Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 Application• SUPPORTING DATA SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUEST GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO SHERIDAN ENTERPRISES, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS • Preface I. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY Background and History 1 Purpose of the Project 1 Specific Site Locations 1 Scope 2 Facilities 3 Operational Characteristics 3 Stages of Implementation 4 Employment 4 Transportation 4 Rules and Regulations 5 • II. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA/IMPACTS/MITIGATING MEASURES Climate/Air Quality 6 Soils 7 Vegetation 8 Water Resources 8 Wildlife 9 Recreation 11 Archaeological Values 11 Transportation 11 • PREFACE This statement has been prepared pursuant to Section 4.03.07 of the Garfield County, Colorado Zoning Resolutions (April, 1975) in sup- port of an Application for Special Use Permit for a coal mining exploration program on issued Federal leases in that county. Sheridan Enterprises, Inc., the applicant, presently holds an option to take assignment of Federal coal leases from Industrial Assets, Inc., and is presently engaged in exploration activities to provide adequate data to establish a comprehensive mining plan if, in fact, the option is taken. The brevity of this statement, in some areas, is due to the fact that: 1. Operations and facilities are, at this point in time and for a period hence, temporary in nature. 2. Limited impacts will be realized in an underground operation. 3. The applicant is presently engaged in a four (4) season com- prehensive study to support plans for a permanent operation and has not yet compiled a great deal of the environmental data over the general lease area. This statement is to describe environmental conditions as they exist and relate to the exploration program designed to evaluate coal reserves and mineability within the below listed Federal leases. I. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY f8.ackground and History This statement concerns itself with coal leases situated in western Garfield County and within Township 7 South, Range 102 West and Township 8 South, Range 102 West, 6th P.M. The leases are in the Book Cliffs Coal Field and were issued to Industrial Resources, Inc. on May 1, 1968 with the following Land Office Serial Numbers: C-0125436 C-0125437 C-0125438 C-0125439 C► -0125515 C-0125516 Initial exploration was conducted in 1966 with verification of commerciality by the U.S.G.S. that same year. At present, under- ground exploration is being conducted under a Prospecting Develop- ment & Mining Plan originally approved by the U.S.G.S. on December 1, 1975 and as amended March 4, 1977. Purpose of the Project The present program is designed to gather data felt necessary to substantiate a decision regarding the option on the purchase of the above noted leases and to evaluate the Cameo Coal Seam in an orderly and logical manner with the minimum of environ- mental disturbances. Specific Site Locations The prospecting operations are located in the Book Cliffs Coal Field in western Garfield County, approximately 16 miles north of Loma and 28 miles northwest of Grand Junction, Colorado. A total of four test mine sites have been approved and will be realized within, the confines of the lease area. One test site is presently active and another is being prepared for exploration: McClane Canyon (active) Section 21, Township 7 South Range 102 West Munger Canyon (preparation) Section 9, Township 7 South Range 102 West The remaining two sites are to be located generally in the fol- lowing: Spink Canyon, Section 8, Township 7 South, Range 102 West East Salt Creek (benched) Section 9, Township 7 South Range 102 West Any lateral variations along the outcrop in portal locations will be based primarily on safety and environmental considerations. Site specific environmental reports are enclosed for each of the above four sites (Appendix A). Area assessments are made of any area prior to a choice of alternatives regarding significant disturbances within the lease area. Scope The proposed action will consist of driving four sets of five main heading entries, one in each geomorphic area contained within the six leases. Four sets of entries are needed because exploration drilling and surface prospecting data indicate differences in petrology, lithology and geology between the four areas. The underground exploration work will provide test data and physical results on coal quality and variations, roof conditions and support methods necessary, ground water conditions, gas emissions, geological variations, equipment capabilities and methods of mining applicable to the various seam conditions encountered. Coal produced from the entries will be subject to testing by various potential customers such as electric utilities and in- dustrial consumers. Coal will also be bulk sampled and tested for benefication characteristics. Facilities In order to minimize any environmental impact during the explora— tion stages of the operation, all surface facilities will be fl temporary and portable, requiring no permanent foundations. Facilities include two trailers (10' x 35') used for an office and change room; a prefabricated metal building (20' x 40') used for storage; and a 750 KVA diesel generator. Operational Characteristics The prospecting operation will be conducted essentially as an underground prospecting operation utilizing typical underground coal mining equipment including continuous miners, shuttle cars, roof bolting machines, etc. As the coal is mined, it will be transported through the tunnel entrance to a stockpile where it will be loaded by (front-end) loader to dump trucks which will transport the coal to a loading site in Mesa County for eventual transportation for testing purposes and analysis. Stages of Implementation A total of four test mine sites will eventually be utilized to cover all geomorphic areas realized in the six leases, with each site to be opened as a drift mine by five entries from a coal outcrop. The first test site (McClane Canyon) was opened in May, 1977, and is presently active. Upon completion of the first stage of the exploration activities at this site, it will be temporarily abandoned and most all facilities and equipment moved to the next - site (Munger Canyon). Depending upon delays, or a need to expedit0 our exploration program, another set of facilities and equipment will be brought in. • Presently, the McClane Canyon Test Site realizes approximately 3,500 tons per week. With the opening of an additional test mine site, the tonnage could reach a peak of approximately 7,0G0 tons per week. It is not expected that the tonnage will reach this maximum until the fall of 1978. Employment Each test site will provide employment for approximately 30 people. Transportation Highways: The coal leases are split by State Highway 139 (Douglas Pass Road) which is a paved two-lane highway within a few miles of the most isolated test mine site. The highway services the lease area from Loma in the south and Douglas Pass to the north. Railroads: The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad is the principal rail- road in the area. There is no direct line to the lease area, however, the main rail line travels through Loma, Colorado, approximately 20 miles to the south. Rules and Regulations The exploration operations must comply with all applicable regulations of County, State and Federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration and various agencies of the State of Colorado concerned with surface effects of under- ground coal mines, air and water quality. The regulations of • these agencies are designed to assure the realization of the full and best interest of the public, the maximum protection of our environment and productive use of the land. In addition to the above, Section 5 of the lease covers protection of the surface and provides for reclamation of the land. A bond is required to insure compliance with all lease terms. The 1906 Federal Antiquities Act provides adequate protection of archaeo- logical resources, requiring an archaeological inventory prior to surface disturbance. • II. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/IMPACTS/MITIGATING MEASURES Climate/Air Quality The climate in the area is one of an elevated arid region. The average annual rainfall is 8.30.inches with an average of 165 frost -free days. The mean temperature is 50.60 F. with a January minimum of 10.4° F. and a July maximum of 93.40 F. The surface evaporation rate is an average of 7.5 feet per year and the average humidity is between 10 and 20%. Snowfall averages 28.6 inches. The prevailing wind intensity is 8.1 mph from the WNW. Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. has, under the guidance of the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, located a high-volume sampler, meteorological station and a recording pyronometer in the vicinity of the confluence of Spink Canyon and East Salt Creek (see Appendix C). The high-volume sampling instrument was placed ten feet above the ground. The meter will be run for 24 hours, one day out of every four. The meteorological station is located on a 30 foot tower and has been set up to record wind speed, wind direction and temperature. The recording pyronometer will provide solar radiation measurements in order to help determine air stability categories. This study was originally designed to allow modeling of anticipated air pollution in the area as it relates to the permanent operations of Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. As yet, sufficient data has not been collected in this regard to make any estimates regarding our temporary activities. Potential air pollution sources include fugitive dust and the disel-powered generator. The access roads will be sprayed with water as required to sup- press dust emissions, and the stockpiled coal and loading areas will be sprayed periodically as required to suppress wind blown coal dust losses. Prompt revegetation of disturbed areas will minimize the problems of wind erosion. The diesel -powered generator will be fitted with adequate control devices to meet emission standards imposed by the State of Colorado. Information will continue to be collected for at least one year, with sufficient data thereby being available for modeling when Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. proposes its permanent operation. Soils General soil types 'have been established for the lease area by the Soil Conservation Service, however, nothing has been published. Generally, soils in the area are quire immature and shallow due to factors such as parent material, slope and precipitation. Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. is presently engaged in the preliminary mapping of the general area by aerial photos, and hopes to establish ground truth this fall. Soil types have been determined and described in the site specific environmental reports (Appendix A). Vegetation Vegetation studies have been made of the general area, with no endangered species encountered. Vegetative mapping is presently underway for the general lease area, however, studies of the specific test sites are included (Appendix A). Water Resources Water samples were taken in East Salt Creek, with results shown in the site specific studies. Six piezometers have been installed along East Salt Creek in an attempt to provide information on Water Table, subsurface water quality and correspondence of subsurface water and East Salt Creek. Data is as yet inconclusive in that no measurements have been made during the wet season. It is not anticipated that any significant volumes of water will be encountered in the underground exploration activity, nor until such time that we drop below the elevation of the valley floor. If sufficient water is encountered during the exploration opera- tions that it becomes necessary to discharge the water into a drainage, appropriate permits will be obtained from the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. The water pollution potential of this project is slight due to the low sulphur content of the coal, prompt revegetation policies and diversion ditches and settling ponds where necessary. (See Appendix B - Pollution Incident Prevention Plan.) Wildlife The Emlem Strip count method was employed in establishing the following list of birds sighted on the lease area: Plain Tit Mouse Bush Tit Pinyon Jay Blue Gray Gnat Catcher Mourning Dove Scrub Jay Gray Verio Gray Flycatcher Golden Eagle Common Flicker Mountain Bluebird Horned Lark Rock Wren Magpie Chipping Sparrow Raven Turkey Vulture Violet -Green Swallow Broad -Tailed Hummingbird Prairie Falcon Chukar Yellow -Bellied Sapsucker Lazuli Bunting Blue Grosbeak Western Meadowlark Canyon Wren Brewer's Blackbird Rufous -Sided Towhee McGillivary's Warbler Pidgeon Loggerhead Shrike Cliff Swallow Crow Sharp -Shinned Hawk White -Throated Swift Mammals A series of linear transects were made in various habitat types (noted below). Live traps were set and checked for three con- secutive nights; with all animals being marked, identified and released after capture. Habitat Types (see Appendix C) 1. Rimrock 2. Pinyon -Juniper Woodland 3. Annual Weed Community 4. Riparian, with open water 5. Riparian, with no open water 6. Mixed Mountain Shrub 7. Salt Bush Community 8. Greasewood Community 9. Cottonwood Grove Only unstructured observations were made of big game and raptorial birds this summer. Quantitative studies of big game will be con- ducted this fall. At this point in time, there seems to be no major migration routes in the vicinity of the temporary test mine sites. Movement through the area is quite random. No endangered species have been sighted in the area. Mammals Mule Deer Rock Squirrel Desert Cottontail Striped Skunk Raccoon Jackrabbit (species unidentified) House Mouse Coyote Golden -Mantled Ground Squirrel Deer Mouse White -Tailed Prairie Dog Antelope Ground Squirrel Apache Pocket Mouse Elk (sign only) Recreation Recreational use of the 15,000 acre lease area is almost exclu- sively limited to hunting and trapping. With the minimal dis- turbance and activity associated with our exploration operations, no impact of any significance is anticipated. Archaeological Values Pursuant to the 1906 Antiquities Act, archaeological clearance was obtained prior to any surface disturbances (see Appendix B). Transportation It is presently estimated that transportation of coal, south "\ on the Douglas Pass Road, will total approximately 25 trucks per day with the operation of a single test mine site. Relating this to a Department of Highways traffic count conducted last year in which the count reached 450, the exploration operation would contribute 5% to the total traffic on the highway. This is assuming that there is no increased traffic over the year's period. With the operation of two test sites simultaneously, it is estimated that approximately 40 trucks per day would be realized. The contribution of traffic in this situation would reach 8% of realized traffic. It is not felt that the traffic increases noted above would significantly impact on the highway, creating any safety or nuisance problems. APPENDIX A SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS 1. Site Environmental Reconnaissance - Munger Canyon Test Site 2. Site Environmental Reconnaissance - McClane Canyon Test Site 3. Site Reconnaissance - Loma Test Site #4-A, East Salt Creek 4. Site Reconnaissance - Spink Canyon Test Site #2 (SEE ENCLOSED FOLDERS) APPENDIX B 1. U.S. Geological Survey approvals 2. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management approval 3. Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration approvals and Legal Identity Form 4. State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mines approvals and License to Operate A Coal Mine 5. State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Mined Land Reclamation - Notice of Intent to Conduct Prospecting Operations 6. State of Colorado, Air Pollution Control Division - Emissons Permit 7. Archaeological Reports 8. Private property owners' - Consents to access • • • IN REPLY REFER TO: United States Department of the Interior GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Box 25046 Stop 602 Colorado 0125436 thru 39, Denver Federal Center 0125515 thru 16 Denver, Colorado 80225 November 24, 1976 Mr. Edward C. Rosar Vice President Industrial Resources, Inc.\ 11011 West 6th Avenue Suite 301 Denver, Colorado 80215 Dear Mr. Rosar: This office wishes to advise you that the "Prospecting Development and Mining Plan" of Industrial Resources, Inc., submitted on June 8, 1976, is hereby approved effective December 1, 1976, subject to the following stipulations: 'l.` An archaeological survey will have to be conducted prior to commencing any surface related activities, and 3 copies furnished to both the Area Mining Supervisor, U.S. Geological Survey, and District Manager, Bureau of Land Management. 2. Certain site specific actions such as site roads, temporary surface facilities, erosion control structures, settling ponds, refuse piles, etc.,_were not addressed in detail, and detailed plans must be submitted to the Area Mining Supervisor and Bureau of Land Management, District Manager, for concurrence of specific prospect/mine site selection. Approval of these actions may require a joint field exam- ination of U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and lessee prior to construction and/or operations. 