REV03064

• Permit No: C1981041
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 9/20/2000
• Doc Name: POWDERHORN COAL CO PERMITING ISSUES
• From: DMG
• To: BLM
• Type & Sequence: TR32
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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DIVISIONOFININERALS~ND'yG„EOLOGY`, '':'t1' ~~- ~ '~ ~ `'~~~~`
Department of Natur~lktawircei 'T•~-. _ ~ ;{;';
1313 Sherman St, Room 215 ~ ~ ~ ~ P. ~ . ~ ,
Denver, Colorado 80203 ~ ,
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone] '
DATE: September 20, 2000
TO: Bntce Fowler, BI.M Grand Jun on Resottroe Area
FROM: Dan Mathews, DMG 1 ~~
RE: Powdenc~m Coal Comparry Permitting I^-s~
Bruce, per your request for a permitting status summary relayed by Dave Berry...
Rather [flan reinventing the wheel, see the enclosed summary I prepared for our A.G.'s office dated June
29, 2000. As you know, Quaker Coal and all of its subsidiaries including Powderhom Coal Co. filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 16, 2000. Below is an update regarding pemlitting matters since June 29.
Give me a call if you have questions, and let me know when you can accompany me on-site. I could do it
the 28i6 or 29's of Sept, or the 5'", 6~, or 10'" of Oct, or the week of Oa. 23.
Technical Revision (TR)32: Revision Order Mine Closure Rxlamation Plan Chanties
G .E }'OTC
REC L'~AM A~
MINING•SA
Biu ovens
Govenror
Greg E. Watcher
Executive Diretlor
Michael B. Long
Division Dimclor
Y
DMG issued an adequacy review letter on TR-32 on Aug. 10, 2000. Substantive questions to be addressed
by operator include: (1) hydrologic and geomorphic concerns regarding proposed final configuration of
CRDA-2 refuse area and associated upper diversion ditch; (2) geomorphic concerns regarding 6n~1 design
configuration for Coal Creek perlanent channel diversion immediately downstream of the "upper dip
section" culverts Associated concerns regarding whether the dip section concrete structure and oilier
culverts along Coal Creek through the permit area will be retained or replaced with low water crossings for
final reclamation. BI1vI has expressed their desire for culvert retention and offered recommendations with
regard to final stream channel and culvert structure modifications. Operator is awaiting further input from
DMG before responding to these concerns; (3) concerns regarding adequacy of sediment control 1:leastlres
proposed for final reclamation in the train loadout vicinity.
Mid-term Pemtit Review
The Division's mid3erm review was issued August 8, 2000. Certain issues regarding fatal reclanlaLOn
which had not been raised in the 'Revision Order" were addressed in the midterm letter, and apprcrpriate
revision of the permit was requested. Substantive issues to be addressed by the operator include: (1)
sediment control pl:m for 5na1 reclamation areas az ilre North Portal Coal Handling Area, the 2-West
Portals, and the Soutlt Fan and Borrow Area; (2) evaluation of effect of seepage in the vicinity of the South
Portals on final barJcfill stability in that area; (3) evaluation of nced for provision for drainage pipes through
the recently installed South Portal seals; (4) provision of modified surface drainage plan for reclaimed
South Portal facilities area and Roadside Refuse Disposal Area (RSRDA); (5) identification of an
alternative soil borrow area for nontoxic refuse cover for RSRDA; (6) evaluation of revegetation success
standards and posstble need for remedial revegetation treatments in certain previously revegetated areas;
and, (~ update text and maps to reflect Ute Water Conservancy District's new six foot diameter steel
Plateau Creek mw water pipe. Midterm response is due October 8, 2000.
Technical Revision (TR) 33: South Mine Permanent Dewaterine Plan
TR-33 was deemed comph;te on July 12, 2000. In an adequacy letter dated September 5, 2000, the
Division requested operator to provide an amended design which would include provision for a