_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 ‎(252)‎

• Permit No: C1981017
• IBM Index Class Name: GENERAL DOCUMENTS
• Doc Name: Bid Documents ‎(IMP)‎ 1993 Correspondence
• Permit Index Doc Type: General Correspondence
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
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Department of Natural Resources
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1313 Sherman St., Room 215 r
Denver,CO 80203 ` */
Phone [phone] le�e"i
FAX.[phone]
Rov Romer
Governor
Michael B.Long
Division Director
April 7, 1993
Ms. Diane Delaney
Mid-Continent Resources
P.O. Box 1298
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Re: Coal Basin Mines (Our File No. C-81-017)
Modified Reclamation Plan
Dear Ms. Delaney:
Thank you for your prompt response to our letter of February 23, 1993 concerning amendments to
the approved r ecla„mtion plan contained in Permit C-81-01 1. In that letter, two previously
discussed items were commented on in an attempt to clarify Mid-Continent's position with respect
to final reclamation_ These areas were reclamation of the downslopes below the portal benches
and application of topsoil on the haul road surfaces to ensure vegetative establishment.
The Division's response is as follows:
- DownS10Des Below Portal Benches
Mid-Continent's position, clearly stated in your letter, is that the downslopes are pre-law and
have not been reaffected by mining operations post-SMCRA. The Division's position is that it
would be nearly impossible to conduct mining operations without having reaffected the slopes.
The Division believes that these outslopes have been reaffected by snow removal operations and
during mire bench grading activities. The Division will accept the Mid-Continent proposal to
amend the outslopes with sewage sludge or other growth medium and to broadcast seed the
downslope areas. It is important to attempt stabilization of these outslopes to enhance the rest
of the reclamation activities and to minimize continued sedimentation to the drainages.
One final item that was discussed in our letter but not in your response is the use of catchment
basins at the bottom of the slopes for sediment control. Previously, Mid-Continent indicated
interest in installation of these sediment control measures. These would be a one-time
installment without follow-up maintenance, utilizing SCS design standards. We believe that
these basins will help minimize sediment contribution while the vegetation is becoming
established, and this is an important interim reclamation step. Please incorporate these
structures into the proposed plan.
- Topsoil on Roads
The Division's concern with respect to the road surfaces is providing a growth medium that
exhibits the proper physical, chemical and biological characteristics to ensure vegetative
establishment and continued production. It is true that vegetation is establishing nicely in many
areas where traffic has been reduced and erosion is controlled. Therefore, I would propose that