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The State of Colorado, Division of Minerals and Geology (Division) <br /> has submitted a request for civil penalty funds collected by the <br /> Office of Surface Mining. These funds would be used to fund two <br /> reclamation projects at a high altitude coal mine. The Division <br /> is accomplishing reclamation of the site, which was subject to bond <br /> forfeiture and permit revocation. The bond is insufficient to <br /> accomplish the two proposed projects. Each project is designed to <br /> protect the general welfare of the public by eliminating immediate <br /> threats to public health and safety and to the environment. The <br /> two problem areas are located in or adjacent to Coal Creek. <br /> Failure to accomplish one project or the other will lead to similar <br /> consequences realized by Coal Creek, the Crystal River, the town of <br /> Redstone and the local economy. <br /> LOCAL ENVIRONMENT <br /> Dutch Creek is a perennial stream which drains the majority of the <br /> disturbed area at the Coal Basin Mines. The crest of the drainage <br /> basin exceeds elevations of 11,000 feet above sea level. Snow <br /> accumulations in excess of 200 inches have been measured at Coal <br /> Basin. Dutch Creek is confluent with the other major stream in the <br /> Basin, Coal Creek, at the base of the Dutch Creek Flume. Coal <br /> Creek is confluent with the Crystal River, a regionally significant <br /> drainage, about four miles below the mine. The town of Redstone, <br /> a National Historic District, is located adjacent to the Crystal <br /> River opposite the Coal Creek confluence. A portion of the main <br /> street of Redstone appears to be at or below the elevation of the <br /> Crystal River, making it susceptible to flooding. <br /> The land upon which both projects are located is the subject of a <br /> land exchange process now in progress. The U. S. Forest Service is <br /> attempting to obtain these lands for public use. It is anticipated <br /> that the area will receive heavy public use, making resolution of <br /> public health and safety issues a paramount objective. The Forest <br /> Service has expressed its concern about the stability of the two <br /> project areas, and is very supportive of the Divisions' request for <br /> civil penalty funds. <br /> DUTCH CREEK DIVERSION PROJECT <br /> Prior to mining, the Dutch Creek channel migrated across a large <br /> alluvial fan to reach its confluence with Coal Creek. This <br /> alluvial fan is the site of the Coal Basin Mine facilities area. <br /> Old photographs indicate that the downslope margins of the fan were <br /> filled with coal refuse in order to create a level pad for future <br /> mine facilities development. Dutch Creek has been routed via an <br /> approximately 400 feet long rectangular concrete flume along the <br /> east margin of the alluvial fan, and immediately adjacent to an old <br /> coal refuse pile. At the end of the flume, Dutch Creek cascades <br /> down an approximately 45 feet tall, vertical concrete foundation to <br /> its confluence with Coal Creek. <br /> In its current configuration, the Dutch Creek flume poses a <br /> 1 <br />