3. The office of the Area Mining Supervisor and Bureau of Land Management, District Manager, are to be kept informed of any ground activities and plan of operations. Sincerely, ,7/ J. Paul Storrs Area Mining Supervisor IN REPLY REFER TO: _ nited States Department of the Interior GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Box 25046 Stop 602 Colorado 0125438 Denver Federal Center Colorado 0125439 Denver, Colorado 80225 Pia Mr. William Bosworth Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 Subject: Coal lease Colorado 0125438, Colorado 0125439, exploration plan flf2,E\30 MAR 4 1977 Dear Mr. Bosworth: Your application of February 23, 1977 to move the test site from SW%NE%, sec. 21, T. 7 S., R. 102 W. to the selected site on the line between SE4SW1 , sec. 9 and NE4NW4j sec. 16, is approved. You are authorized to proceed with plans to cut three trenches to expose the outcrop of the Cameo Coal Bed at that location. If the trenching results are favorable, you may proceed to expose the outcrop for the test portals in accordance with the plan approved December 1, 1976. The terms of the approved plan, in addition to the reclamation plan submitted with the request for site relocation, will apply. Sincerely yours, . Paul Storrs Area Mining Supervisor United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT District Office P.O. Box 1509 Grand Junction, CO 81501 Mr. J. P. Storrs Area Mining Supervisor U.S. Geological Survey Box 25046 Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 Re: Industrial Resources Inc. Mine -Exploration Plan Coal Leases Co. -0125436-39, 0125515-16 Dear Mr. Storrs: IN REPLY REFER TO 27 October 1976 I (BLM) have reviewed the mine -exploration plan and concur with the contents. CONSERVE AMERICA'S EN`ROY incere y;) District Manager Save Energy and You Serve America! 3530 7-140 s E IDAN H:1\711 H:± PHISIS, INC. 030i East Prentice .Engiewood Colorado 60110 Telephone (303) 7 70 - g021 • February 23, 1977 • HAND DELIVERED rL" Mr. J. Paul Storrs Office of Area Mining Supervisor United States Geological Survey Conservation Division Building 25 - Room 1322 Federal Center Lakewood, Colorado 80225 .``�7 AR 4 1977 141 x/777 i RE: Our On -Site Meeting of February 16, 1977 at Prospecting Test Sites in Spink Canyon and Along East Salt Creek Dear Mr. Storrs: As established in the referenced meeting, the following information is forwarded as a modification to the existing "Prospecting Develop- ment and Mining Plan" for test sites in the area of Spink Canyon and East Salt Creek. This is to serve as a formal request for approval of the reloca- tion of a test site designated as Loma Test Site No. 3 - McClane Canyon, SW4j NE4, Section 21, T7S, R102W to a location on the east side of East Salt Creek, Section line of SES, S;°1/4, Section 9 and NE', NW4, Section 16, T7S, R102W. The lateral variation of this test site will serve as cause for the redesignation to East Salt Creek Test Site No. 1. This proposed test site was visited in a joint field examination of the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Land Management and Sheridan Enterprises in the referenced meeting. As we discussed in our meeting, we would like to expedite the re- view of the proposed East Salt Creek test site and, accordingly, take this opportunity to furnish the following information relative to this review. 1. License to Operate A Coal Mine 2. Letter from property owner, Mr. Don Hitchborn 3. Maps of designated test sites 4. Site specific details with map* 5. Site reconnaissance report* A Wholly -Owned Subsidiary DX¥ Occidental Petroleum Corporation • Mr. J. Paul Storrs February 28, 1977 Page Two As established in the referenced meeting, trenching will become a part of the site development activity as a means of determining suitability, prior to bench excavation. The East Salt Creek Site has been archaeologically surveyed and cleared. This was reported to Mr. John Crouch, Bureau of Land Management, and verification can be obtained at that office. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Mined Land Reclama- tion has been furnished a notice of Intent to Conduct Prospecting Operations. I would also like to take this opportunity to rename previous test site designations to conform to geographic location. I feel that this will serve to preclude any future confusion that may arise in this regard. Loma Test Loma Test Loma Test Loma Test Site Site Site Site No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 - Spink Canyon Test Site No. 1 — Spink Canyon Test Site No. 2 - East Salt Creek Test Site No. 1 - Munger Canyon Test Site No. 1 We are indeed indebted for your attention to this matter and would hope the processing of this review may continue in this same ex- peditious manner. If there are any questions on the foregoing, please contact me.. Sincerely, William Bosworth Director Environmental Affairs blh cc: Mr. Tom Owens, Bureau of Land Management *This information was hand delivered to the Bureau of Land Manage- ment Office in Grand Junction on February 23, 1977. United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFE I Y AD11LNISTRATION (:0:1L MINE HEALTH AND SAFE TV 1)ISIRIOT 9 POST OFT ICF PDX 1503; DENVER, COLORADO 80215 In Reply Refer To: EMS - D9-6028 Walter Mueller, Jr., President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 Dear Mr. Mueller: Re: Loma Test Site #1 I.D. No. 05-03013 Ventilation Plan The ventilation system and methane and dust control plan for the subject mine has been approved in accordance with Section 75.316, 30 CFR 75, subject to revision once actual mining operations commence. Before any changes are made in the approved plan, they shall be submitted to and approved by the District Manager prior to being implemented. Sincerely yours, John W. Barton District Manager Enclosure SOLN UTIO o cc z Z 776-1.31 • • United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION COAL MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY DISTRICT 9 POST OFFICE BOX 15037 DENVER, COLORADO 80215 August 11, 1977 In Reply Refer To: EMS - D9-6028 William A. Anderson, Production Engineer Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Avenue Englewood, Colorado 80110 Re: Loma Test Site #1 I.D. No. 05-03013 Ventilation Plan Dear Mr. Anderson: The proposals submitted as modifications to the approved ventilation plan for the subject mine, dated August 8, 1977, have been reviewed and are approved. These proposals numbered 1 and 2, the face ventilation plan, and mine projections have been appended to the approved plan. Enclosure Sincerely yours, ?of.. -John W. Barton District Manager • • • �O�UTION <2' ern ✓ m al -d az ,\ 7 76-191 4 United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY AI)MI:NISTR \TION C:O.\L MINE IIFAl.7ll .11D SAFL 1 Y DISTRICT 9 POST OFFICE BOX 15037 DENVER, COLORADO 80215 In Reply Refer To: EMS:D9-6000 Mr. Walter Mueller, Jr. President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 April 14, 1977 CV7iK's APR 2 0 1977 1. Re: Loma Test Site #1 Mine I.D. No. 05-03013 Emergency Medical Assistance and Communications Dear Mr. Mueller: The emergency medical assistance and communications plans submitted in compliance with Section 75.1713, Title 30 CFR, have been received and placed on file. Enclosure Sincerely yours, 7ohn W. Barton 7;" --District Manager • • • United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAF ETI' ADMINISTRATION COAL \II\E nEALT11 AND SAFETY DISTRICT 9 POST OFFICE BOX 15037 DENVER, COLORADO 80215 In Reply Refer To: EMS - D9-6000 Walter Mueller, Jr., President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 April 15, 1977 AA.M APR 191977 Re: LOMA Test Site #1 I.D. No. 05-03013 Firefighting and Emergency Evacuation Plan Dear Mr. Mueller: The firefighting and emergency evacuation plan for the subject mine is hereby approved. Enclosure ,1pLUTIp <2- N <3> e -1 U m Ft 2 r \ 776 -191 6 Sincerely yours, > John W. Barton District Manager • • • United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (.O:11. 111\L HEALTH :1\D SAF 1 J Y DISTRICT 9 POST (1FFICF. IiO\ 15037 DL\VER, COLORADO 80215 In Reply Refer To: EMS - D9-6026 Walter Mueller, President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Avenue Englewood, Colorado 80110 Dear Mr. Mueller: April 12, 1977 Re: LOMA Test Site #1 I.D. No. 05-03013 Roof Control Plan The roof control plan submitted for the subject mine has been reviewed and is approved. Pull tests will be done to determine a satisfactory length of roof bolt. Enclosure Sincerely yours, ;i John W. Barton District Manager d OXY Occidental Petroleum Corporation • • United States Department of the Interior MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFELY ADMINISTRATION COA1. A11NF. HEALTH ANI) SAFETY DISTRICT 9 POST 01-FICE BO\ 15037 DENVER, COLORADO 80215 In Reply Refer To: EMS - D9-6000 Walter Mueller, Jr., President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 April 13, 1977 Re: LOMA Test Site #1 I.D. No. 05-03013 Smoking Prohibition Plan Dear Mr. Mueller: The smoking prohibition plan for the subject mine is hereby approved. Sincerely yours, Enclosure 2Ti)e,A0.