Laserfiche WebLink
B. Access Roads <br />The existing access road extends approximately 4360 feet, from the upper (eastern) end of <br />the 2004 haul road segment to the portal bench. A short segment at the lower end <br />(approximately 300 feet) is a 1977 improvement to a pre- existing roadway along the canyon <br />floor. The upper segment of the roadway was constructed in 1977, along the hillside above <br />the ephemeral channel of Munger Canyon. The roadway as constructed was adequate for the <br />occasional access use for which it was designed and has been used. A statement of <br />compliance in lieu of certification has been provided in permit Appendix 0. <br />In 2007, the upper road segment was fully reclaimed, and the short pre - existing road segment <br />on the valley floor east of the waste disposal site was reduced to an eight foot travel width, in <br />accordance with landowner (BLM) request, to provide access for ranching operations. <br />Removal of one 24" culvert a short distance east of the coal waste disposal area will be <br />required prior to bond release for this road segment. Access road specifications are <br />addressed in Permit Section 2.2.2 and Appendix 0, page 1 and 2. Width reduction/retention <br />of the short valley bottom segment of the access road immediately to the east of the coal <br />waste disposal site is addressed in Permit Section 3.3.1. <br />Reclamation of the upper segment of the road (reclaimed in 2007) is addressed in Permit <br />Section 3.3.2. This segment of road was constructed in 1977 to allow construction and <br />development of the portal bench area. The segment extends from the Munger Creek valley <br />bottom up the steep canyon side slope to access the coal outcrop. This segment of the road <br />was to be fully reclaimed, in accordance with Rule 4.03.2(7). <br />The following specific findings apply to the existing access road constructed in 1977: <br />1. The applicant has provided a relevant showing in lieu of certification, demonstrating <br />that the road meets the performance standards of Rule 4.03.2. (4.03.2(1)(f)(ii)) <br />2. The short lower segment of the access road east of the 2004 re- aligned haul road <br />segment, on the Munger Canyon Valley floor, will not be reclaimed in accordance <br />with Rule 4.03.2(7)(a)(i) through (ix), but will be modified for use postmining, in <br />accordance with surface landowner (BLM) request. The Division approves the <br />retention of the lower road segment as it will accommodate the postmining land use <br />(rangeland), the modified road will comply with all applicable performance <br />standards, and the landowner (BLM) has made a written request that the road be <br />retained for further use (4.03.2(1)(g)). <br />C. Light -Use Roads <br />During November and December 2005, a temporary light use road was constructed along the <br />north fork of Munger Creek, extending from the Munger Canyon Mine access road to the <br />McClane Canyon Mine permit boundary. The purpose of the road was to provide access to <br />an emergency drill site located inside the McClane Canyon Mine permit area (to monitor <br />16 <br />