_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (254)

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�RI.RiMfF 0 Mr. Michael B. Long, page 2 3. The 1987 approved reclamation plan would look different if submitted today, but we could live with it if we had to. It is an improved situation as to what exists currently. But, I would also be opposed to "trading away" pieces of the reclamation plan that someone else did not think made sense. My position would be if we implement the reclamation plan as it exists, then it is 100 % implemented. If changes need to be made, they should be made with current needs and overall changes in mind in a holistic view. We would much rather work with the effective parties to make sound changes to the 1987 reclamation plan to leave Coal Basin environmentally sound. We are not willing to make haphazard changes or trade-offs just to save someone some time and/or money. Instead, we would like to work with all the parties to change some items such as removing culverts that will require future maintenance, and only back-filling road sections to a 22-foot width where necessary. In other words, if the slopes on both sides of the road are stable we could live with some sections of the road left in place to form 1160-foot wide benches". This is contingent on a bench being left in place that functions for drainage purposes in a natural fashion. We hope we have reiterated sufficiently with this letter, and previous ones, our concerns, and how we wish to have Coal Basin look and functioning when reclamation is complete. We look forwarded to working with all the public and private entities as the reclamation of Coal Basin continues to climax in the next few years. Sincerely, KEVIN T. RIORDAN District Ranger CC: Robert Hagen, Office Of Surface Mining Diane Delaney, Mid-Continent Resources Forest Supervisor Caring for the Land and Serving People FS-6200-28(7-82)