___— ._John W. Barton District Manager APR 15 1977 1 orm No. 6-357 (Nov. 1972) ❑ Initial Notice Mine ID No. 05 03013 Nearest town Lo -aa, Colccade County Garfield Office address (No. & St 1 971 Ar:7trahoe Please check the appropriate box and complete the applicable section below ❑ Sole Proprietorship ❑ Partnership tal Corporation Li Other 1. Sole Proprietorship Trade Name Proprietor Address (No. & St 1 City State Zip 2. Partnership Trade Name i DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Change Notice LEGAL IDENTITY REPORT Name of Mine T.n-na Teat FZite Form ipproved. O.M.B. No. 42-R1644 111 Commodity Coal Name of operator Dlackhawk Coal Company City 3n„1 rltir State Colnrado ZiPe0302 Partnership Address (No. & St) City Please list below the name and address of each partner Name Number and Street City State Zip State Zip (If more space is required, please use the back of this page or a separate sheet.) 3. Corporation Name B1.ckha".4c Coal Co:anany Corp. Address (No. & St) 971 Araraaoe Agent for Service of Process John 24. Yeaz,er Address (No. & St) 963 Sev::ith Street Is Corporation a Subsidiary ❑ Yes No Name No. & Street Please list below the name, title, and address of each Corporation Officer Name Title .Tnhn M. YeaCer Number and Street Dir. 9 3 Pevpnth Street r..hrtrles R. Flurth, .Tr. T1ir. 7 - 1 1 • 5313 T,ichov Pince State of Incorporation Colorado City?oalder State Colorado Zip 2 Title Director City EoalderState Colorado Zip 3 2 If "Yes," give Name and Address of Parent Corporation City and Director City TIrm 1der ltpt � l rl' r State Zip State Zip Cal nrP.ln f n3n2 enTornA 803a a a - • (If more space is required, please use the back of this page or a separate sheet.) 4. Other Type of Legal Entity Name of Organization Address (No. & St.) City Responsible Official to act as Agent for Service of Process: Name Title No & Street City State Zip Please list below the name, title, if any, and address of principal company officials and each individual who has an ownership interest in the company. Name Title Number and Street City State Zip State Zip (If more space is required, please use the back of this page or a separate sheet.) All changes should be reported within 30 days to the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager of the Bureau of Mines in the District in which the mine is located. Please return the original -and first two copies to the Bureau. r. l Signature "" - -/ ./ " f? Title Date COPY 4 - OPERATOR ,, '� tia '� . ,-,- _1117 6 HARD D. LAMM GOVERNOR • • COLORADO DIVISION OF MINES DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 1313 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado 80203 Telephone 892-3401 Norman R. Blake, Director May 18, 1977 Walter Mueller, Jr., President Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 East Prentice Englewood, Colorado 80110 Dear Walt: I have reviewed your plans for the McClane Canyon Site I and they have been approved by the Division of Mines at this time. If at any time you encounter any problems that would involve a change in the plans I would appreciate your contacting our office on this. AED:ML:lw Yours very truly, Andrew E. Deborski Assistant Director - Coal Mining COLORADO DIVISION OF MINES • KEEP THIS LICENSE DISPLAYED AT MINE State of Colorado DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 1977 DIVISION OF MINES $ 50.00 — License to Operate Coal Mine - 92 -11-1(1)(b) C.R.S. 1974 THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. of 8301 East Prentice Avenue - Englewood, Colorado 80110 having complied with the Laws of the State of Colorado regulating the operation of coal mines, is hereby entitled to operate on the following described property during the calendar year Name of Rhine McCLANE CANYON TEST SITE #1 County GARFIELD Loca fion— Section 21 Twp 7 S Rang,102 W z•IP = 5-3-7 7 Date THIS UCEN riXPIRES DECEMBER 31 UNLESS REVOKED FOR CAUSE 1 - -Furant to te ,c -:-ms of su_ :ct.ion 3 of 314-32-113, C.F.S. 19T.; (1,= Sez: ion ;'•�: 10S5), all information ?ro-;_ced the �-•oa-d in this notice of intent to conduct operations protected be rotected as confidential information by the ycard and tt of--'�.lic record in the absence of a ':ritten release from the clnoratcr or rot be a matter by the Board that reclamation is satisfactory', 'whichever may first occur. �j ✓n a '`•ending I?G Or THIS 1'OTICE OF =ENT: August 24, 1977 OF 1 II. �-;C'- r ,CTC' : 3:ame of person or orEanization doing tn�' prospecting Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. • O Address 8301 East Prentice Avenue Englewood, Colorado 80110 770-6021 71.- the entity nam Yed in Ii _s a cc -p o: at_cn, co.'+p any, partnership, joint _+-au: 1 or o` entity, s:: mit the name, address and phone nil -ger of ;he person ..ho responsibility for all notices and correspondence with the --ard and for reclamation tion of the areas affected by this prospecting operation, ir:cludin.,rr_' res: =`n sibility for such reclamation should said entity become dci Uric William C. Bosworth, Director,_ Environmental Affairs - +1cable Munger Canyon Test Site No. 1 Location: ',e arca of _ rosp g- ectinis located In Garfield Cc r4t_r, a_._ rc rimately 20 miles ;1-2 a(n) nor:=_rev direction c_ e`t- r the city or to::n of f Loma, Colorado Ths are described as: 7S, Range ' 102W , Range Township , Range. Tonnsn_in , -range SuP_ 1 y longitude and latitude if the area has not been _ (This description of tc.;'_':.' :?_Tp and range may be continued en a _ate s-neet o'p `r if necessar3'. 1. -� _ng as statewide surety rust pile a notice of intent to conduct prospecting operations with the ..✓oard for every arca to be prospected.) Sixth (Sixth, Ute, or ::ew _•:exi co) :C i;T: The above described prospecting activity is scheduled to commence on Principal i:eridian approximately immediately Termination of this activity is anticipated by December 15, 1977 This notice of intent is valid for a maximum time of trio (2) years. VL • • a. :a-_:cr De the '.ypa a of c e at,1os -which ;:11.1 be ,:m3L -, a..c.-1 fn cC.,C., c t i",` :.'. Z,,-c•,7,ci._I7g operations. For i-: ample: T,r ne prospecting c5c::-ations i.ill f — t,ol-,*e 6ril11ng, trenching, bulk sample removal, Shalt sir:ging, etc. Me drilling will_be conducted by use of a truck mounted rig, mud drilling, air it drilling, att. Exploration will be conducted underground by drivintwo test tunnels to a distance of approximately 2,500 feet. Preparation of 'test sites will involve the utirlization of a D-8 bulldozer to establish access to an area that will be benched to expose the coal seam for exploration. The underground explora- tion will be with typical underground mining equipment in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations. The surface operation will be centered on and adjacent to the aforementioned bench. Bulk samples will be loaded into trucks at this point for burn tests and analysis. T'Z s .:sed list name address _ a contractor(s) � � S ")^,(1 ::,e of ccntractor(e). To be supplied at a later date, if applicable. Describe in r=etail your ;=an to _- ler ent the reclamation measures y=2 `^T 7,. :!�-. :.j r=c i ^ for _a:r. : a_1 1271:2s affected by this Drong spectfC =c a •:fes - - ;e details of the T -an be a7'_ro? r -C te to the t' to of recaa"a __.. a' ^yand d -.,_st De c: .,G,.~. Lith the - a-c�.;rl::,ents of Sec' _c.^. - - C.F.S. ,� io ���` :s P. _0 5), and any r• -1atfonS =� l.:,er eu..c r .r. ' the ✓.Jar`. All ac':i ;ty will be on federal surface and covered by a prospecting and reclamation plan approved by the area mining supervisor of the U.S.G.S. The plan calls for restoration of test sites when permanently _abandoned by regrading, replacing disturbed earth, reseeding with seed mixtures and amounts as determined to be congruent with. anticipated final land use, and .approved by the BLM's Agricultural Reclamation Compliance Offi-ce. All above reclamation will be conducted pursuant to the requirements f and consistent with Section 34-32-116, 1976. 1. he teems of the __an of _,cl...._i_ion .,._a_.:res submitted rs a, -i. o: notice as modified by the Lo a_'d after the filing of the notice of cc,: lc i _.,.. of :._-ospecting operations, shall be fulfilled in a timely manner. 2. The prospecting operations Described in this notice will be conducted in such a manner as i.o minimize surface disturbances. Precautions to be ta'.•.en include but are not limited to: a. use of existing roads or trails; b. use of level terrain for drill sites; c. timely F1ugging or caping of drill holes in a proper, inconspicuous 1 . and sae manner iron cc:r etion or abandonment; d. reclamation of affected lands 1=Tc'l Cc-.i.1etion of operations or of an operation; r e. removal and dist=al of a 1 l solid :'as to materials such as scrap -metal and timber, obsolete e u'i: mPnt, and all other debris in a mariner consistent with state and federal la -,:s; . f. ta=xing of precautions to avoid spillage of Chemicals, petroleum Troducts and other noxious materials; g. h. allow all drill pits, sumps, or cher areas established as areas deposit of soil and other materials removed from any such hole c" to dry out. Then su-h areas shell be backfilled and r eve;_,eta i. -= . nri it holes for mi -r_:- ---ducng ..E..er from unconfined ...iteral _ 1 be abandoned by fil-Hnsto _and orc1 to the static water then with inert materials to 10 feet of the surface. The top 10 feet shall be filled , _t7 concrete, neat cement, or other o-: ed material. i,rill _ncJesformerly _.,-oducing Yater from confined and unconfr.ed fcr--tet=cr S jointly or confined formations cniy shall be aba7.07.ed by _ `_ .g Kith• co erete, 7:eat cement, cr _ t]ter aj='; rc ed ma _ _al at _. e first imperv_c_s strata al: -.7e each zc e a' -d cer...nV Er:D_.