Correspondence
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

PROJECT PROPOSAL
COAL BASIN PRE-LAW AREA
OLD REFUSE PILE EAST RENEDIATION PROJECT
General
The purpose of this proposed project is to ameliorate the steep
slopes on the north facing slope of the Old Refuse Pile adjacent to
Coal Creek. This project is necessary in order to alleviate the
potential for failure of portions of the Old Refuse Pile into Coal
Creek. Dependent upon the size of a deep seated failure, and upon
the flow characteristics of Coal Creek at the time of a failure, it
is possible that failure of the Old Refuse Pile could result in a
temporary dam forming in Coal Creek. A dam, if formed, could
experience a massive failure, the result of which could threaten
lives, property and environmental attributes. Completion of the
project will result in reduced slope angles which should exhibit
increased strength parameters, and be capable of supporting
vegetative growth, which will help maintain structural integrity
and minimize surficial erosion.
An adjacent portion of the pile exhibits similarly steep slopes,
but is sufficiently distant from Coal Creek that a failure would
probably not have as great an impact. To enhance the overall
stability of this area, it is recommended that seedling trees be
planted.
Background
The Coal Basin Mines began operations in the mid-1950's.
Underground mining operations were accessed via a series of mines
generally located at 10,000 feet elevation. During the first ten
years or so of operation, coal was apparently cleaned at the mine
entries, then trucked to the rail head in Carbondale for shipment
to market. Old photographs indicate that coal washing operations
had been initiated at the confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks by
the mid-1960's. The initial wash plant refuse was probably used as
fill to create a level pad over an alluvial fan deposit north and
west of the current location of Dutch Creek. Once the pad was
developed, a conveyor belt transported the refuse to the east side
of Dutch Creek for deposition, thus initiating development of the
Old Refuse Pile.
Field observations indicate that the refuse was initially placed
just above, and adjacent to Dutch Creek. Additional lifts were
developed, and the pile advanced upward and southerly. A map found