REV95128

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 5/4/1984
• Doc Name: WEST ELK COAL CO REVISION APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY SPOIL STOCKPILE
• From: MLRD
• To: BOB LIDDLE
• Type & Sequence: HR3
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
David H. Getches, Executive Director
MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION
DAVID C. SHELTO N, Director
Richard D. Lamm
Governor
DATE: May 4, 1984
T0: Bob Liddle
1
FROM: Jim Pendleton
RE: West E]k C Com 's
Stockpile

Revision Application for Temporary Spoi]
Pursuant to your request, I reviewed the response submitted by Anaconda
Minerals Company on behalf of West Elk Coal Company. This submittal was made,
for the sake of expediency, in response to our preliminary comments regarding
the applicant's technical revision application.
In response to my earlier concerns, included in my memo to you dated April 23,
1984, the applicant has submitted:
(1) A detailed design and construction documents for the silo excavation and
retaining wall to be constructed immediately below the mine access road.
These documents satisfy my preliminary concern regarding the stability of the
excavated area.
(2) A letter from the Colorado Highway Department indicates that the
Department completed an analysis of the relocated North Fork channel
configuration and designed the channel "so as to not significantly increase
the level of the existing flood plain". Examination of Section 2.8.1.7 of the
Mt. Gunnison No. 1 mining and reclamation plan, referenced by the applicant in
their response, determined that the proposed pile appears to be within the
pre-channel modification 10, 25 and 100 year flood plains. (See attached
excerpts from Exhibit 2.8.1.I of the original plan and proposed site plan from
the Revision Application) The information submitted preliminarily indicates
that the temporary stockpile will also be located within the modified 10, 25
and 100 year flood plains of the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
Because it appears that the proposed temporary spoil storage pile will be
located within the existing 100 year flood plain, it will be necessary to
precisely determine the potential exposure of the pile to erosional effects of
a flood, as well as the possible effects of the pile upon flood water level.
As referenced within the Colorado Department of Highway's letter, signed by
W.R. Shanicek, District Engineer in the Grand Junction District, the necessary
flood plain delineation is available within the CDH design documents for the
adjoining highway project. The applicant should obtain copies of the
construction plans for project RS 0133 (11), which reportedly depict the flood
plain elevations within the adjacent channel of the North Fork. The applicant
should develop flood plain plan view and cross-sections at close enough
intervals to depict the proposed pile and the adjoining flood plain, channel,
highway and projected 100 year flood level within the affected area.
423 Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Tel. (30'x) 866-3567