=d from the surface to a depth of 10 feet. ;:o _ll; shall be less than 5 feet in lenith. 3. The t ✓rectirig operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to comply with =_.plicable state and federal air and Mater quality laws and regulations. )4, The -prospecting operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to protect wildlife.. 5. Du _n: the _ _ cspecting operations, the uz.erator Y'_ 1 perform the nocessa. stabilization and reclamation i;ork tp nrevent _anielides, flood or erosion.' 6. The operator will post surety in the amount of 7. All prospecting operations shall •be in compliance with the Colorado Mined Land Feclamation i-ct, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. I declare _-:neer penalty of T•_: Jur ' that the above statements are true and _ correct. I iter e y authorize the Board to ma_:e further inquiries to verify these statements. August 24, 1977 Date signature of appropriate person(s) from II and/or III Date For the 3oard j� _, ::0'1'10E OF 11:TEi;1 'i'0 CO:1)1.1C1 0)i:i.A1'IONS Il•1'ORTANT: Pursuant to the terms of subsection 3 of 31:-32-).13, C.R.S. 1973 (1976 Session • L':ws H. B. 1065), all information provided the Board in this notice of intent to conduct prospecting operations shall be protected as confidential information by the Board and not be a matter of public record in the absence of a written release from the operator or upon a finding by the Board that. reclamation is satisfactory, whichever may first occur. I. DATE OF FILING OF THIS NOTICE OF INTENT: 2/28777 • II. PROSPECTOR: Nacre of personSHERIDANnization doing ENTERPRISES, INC. prospecting INC. Address 8301 E. Prentice Ave. Englewood, Colorado 80110 Prone . 303-770-6021 III. If the entity named in II is a corporation, company, partnership, joint ventur( or other entity, submit the name, address and phone number of the person who accepts all responsibility for all notices and correspondence with the Board and for reclamation of the areas affected by this prospecting operation, including responsibility for such reclamation should said entity become defunc' Mr. William C. Bosworth, Director, Environmental Affairs IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE LANDS: Site Name, if applicable East Salt Creek Test Site #1 Location: The area of prospecting is located in Garfielcounty, approximately 20 miles in a(n) Northerly direction of the city or town of Loma, CO The lands are described as: Township 7S , Range ' 102W Township , Range Township , Range. Township , Range Supply longitude and latitude if the arca has not been surveye (This description of township and range may be continued on a separate sheet of paper, if necessary. However, operatoi;s posting as statewide surety must file a notice of intent to conduct prospecting operations with the Board for every area to be prospected.) Sixth Principal )`eridian (Sixth, Ute, or P;e:w Mexico) V. DATE OF C0.2.ELNCEI.314T: The above described prospecting activity is scheduled to co--:ence on approximately March 1, 1977 Termination of this activity is anticipated by December 1, 1977 This notice of intent is valid for a maximum time of two (2) years. • r VI. Type of operation: a. Describe the type of operations which will be undertaken in conducting the prospecting operations. For Example: "The prospecting operations will in- volve drilling, trenching, bulk sample removal, shaft sinking, etc. The drilling will be conducted by use of a truck mounted rig, mud drilling, air drilling, etc.. Exploration w' to a distance of approximately 2,500 feet. Prior to site preparation work trench or purposes of determining suitability for test tunnels. Prepara- tion of test sites will involve the .• . . .-: .0 l.oz o es a•lish access.to an area that will be benched to expose the coal seam for -exploration: The underground exploration will be 1 ypica underground mining equipment in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations. The surface operation will be centered around a portable coal crusher and- bin that will be located on and ad'a -n any specific wi 1 be loaded into trucks at this point for burn tests and analysis. b. If a contractor(s) used, list name, address and phone of contractor(s). .To be supplied at a later date -if applicah1 . VII. RECLAMATION MEASURES': Describe in detail your plan to implement the reclamation measures you are proposing for reclaiming all lands affected by this prospecting operation. The details of the plan shall be appropriate to the type of reclamation you designate and must be consistent with the reguirements,of Section 34-32-116, C.R.S. 1973 (1976 Session Laws H. B. 1065), and any regulation promulgated thereunder by the Board. - All activity will be on private surface and covered by a prospecting and reclamation plan approved by the area mining- supervisor of the U.S.G.S. The plan calls for restoration of test sites when perma- nently abandoned by_regrading, replacing disturbed earth, reseeding • with seed mixtures and amounts as determined to -be congruent with anticipated final -land use, and approved blithe BLM's Agricultural Reclamation Compliance Office. All above reclamation will be conducted pursuant to the requirements- of and consistent with Section 34-32-116, 1976. - :Le - 1 TaNS lii:D CU:Wi Ti Oi S FOR Pr;U:;i`i;CTj \G • i 1. The terms of the plan of reclvmation measures submitted as part of this notice as modified by the Board after the filing of the notice of completion of prospecting operations, shall be fulfilled in a timely manner. operations described in this notice will be conducted in minimize surface disturbances. Precautions to be taken limited to: 2. The prospecting such a wanner as to include but are not a. b. use of level terrain for drill sites; c. timely plugging or capping of drill holes in a proper, inconspicuous and safe manner upon completion or abandonment; d. reclamation of affected lands upon completion of operations or phases use of existing roads or trails; of an operation; e. removal and disposal of all solid waste materials such as scrap metal and timber, obsolete equipment and all other debris in a manner consistent with'state and federal laws; • f. taking of precautions to avoid spillage of chemicals, petroleum products and other noxious materials; allow all drill pits, sumps, or other areas established as areas for deposit of soil and other materials removed from any such hole or pit to dry out: Then such areas shall be backfilled and revegetated. h. Drill holes formerly producing water from unconfined material shall be abandoned by filling with sand or gravel to the static water level, then with inert materials to within 10 feet of the surface. The top 10 feet shall be filled with concrete, neat cement, or other approved material. i. Drill holes formerly producing nater from confined and unconfined formations jointly or confined formations only shall be abandoned by plugging with concrete, neat cement, or other approved material at the first impervious strata above each zone and cement grouted from the surface to a depth of 10 feet. No plug shall be less than 5 feet in length. 3. The prospecting operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to comply with all applicable state and federal air and water quality laws and regulations. g. • 4+. The prospecting operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to protect wildlife. 5. During the prospecting operations, the operator will perform the necessary stabilization and reclamation work tp prevent landslides, flood or erosion.; 6. The operator will post surety in the amount of $25,000 7. All prospecting operations shall•be in compliance with the Colorado 1"ined Land Reclamation Act, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. 