_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (283)

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Aalk -43- Runoff water from the 2.7 acres of disturbance at the loadoutwill be contained within the sediment control system. This water will temporarily be stored in a sediment pond until effluent standards can be met and it can be released into the natural drainage system. This water will be monitored to insure that there is no material damage to the quality of water supplying the alluvial valley floor. In addition, the amount of surface water frorn 2.7 acres of disturbance is small and, therefore, would have a very minor effect on the quality of water. The quantity of water from the loadout facility will also not be affected. The water from the disturbed area will be released once• it meets effluent standards, and only a small amount will be lost as dead storage below the sediment- clean-out level of the sediment pond. This amount should be more than made up for by the increased runoff over natural conditions, from the paved roads. In addition, the quantity of water from the loadout is very minor in comparison to the water used in irrigation. Based on the above discussion and pursuant to Rule 2.06.8(5)(iii) , the Division finds that the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve, throughout the mining process, the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements addressed in this section. IX. Climatological and Air Resources Information - Rules 2.04.8, .05.4 2 h , 2.05.6( and 4. Climatological information in section III-F of Volume 6 and Air Resource information in Chapter IV, section A of Volume 7 of the application were reviewed by the Division for compliance. The applicant has supplied all the climatological information required by the Rules and Regulations. The applicant contends that the majority of the proposed mining operation is exempt from emissions permits. The only existing emissions permit is for one of the two thermal dryers at the preparations plant. A letter from the Colorado Department of Health in Appendix IV-A-1 , states that all sources of air pollution that existed prior to February 1 , 1972 are exempt from emissions permits. Mines Numbers 1 , 2, 3, and 4 were definitely opened prior to this date, but there was some question whether Coal Basin Mine No. 5 was opened prior to this date. In several places in the application, it was stated that the Coal Basin Mine was openea after 1972. However, the applicant supplied adequate information to show that Mine No. 5 was opened prior to 1972. Therefore, the proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section.