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INTRODUCTION <br /> The soft, weak bedrock of the Coal Basin watershed combined with steep terrain and intense storm events <br /> to historically produce frequent and damaging floods and debris flows (Photos 1 and 2). Lesser storm events <br /> and spring runoff,within the geologically sensitive watershed,also contribute sediment to the Coal Basin and <br /> Crystal River stream systems. However, in addition to the natural events and sources of sediment, roads and <br /> abandoned coal spoils continue to cause degradation to water quality in the Basin's tributary streams and <br /> the Crystal River near Redstone, Colorado. This report was prepared to document existing problems and to <br /> provide recommendations for resolving issues relating to associated mining activities and related facilities on <br /> National Forest lands. It is based on the review of Forest Service files, Mid-Continent Resource's Coal Basin <br /> Mine Permit Renewal Application, past meetings, and field reviews. In addition, recommendations on how the <br /> Forest Service can proactively administer permits held by Mid-Continent for facilities and activities on National <br /> Forest System lands are provided. <br /> The observations presented below were made during field reviews conducted during the 1990 field season. <br /> Photographs documenting some of the practices and problems observed are presented in Appendix A. For <br /> reference, Mid-Continent's map displaying landownership and permit boundaries and associated facilities <br /> (roads, tunnels, mine adits, powerlines, etc.) is provided at the end of the report. <br /> PROBLEMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> 1. EXPLORATION ROAD, PORTAL #4 (Photos 3 and 4) <br /> At portal #4, an exploration road was constructed to the top of Huntsman Ridge by Mid-Continent <br /> under a Forest Service special use permit (not shown on reference map; see Appendix B, Figure 1). <br /> This road is no longer in use and is not being maintained. Road drainage structures were found to be <br /> substandard and inadequate. Water was observed running uncontrolled down the road surface.Also <br /> the road's cut or fill slopes were not revegetated. <br /> The Mid-Continent Coal Basin Mine Renewal Application addresses road construction performance. <br /> Volume 4 (Chapter III, pp.31-32) states: "The US Forest Service permit governs road location, removal <br /> of trees and vegetation due to road construction, curve radii and grade specifications, slope of road <br /> cuts and fills, cattle guard requirements, avoidance of stream encroachments and pollution during <br /> road construction, revegetation of cut and fill slopes, care and use of explosives, use of roads by the <br /> public, placement of drainages, types of erosion control measures under the supervision of the Forest <br /> Supervisor and bond to ensure satisfactory performance of road construction." <br /> Recommendations <br /> Road construction performance is unsatisfactory and immediate corrective action is needed.The road <br /> should be out-sloped and waterbarred using Forest Service design requirements.After Forest Service <br /> approval of the proposed methods, revegetation treatments should be undertaken immediately. If <br /> retention of this road is planned, Mid-Continent Resources should submit a plan for the road's <br /> improvement that would be incorporated into a comprehensive drainage/erosion control plan for the <br /> entire Coal Basin area.The development and content of this plan will be discussed later in this report. <br /> If this road is not needed, it should be immediately obliterated and revegetated. <br />