1 declare under penalty of perjury that the above statements are true and correct. I hereby authorize the Board to make further inquiries to verify these statements. ` Date t/14 Signature of appropriate person(s) from II and/or III. Date For the Board );01'ICE OF INTENT TO CO::)UCY J'. WJEC'1•ifG OJ; J+TIO::S 1 • 31;-32-113, C.R.S. 1973 (1976 Session ,o -,ANT• RIrsuant to the terms of subsection 3 of -+s N. B. 1065), all information provided the Board in this notice of intent to conduct operations shall be protected as confidential information by the Board and nottsbecaing F be a matter of public record in the absence of a written release, from the operator or upon a finding by the Board that. reclamation is satisfactory, whichever nay first occur. I. DATE OF FIhli',G OF T7iIS NOTICE OF INTENT: _gp rid 1Y_ 977 PROSPECTOR: I:ame of person horiornanizat on dOl iIgcthe prospecting S II. Address 8 01 East Prentice Av Englewood, Colorado 80110 Phone - (303) 770-6021 III. If the entity named in II is a corporation, company, partnership, joint venture or other entity, submit the name, address and phone number of the person who accepts all responsibility for all notices and correspondence with the Board and for reclamation of the areas affected by this prospecting operation, including responsibility for such reclamation should said entity become defunc' -William C. Bosworth, Director, Environmental Affairs ' IV. DESCRIPTION OF TIE LUDS : 7 Site have, if applicable McClane Canyon Test Site #1 Location: The area of prospecting is located in Garfield County, approximately 20 miles in a(n)northerly direction of the city or town of Loma, Colorado The lands are described as: Township 7S , Range ' 102W , Township , Range Township , Range. , Township , Range • Supply longitude and latitude if the arca has not been surveye( (This description of township and range may be continued on a separate sheet of paper, if necessary. However, operators posting as statewide surety must file a notice of intent to conduct prospecting operations with the Board for every area to be prospected.) Sixth Principal Meridian (Sixth, Ute, or i•<ew Mexico) V. DATE OF CO:•i Zi.CE1•Ei2T: The above described prospecting activity is scheduled to commence on approximately �-' FP April 19, 1977 Termination of this activity is anticipated by December 1, 1977 - f. This notice of intent is valid for a Maximum time of tuo (2) years. - _ : ;-1I . 1'.,:S I:1;D co:a) '110:.S 1'U;i 1 n0:.;1 i;CT-J:':c o ';;i i+'1'l:':'= . 1. .r'ne terms of the Plan of recic•rr,ation measures submitted as notice as modified by the Loard after the filing of the notice of prospecting operations, shall be fulfilled in a timely manner. part of this of completion 2. The prospecting such a manner. as to include but are not a. b. use of level terrain for drill sites; c. timely plugging or capping of drill holes in a proper, inconspicuous and safe manner u_lon completion or abandonment; - d. reclamation of affected lands upon Completion of operations or phases operations described in this notice will be conducted in minimize surface disturbances. Precautions to be ta;en limited to: use of existing roads or trails; of an operation; e. removal and disposal of all solid waste materials such as scrap metal and timber, obsolete equipment and all other debris in a manner consistent with -state and federal laws; - f. taking of precautions to avoid spillage of chemicals, petroleum products and other noxious materials; - allow all dri11 pits, sumps, or other areas established as areas for deposit of soil and other materials removed from any such hole or pit to dry out. Then such areas shall be backfilled and revegetated. h. Drill holes formerly producing water from unconfined material shall be abandoned by filling with sand or gravel to the static eater level, then with inert materials to within 10 feet of the surface. The top 10 feet shall be filled with concrete, neat cement, or other approved material. i. Drill holes formerly producing water from confined and unconfined formations jointly or confined formations only shall be abandoned by plugging with. concrete, neat cement, or other approved material at the first impervious strata above each zone and cement grouted from the surface to a depth of 10 feet. No plug shall be less than 5 feet in length. g• 3. The prospecting operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to comply with all applicable state and federal air and water quality laws and regulations. 4. The prospecting operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to protect wildlife. 5. During the prospecting operations, the operator will perform the necessary stabilization and reclamation Fork tp prevent landslides, flood or erosion.: 6. The operator will post surety in the—amount of $25,000.00 7. All prospecting operations shall be in compliance with the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. 1 declare under penalty of perjury that the above statements are true and , correct. I hereby authorize the Board to make further inquiries to verify these statements. Y/ D9a'te 7 Date Signature of appropriate person(s) from 1I and/or III. For the Board j COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION 4210 E. 11th. Ave., Denver, 80220 ISSUED TO SHERIDAN ENTERPRISES, INC. L eri AU G 111977 THE AIR CONTAMINATION SOURCE FOR WHICH THIS PERMIT IS GRANTED IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: Above -ground activities at underground coal mine test site approximately 20 miles north of Loma, Colorado, off State Highway 139 at SW1/4, NE1/4, Section 21, T7S, R102W. Test mining will be completed by October 1, 1977. THE EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO THIS PERMIT INCLUDES: Shuttle car, screen, stockpile, front-end loader. THIS PERMIT IS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Particulate emissions will not exceed 20% opacity. Operations will be curtailed or spray bars will be used if emissions exceed 20% opacity. THIS PERMIT MUST BE RETAINED AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST, AT THE LOCATION SET FORTH HEREIN, AND THE EQUIPMENT IDENTIFIED HEREIN SHALL BE MARKED WITH THE PERMIT NUMBER IN A VISIBLE MANNER. THIS PERMIT SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT APPROVAL OF THE DIVISION. PERMIT NO. C-11,407 (-1FD) DATE ISSUED: May 20, 1977 AMENDED: August 3, 1977 By Director QGEULO .�q SOUTHERN COLORADO STATE COLLEGE 303 545-26?5= PUEBLO. COLORADO 81001 c- /23 DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT OF: Anthropology - Paul Storrs Office of Area Mining Supervisor United States Geological Survey Conservation Division Building 25, Room 1322 Federal Center Lakewood, Colorado 80225 Dear Mr. Storrs: July 15, 1975 ;; •L') JUL I �3 375 ih C, .. This is a report of the results of an archaeological survey of an area in the Douglas Creek_ -drainage, Garfield County, Colorado, conducted on July 11 and 12, 1 -9 -757 --The survey was concerned with the investigation of lands in T. 7 S., R. 102 W., Sections 4, 6-7, 9 and 18 where access roads and drill sites have been proposed by the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company. No archaeological or historical phenomena were discovered in the survey and if the present alignments of roads and drill sites are adhered to thare does not appear to be an adverse effect on the cultural environment of the area by the projected activities. A pefroglyph site with rock art motifs attributible to historic Ute Indians and more recent pastoralists was discovered in an area adjacent to the area of concern but it will not be adversely affected by the proposed activities. A site survey report of the petroglyph site will be made available to the Bureau of Land Man— agement offices in Denver and Grand Junction and to the Office of the State Archaeologist of Colorado. Sincerely yours, '-illiam G. Buckles Associate Professor of Anthropology Temporary Address: University of Southern Colorado Field Party General Delivery Frisco, Colorado 80443 • • • • TO: FROM: United States De�fr p� tt ment of use interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT District Office P. 0. Box 1509. Grand Junction, CO 51501 G_ r, Junczi on Area La naz;er District Archeologist SUBJECT: Compliance with FEO 11593 and Sec. Preservation Act of 1966 Activity Control t1212 S325 Permit Description of Activity Location of Activity ;, Description.- - -- - of'Exananatior.procedures: L! Search of Site Survey y Files QPhysical Examination Description of Findings Adequate for compliance with FEO 11593 IV FEPLY R_! Date- 1•. a5;.1977 106 of the Historic , - Copl e, -?l pra ti nn Cuts. -on fnr Dat and Available Literature Adequate to substantiate a determination of no effect. 