2012-11-05_REVISION - C1980006 (2)

Home Browse Search

Kerr (Marr) Mine - Phase III Final Bond Release Request - Permit # C -80 -006 The specific areas are: Mine site: • 4 acre parcel located south of and adjacent to the mine shop; • 4 acre parcel located south of and adjacent to the former (removed) powder magazine area; • The mine access road accessing the above areas; Loadout site: • The former Kerr Loadout site south of the town of Walden and to include the related access road to the Loadout site. The Phase III areas are delineated on the Mine Area Phase 111 Bond Release Map and the Loadout Area Phase 111 Bond Release Map. 2.0 RECLAMATION HISTORY The following history narrative is reiterated from the previous bond release, SL -04, as approved 2009. Surface coal mining operations began in 1974 and continued through January 1993, when the mine shut -down and mining operations ceased due to adverse coal market conditions and the loss of the only rail transportation link serving the North Park area. Contemporaneous reclamation occurred during mining operations commencing at the Old Marr Pit Area (1979 -1983) and progressed intermittently as the mining activity advanced southward. When mining of the 720 Pit (southmost pit) was completed, mining activities progressed to Pit #1 located to the north and adjacent to County Road 12 E. Final mining activities terminated in Pit #1, January, 1993. Final reclamation activities were then initiated in early 1993, backfilling, grading and drainage of the mine area was completed in 1994. A mulch crop of annual Rye was planted (1994), permanent seeding in the 720 Pit occurred in the fall of 1995 and permanent seeding in Pit #1 was done in 1996. Reclaimed areas are delineated on the Phase 3 Bond Release Maps included in Appendix D. Refer to the Legend and respective hatched areas; the Red colored areas pertain to this release application, SL -05. Dates that reclamation work was performed, including final backfilling and grading, topsoiling, and seeding are shown on accompanying Table 3, Reclamation and Management History Summary. 2.1 EXPLORATION BOREHOLES (North Lease Area) — Coal Lease No. C -22777 Due to the adverse coal market conditions, mining operations were not executed in the North Lease Area. The respective coal lease, Federal Coal Lease No. C -22777 was relinquished July 23, 2002. The lease area was referred to as "The North Lease Area" which was located north of County Road 12 E. Subsequent to relinquishment of the lease, the respective exploration boreholes were sealed and reclaimed. The abandonment project was overseen and performed by Glenn Miller of CT &E Geologic Services of Gillette, Wyoming. Procedures 3