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The project proposed to be undertaken by Colorado with monies derived from civil penalty funds <br /> provided by OSM is the remediation and reclamation of a portion of the Old Refuse Pile adjacent to <br /> Dutch Creek. The project area is within the mine permit area, and has been affected by mining <br /> operations subsequent to August 3, 1977. This portion of the Old Refuser Pile is located within <br /> lands which the U.S. Forest Service is negotiating to purchase. Current public use of the area is <br /> moderate, while anticipated future use is high. <br /> LOCAL ENVIRONMENT <br /> Dutch Creek is a perennial stream which drains the majority of the disturbed area at the Coal Basin <br /> Mines. Coal Creek, the other primary drainage system within Coal Basin, lies to the north of Dutch <br /> Creek. The crest of the drainage basin exceeds elevations of 11,000 feet above sea level. Snow <br /> accumulations in excess of 200 inches have been measured at Coal Basin. Dutch Creek is confluent <br /> with the other major stream in the Basin, Coal Creek, about one quarter mile down stream from the <br /> project area. Coal Creek is confluent with the Crystal River, a regionally significant drainage, about <br /> four miles below the mine. The town of Redstone, a National Historic District, is located adjacent <br /> to the Crystal River opposite the Coal Creek confluence. A portion of the main street of Redstone <br /> appears to be at or below the elevation of the Crystal River, making it susceptible to flooding. <br /> The vicinity of the confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks is characterized by a relatively flat, yet <br /> narrow, canyon. Some areas on the south side of the canyon near the confluence of Coal and Dutch <br /> Creeks exhibit river cut terraces overlain by alluvial deposits of sand and gravel. The base of the <br /> terraces are composed of Mancos Shale, a regionally significant marine shale, which is highly <br /> susceptible to erosional processes. <br /> The land upon which the project is located is the subject of a land exchange process now in <br /> progress. The U. S. Forest Service is attempting to obtain these lands for public use. Currently, the <br /> area is moderately used by mountain bikers, hunters and others. It is anticipated that the area will <br /> receive heavy public use in the future, making resolution of public health and safety issues a <br /> paramount objective. The Forest Service has expressed its concern about the stability of the project <br /> area, and is very supportive of the Divisions' request for civil penalty funds. <br /> OLD REFUSE PILE PROJECT <br /> The project is designed to protect the general welfare of the public by eliminating immediate <br /> threats to public health and safety and to the environment. The problem area is located <br /> immediately adjacent to Dutch Creek, about one quarter mile upstream of its confluence with Coal <br /> Creek. The confluence of Coal Creek and the Crystal River occurs four miles further down stream <br /> at the town of Redstone. Failure to accomplish the project may lead to environmental and economic <br /> consequences which could be realized by Coal Creek, the Crystal River, the town of Redstone and <br /> the local economy. <br /> The Old Refuse Pile facility was constructed adjacent to Dutch Creek. Portions of the Old Refuse <br /> Pile were constructed after enactment of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. One <br /> such area is the western most portion of the facility. At this location, the coal refuse is situated atop <br /> a river cut terrace, and south of the terrace cliff scarp. The base of the terrace itself is located <br /> 2 <br />