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Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br />The general description of mine operations can be found in Tab 12 of the application; the reclamation plan in Tab <br />14. <br />Mining by modern underground methods began in the permit area in 1974. Between 1974 and December 1999, <br />when operations ceased, a total of 3,281 acres were affected by underground workings (including surface area <br />encompassed by the projected 12 degree subsidence angle of draw). Total surface disturbance associated with the <br />mining and reclamation operation is approximately 243 acres. Since December 1999, activity has been limited to <br />reclamation, maintenance, and monitoring. The only operational activity approved is storage and rail loading and <br />unloading of construction materials at the unit train loadout. At present, mine portals have been sealed and <br />extensive reclamation work has been performed. The approved permit does not include plans to reinitiate mining, <br />and no future disturbance of previously undisturbed areas is proposed. Cameo Refuse Disposal Area No. 3 <br />(CRDA -3) and ancillary facilities had been proposed prior to mine closure, and were to be constructed in Coal <br />Canyon, west of CRDA -1. Disturbance associated with the facilities did not occur, and the permit has been <br />amended to clarify that the facilities are no longer proposed or approved. Final reclamation is to be completed in <br />all areas by the end of 2009. <br />The reader is referred to the Division's February 10, 2000 Findings of Compliance Document for a discussion of <br />the mining methods employed during active operations. <br />Sediment Control System <br />All surface runoff from disturbed areas is primarily routed through sediment ponds to prevent additional <br />contributions of sediment to streamflow or runoff outside the permit area due to mining disturbances. Alternative <br />sediment controls are utilized at a number of approved small area exemption sites. During operations a total of <br />12 sediment ponds were designed and built. There is no Sediment Pond 43. Former Ponds 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, <br />11, 12, and 13 have all been reclaimed. Pond 9 will be reclaimed in 2013 pending approval of TR -63 which is <br />under review. TR -63 provides a new design for ditch H -H that crosses the location of Pond 9 once it is reclaimed. <br />Water Consumption <br />Water usage during operations was from consumption in the mines, in the coal preparation plant, and in the <br />surface facilities. Consumptive use is monitored and results included in the Annual Hydrology Report (AHR). <br />Consumptive use will be minimal in the future because mining and washing of coal has ceased. Water use will be <br />limited to dust control activities during reclamation. In association with PR -3, based on projected mining related <br />water depletions to the Colorado River, Snowcap Coal Company entered into a Recovery Agreement with the <br />U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to comply with obligations associated with recovery of the endangered fish species <br />of the Upper Colorado River Basin. <br />Mine Water Discharge <br />A permanent, gravity flow minewater discharge site ( Outfall 016) has been established in the vicinity of the <br />reclaimed North Decline facility area. The installation involved angled drilling into the lowest elevation of the <br />South Mine workings. Outfall 002, a siphon type discharge located at the backfilled Northwest Intake Portal <br />adjacent to I -70 has been inactivated. Outfall 002 was previously the primary minewater discharge for the South <br />Mine workings, but in the future will be used only as an emergency back -up to Outfall 016. Outfall 001, aback - <br />11 <br />