'Adequate to `t• adverse to provide the basis for a determination effect. ELM will have to present its case to no Historic Preservation_ Office ��a Counoil and to the to the on Historic Preservation�'? `=oral Advisory 0 Willrequire consultation with. the tn,. cont_ a in questions. Sce attache•2 analysis. ctor to reso've �J Is inadequate for compliance purposes because: Antiquities Inventory for Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. Coal Exploration in the South Douglas Pass Area Performed Under Permits 75-00-113 and 77-00-044 Performed by: The Antiquities Research Division Historical Museum & Institute Fourth and Ute Streets Granda�lJunction, Colorado 81501 C „, •� Carl E. Conner Research Director Submitted to: District Manager The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction District Federal Building Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 • Introduction: This inventory report is submitted in compliance with the stipulatiocis of the National Environmental Policy Act. of 1973, Executive Order 11953, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. It was prepared at the request.of the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, Grand Junction, Colorado, District and Area Office. Subject: Special use permit for land and road use in connection with coal mining activity in and near Spink Canyon, Munger Creek, and McClean Canyon - all located along the East Salt Creek Canyon. Existing roads in Munger and Spink Canyons will be improved where necessary. Sheridan Enterprises project is to make exploratory cuts into the canyon walls at designated points to determine the value of coal bearing strata. Minger Canyon in section 21 and a location across from Spink Canyon both need new road construction. Legal Description of involved lands: T ��77 7n 7 �+ TSE4SEk Sec. + T6; SE%NEk Sec. 7; SZNW NWk, SYY741V SYk, S2SE4N 4i NE yS �Y µ, L�+YW SEk, 7S ySEk, and, 7SEkSE 4 of7� Sec. 8; NE 4NE y Sec. 1[7 ; NE%Sty 4, SEkSEkSWk Sec. 9; 1� V' :V':�k, NEkNEkNW Sec. 16; center Sec. 21, S2 of N2 Sec. 29; center Sec. 28; NWkSWk, NEkSWk Sec. 27; all of T.7S., R.102W., 6th P.M., Garfield Co. See attached ;D for exact surveyed areas. Methodology: Transects were walked in a close on the ground inspection of road right-of-ways and areas which were otherwise to be disturbed. In addition to this, areas considered culturally "suspect" by the principal inveigator or survey crew member. In this particular case the lands were surveyed on non- consecutive days in February, March, April and May. A total of :;_x field days and one lab day was spent on this project. C1earance was allowed on a verbal basis pending this report. Participants included K.T. Guzunis, John Lindstrom, Brian O'Neil, Robin Peoples, and this author. Terrain: The survey was mainly concerned with tributary canyons to East Salt Creek. The tributaries are classified as rank IV - ephemeral with the Colorado River being rank I. East Salt Creek is rank III -permanent. The main canyon is characterized by having steep, east and west facing walls. The tributaries run east to west and have generally north and south facing walls. The surrounding vegetation is of the upper Sonoran with the canyon bottoms being predominantly grasses and sagebrush. Pinyon - juniper breaks intrude upon the canyon floors, also. It is with- in or near their bounds that the term "suspect areas" is applied in about 50% of the cases. The surface geology is predominately the :.:t. Garfield and Sego sandstone formations. The mouth of the main canyon contains Wasatch formation and alluvial deposits. Literature Search: Recorded sites within the Douglas Pass area include three prehistoric sites AR292, AR293, AR593 -- all of which have no cultural affinity ascribed to them. Presumably AR593 is late archaic in origin; however, testn is necessary in each case before any dates can be ascribed to them. The Hayden Survey of th:� early 1870's records the existance of historic Ute trails throughout the area including each of the tributaries as well as the main canyon. Certainly there was prehistoric use the entire region; however, the surface gexposures of such is minimal. The anglo-saxon impact on the entire region occurred after the removal of the Utes in 1882. Throughout the region the direction of exploitation took on the character of mining, farming and ranching. Coal mining activities occur along the Bookcliffs in the coal bearing layers of the Mt. Garfield formation. Evidence of ranching on the south side of Douglas Pass have centers (1) at the head of the canyon, (2) up Barrel Springs Creek (Historic sites H5115 and H558), (3) in Hay and Calf Canyons, (4) at the junction of Hay Canyon and East Salt Creek, and at the mouth of the Main Canyon. Petroglyphs along Hwy. 139 attest to the use and occupation of the area by sheepherders as well as cattlemen. Findings and Conclusions: No cultural indicators were observed during the surface inspection for this survey. Also, there are few areas which can be considered "suspect" and might contain subsurface deposits. In this case, the assignment of "suspect" to certain prospective sites is an assessment with a probability of less than 50% chance of subsurface deposits being found. • Recouuliendations : It is the recommendation from the information included in this report that no mitigating procedures be enacted for those areas surveyed. Also, that Spink Canyon be considered archeologically clear from its mouth to approximately 2 miles up All other canyons are clear only for those areas which have been intensively inspected in impact areas. • • • References F. V. Hayden, Geological and Geographical Atlas of Colorado, Department of the Interior, United States GeoTogicar-- and Geographical Surveys of the Territories, 1877, Julius Bien, Lith. United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey, Howard Canyon Quadrangle, Colorado - Mesa County 7.5 Minutes Series (Topographic), USGS, Denver, Colorado 80225, 1968 United States Department of the Interior, USGS, Geologic and Structure Map of the Grand Junction Quadrangle, Colorado and Utah, Compiled by William B. Cashion, 1973. L - l ';•.N' �� o� ,\ -. i _ l 't : . . l') ,<-.� r� l j \ `�• _•.' \ / % •' 1 j I I/. ) 1.\ % - . / ___17---- r �l �_ . ) / tir L. tl ''-7‘-,) / ti Q. i/ 1 I� t �\ ! / �� S 1 ��_ t • ----•-•...,,_- �_• ''.�1 y� [ rN t ThI \ \ N'‘„ ..• * . •. • r \ t~ I , '.i _, \\ ti ~� �— `'\ \' CCC C N7----;:—..."4-:::: :r.d.t56/ . tr. i ---:---,_. ), -- a . .;-- - t 8 -• I _� /,--'`'- `66,. (. _ t iI _ b r moi,v 17 ' , ' r -'— \ Z c _ _) 11 1 •-. \ ! % 1 _-_-: / i -- .-,----..*„:„:..2., ) - ; ,--<-77\-. \ \ --c a-, .: ( ? t 52 1 ' i'\ � � \ s. —\_2.:0 [i ./..\,,,_,,,i7.,:, =� L —til f la `���`\ \ �l \ . !,--.- ; �� `l.�-,, 1,�f� 5436, • t ll' — i. ( '\ o6.y :;[133 • I/- (S ” I Inl i "-.7" ,---c-~ /� \__3 ( <,r 5+*f i 2 C,1 - / L� "\; ^ .. .."•:-.. f/ / `61:iN 1/). ' �-- fiV � t Li • I'. -• I _, r _'�'t_; 2 �' v;—p, r -j •„?i ri 1 / ) 05405 52f. • •tea f •” P • E7cG • • Iv • 65C" 28 l �\ 6200 - 60 33 5 i • _......: \,......, s_ : , ,--:„._.,, \, -,;,..:6 ''6 -nom. �, f • • a • • t L .» • s • • August 31, 1977 District Manager Land Management Bureau of i,nu oiT`.. i7� Grand Junction District Office Federal Building Grand Junction, Colo. 81501 Re: Preliminary report of the cultural resources inventory for Sheridan Enterprizes in the Douglas Pass Area. Pear Sir: On August 28th, this surveyor, as person in direct charge, assisted by Phil Born and John Lindstrom conducted an intensive survey of access roads and exploratory drilling operations for Sheridan. Enterprizes. This report concerns one portion of the projected proiect to be pursued by Sheridan Enterprizes. The surveyed lands are found in: the Ek Sec. 9, the 1TW ITL74 Sec. 10, the Wk Sec. 3, the NE Sec. 3, and the SW1 Sec. 4, T.7S., R102W, 6th P.M. The proposed access roads and the exploratory drilling areas are marked on the attached copy of Garvey Canyon and Howard Canyon 7.5 min. quadrangle maps. The areas surveyed are outlined in red on the attachment. Acreages adjacent to the survey area were not intensively inspected because of the urgent nature of this survey. However, a general reconnaissance was conducted of suspect areas irrediately adjacent to the project area. No surface manifestations of cultural resources were observed, therefore it is our reccrmiendation that no mitigatory procedures be enacted by the Bureau of Land Management. CC: of Respectfully submitted, Carl E. Conner Research Director SHERID,"1: E1'TERPRISES, INC. LO""R PROSPECT i -• r • C4/. t ? °,) • f.. rOp 7-‘4- t yrs P4 - 1r / /- 4 4 - I r Q-_, 7-9-3 O GS;' JJ 7 - 9- 6 \IQ \ r � 7 3A ,.. , 7-3- 3-5 • 1• • • -- I 7-10-1 J (t ( ,1 i. r\ 10,4 3f". );,:)); t .. 11 HOWARD CANYON QUAD SERIES 1968, 7.5 min. T. 75., R. 102W., 6th P.M. ^`s Areas surveyed - GARVEY CANYON QUAD SERIES 1968, 7.5 min. • Antiquities Research Division Historical Museum and Institute of Western Colorado 4th and Cite Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 Telephone: 303/242-0971 September 26, 1977 District Manager Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction District Office Federal Building Grand Junction, Co, 81501 Re: Preliminary report of the cultural resources inventory for Sheridan Enterprizes in the Douglas Pass Area, Dear Sir: On September 3, 23 & 25, this surveyor, as person in direct charge, assisted by Phil Born and John Lindstrom conducted an intensive survey of access roads and explora- tory drilling operations for Sheridan Enterprizes. In addition, blocks of land were also surveyed for archeologi- cal remains, This letter concerns only a portion of the lands involved in the plans projected by Sheridan Enter - prizes, The surveyed lands are found in: the NE% and SES; Sec, 5, the SWC Sec. 4, the 112 of Sec. 9, and the SWk Sec. 27, of T. 75, R 102W, 6th P.M. The surveyed areas are marked on the attached copy of the Howard Canyon quad- rangle map, The areas surveyed are outlined in red on the attachment. Acreages adjacent to the survey area were not intensively inspected because of the urgent nature of this survey. However, a general reconnaissance was conducted of suspect areas inii ediately adjacent to the project area. No surface manifestations of cultural resources were observed, therefore it is our recommendation that no miti- gatory procedures be enacted by the Bureau of Land Manage- ment. CEC:nf Respectfully submitted, (�f.