_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 ‎(232)‎

• Permit No: C1981017
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Name: Bid Documents ‎(IMP)‎ 1998 Correspondence
• Permit Index Doc Type: General Correspondence
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
April 10, 1998
Mr. Kevin Riordan
District Ranger
White River National Forest
P.O. Box 309
Carbondale, Colorado
81623
RE: Coal Basin Mine Reclamation
Dear Mr. Riordan:
STATE OF COLORADO
I would like to take a moment to summarize our conversation of April 7, 1998 regarding future
reclamation at the Coal Basin Mine. Our conversation generally pertained to various facilities and
structures located within Coal Basin, some of which are on properties currently managed by the
U. S. Forest Service, and some of which are located on lands which the Forest Service wishes to
acquire.
I noted that there are approximately 30 sediment ponds located within the Basin. These ponds
function to allow sediment to settle from water flowing from disturbed areas. The reclamation
plan states that the sediment ponds are to be eliminated when no longer needed, presumably near
the end of the reclamation process. Generally, these ponds contain water year - round, and are
drained by corrugated metal pipe dewatering devices. Periodically, sediment must be dredged
from the ponds in order for them to remain effective as sediment containment structures.
You noted that, because the post mining management of the Basin is geared toward livestock
grazing and wildlife use, water sources would be beneficial. However, you went on to state that
the Forest Service does not want to see structures left at the site if the structures require
maintenance. As the Forest Service does not wish to perform maintenance of ponds or the
associated dewatering devices on Forest managed property, you stated that the Forest Service
would prefer to have the ponds eliminated, rather than left in place as is.
We also discussed future uses of Roads A, B, D, which provide access to the vicinity of Mines 1
and 2. The majority of Road B and all of Road D are on Forest Service managed property. You
stated that the current Forest Management Plan allows for non - motorized recreation on Federal
property within Coal Basin. Therefore, the Forest Service would like these roads reclaimed to a
condition similar to that accomplished on Roads E, F, G, which lead to Mines 3 and 5. You
witt
DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES
Roy Romer
Governor
James S. Lochhead
Executive Director
Michael B. Long
Division Director