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Dutch Creek. The Project Area is within the mine permit area, and has been affected by mining <br /> operations subsequent to August 3, 1977. Currently, public use of the area is moderate, while <br /> anticipated future use is high. <br /> LOCAL ENVIRONMENT <br /> Dutch Creek is a perennial stream which drains the majority of the disturbed area at Coal Basin. <br /> Coal Creek, the other primary drainage system within Coal Basin, lies to the north of Dutch Creek. <br /> The crest of each drainage basin exceeds an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level. Snow <br /> accumulations in excess of 200 inches have been measured within Coal Basin. Dutch Creek is <br /> confluent with Coal Creek, about one quarter mile down stream from the project area. Coal Creek <br /> is confluent with the Crystal River, a regionally significant drainage, about four miles below the <br /> mine. The town of Redstone, a National Historic District, is located adjacent to the Crystal River <br /> opposite its confluence with Coal Creek. A portion of the main street in Redstone appears to be at <br /> or below the elevation of the Crystal River. <br /> The vicinity of the confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks is characterized by a relatively flat and <br /> narrow canyon. River cut terraces overlain by alluvial deposits of sand and gravel are present on the <br /> south side of the canyon near the confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks. The terraces are composed <br /> of Mancos Shale, a regionally significant marine shale, which is overlain by a veneer of alluvial <br /> materials. The Mancos Shale is highly susceptible to erosional processes, while the alluvial <br /> materials exhibit little strength. <br /> The U. S. Forest Service has obtained lands adjacent to the Project Area for public use. Currently, <br /> the entire area experiences moderate use by mountain bikers, hunters and others. It is anticipated <br /> that the area will receive heavy public use in the future, making resolution of public health and <br /> safety issues at the mine site a paramount objective. The Forest Service has expressed its concern <br /> about the stability of the Project Area, and is supportive of the Divisions' remedial plan and request <br /> for civil penalty funds. <br /> OLD REFUSE PILE PROJECT <br /> The area subject to the proposed Project is located immediately adjacent to Dutch Creek, about one <br /> quarter mile upstream of its confluence with Coal Creek. The project is designed to protect the <br /> general welfare of the public by eliminating a landslide hazard which could, should a slide occur, <br /> threaten public health and safety and pose environmental risks. Failure to accomplish the project <br /> may lead to environmental and economic consequences which could be realized within Coal Creek <br /> and the Crystal River, and by the town of Redstone as well as the local economy. <br /> The Old Refuse Pile, a coal waste disposal facility, was constructed adjacent to Dutch Creek. The <br /> majority of the Old Refuse Pile, including the problem area, was constructed after enactment of the <br /> Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. The Project Area is located near the western margin <br /> of the Old Refuse Pile. At this location, coal refuse was placed on top of a river cut terrace. The <br /> top of the terrace is failing, causing the cliff to recede toward the toe of the coal refuse, a distance of <br /> less than twenty feet in some places. <br /> The face of the terrace forms an extremely steep cliff-like scarp. The base of the terrace cliff scarp <br /> 2 <br />