�,�,� Carl E. Conner Research Director • l', • ems •'d 7-9-3 Hchb— r . s 7,5-3 1' • •6: \. j ' L-7 \ tl ' • SOCIO \-• I o�.v J 2r, • 2' r/.• 4 . -111.---..._ - ;,--"S / i _> v .. 114 77-7 ,; -.44....--s. '1 `...„..,,,4,45: 6.0c - .,s.... I i • 460,11 • • e • June 22, 1977 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I hereby grant Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. the full and free right to go on the following described property: T7S, R102W, Section 29 Garfield County, Colorado to construct, maintain and use a road capable of moving drilling equipment, mine equipment and trucks for the transportation of coal and its by-products together with the right to cross the described lands with said equipment. This right is granted to Sheridan Enterprises until June 15, 1978. By/, ' • Ed Young • February 2y, 1977 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I hereby grant Sheridan Enterprises,Inc. the full and free right to go on the following described property: T7S R102W Section 9: Lots 15 and 20 & Section 16: Lots 3,4,7 & 16 all within Tract No.37 Section 16: Lot 20 within Tract No. 38 Garfield County, Colorado and to explore and prospect for coal and other minerals found in conjunction therewith by exposing the outcrop of any seam, making exploratory entries, drilling core holes, digging into any seam, or any other method of 411 prospecting, together with the right of ingress on, over, across or through the above described property for such exploration and prospecting whether on the property or other lands. This right is granted to Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. until March 15, 1977. By Donald . Hitchborn For Hitchborn Livestock Co.,Inc. • APPENDIX C 1. Pollution Incident Prevention Plan 2' Map - Environmental Study Areas/Exploration Drilling Program 3. Map - Adjacent Properties 4. Map - McClane Canyon Test Site, Typical Mine Layout IIfRIDAN 8801 East Prentice At-enue Englewood, Colorado 80110 Telephone [303) 770-e021 June 22, 1977 Mr. J. Paul Storrs Office of Area Mining Supervisor United States Geological Survey Conservation Division Building 25 - Room 1322 Denver Federal Center Lakewood, Colorado 80225 RE: Pollution Incident Prevention Plan - McClane Canyon Test Site Dear Paul: The following pollution incidents were anticipated with respective control measures applied for Sheridan Enterprises, Inc.'s explora- tion activities at the referenced site: 1. Refuse Disposal During the exploration stage of our operation, no fine or solid refuse disposal is anticipated. In the event of a roof fall where an accumulation of other than coal might occur, the material will be disposed of in a crosscut or, if volume warrants, blended into the bench constructed for operations. 2. Siltation Bales of straw will be staked into the ground at effective intervals in the McClane Canyon drainage to supplement an existing siltation basin located in the lower reaches of the canyon. The combination will serve to prohibit trans- portation of silt to a receiving stream during surface water flow of other than flash flood proportions. It is the opinion of this office that effective siltation controls are not possible during flash flood incidents. 3. Trash Removal A licensed land fill or solids disposal area will be located and trash will be removed from the site as deemed necessary. If efforts to locate a suitable disposal facility fails, a pit will be dug in the vicinity of the operation to facili- Mr. J. Paul Storrs June 22, 1977 Page Two tate trash disposal. This pit will be covered and reclaimed coincidental with reclamation efforts on the test site. 4. Coal Stockpile It is not anticipated that major contributions of particu- lates to any stream will be made from our coal stockpile. The pile is located in an area where a negligible volume of surface runoff will be realized. In the case a major precipitation event, short of a flash flood, is realized, siltation control measures, previously described, will sere to impede the flow of coal particulates into a stream. 5. Haulage/Access Road To eliminate the possibility of air quality deterioration, the haulage/access road is watered as felt necessary. 6. 10,000 Gallon Diesel Fuel Tank The tank is located approximately 0.7 miles from a continuous flowing stream. The volume of fuel stored at any one time could not reach a continuous flowing stream in the event of a tank failure. The distance of the tank from a receiving stream and the existence of siltation control measures should insure that no fuel will reach a continuous flowing stream. If there are any questions on the foregoing, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, William C. Bosworth Director Environmental Affairs blh cc: Mr. Mike Cantrell Blackhawk Mining Comaany Mr. Barney Coulson Bureau of Land Management • • • SITE ENVIRONMENTAL RECONNAISSANCE MC CLAINE CANYON TEST SITE NORTH OF LOMA, COLORADO Prepared For Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 E. Prentice Ave. Englewood, Colorado June 6, 1977 R. V. LORD &. ASSOCIATES INC. 3250 Mlnut St./ P.O. Box 335 /Boulder, Colo. 50302 (303) 443-0413 June 6, 1977 Bill Bosworth, Director of Environmental Affairs Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 E. Prentice Avenue Englewood, Colorado Dear Mr. Bosworth: r__ i The enclosed report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at your McClaine Canyon Test Site, approximately 20 miles North of Loma, Colorado, in the NES'—„ Section 21, Township 7 South, Range 102 West, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resources at the proposed prospecting site. If you have any questions or we may be of further service, please call. Very truly yours, R. AND ASSOCIATES, NC. Robert F. Matthias Geologist/Project Manager RFM:ss Encl. W.O. 2937 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNERS INTRODUCTION: The following report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at the Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. McClaine Canyon prospecting site approximately 20 miles north of Loma, Colorado in the NES'—, Section 21, Township 7 South, Range 102 West, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife, and water resources at the site. The recommendations presented are based upon our own experience in the general area and upon discussions with staff members of the Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Colorado Department of Health. GENERAL: The field work for this preliminary report was conducted on May 7 and 19, 1977 by the technical staff of R. V. Lord and Associates, Inc., consisting of George Gorsuch, Ecosystems Analyst, John Matelock, Soils Scientist, and Robert Matthias, Geologist. At the time of the field work, the weather was clear and mild, and spring foliage was in evidence, allowing observation of both soils and vegetation. The attached plate shows the distribution of vegetative associations occurring at the site and the distribution of the soil types encountered at the site. SOILS: The site soils were investigated by obtaining samples with a hand auger and by comparing the profiles encountered with known soils in the area. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has mapped soils a few miles south of the site, but not at the site itself. Four major soil types occur at the site. ROCK OUTCROP-TORRIORTHENT ASSOCIATION (Mapping Unit 106) • This association mapping unit occurs mainly on the south, and 'west facing • 1 1 1 1 r• slopes of the test site. The unit forms on the strongly sloping to extremely steep mountain slopes and canyon bluffs. The Rock Outcrop portion of this mapping unit occurs mainly as vertical sandstone and shale cliffs. These outcrops make up about 40% of the mapping unit. The Torriorthent soils of this association are the shallow to very shallow soils on the steep slopes. The slopes covered by this soils unit vary from about 5% for the Torriorthent soils to nearly vertical for the Rock Outcrop. These soils are generally light in color, calcareous, fine to coarse in texture, and contain varying amounts of rock fragments. RIVERA SERIES (Mapping Unit 109) Taxonomic Class: Ustic Torrifluvent; fine sandy, mixed, calcareous, mesic family. The soils of the Rivera Series consist of deep, well -drained soils. They are located on the floodplain in the canyon bottom. The slopes on which the Rivera occur varies in steepness from 0 to 5%. The parent material from which the soil forms was derived from the surrounding slopes of sedimentary rock. The surface layer is a tan, sandy loam approximately 8 inches thick. Underlying this surficial layer is stratified sand, with occasional thin layers of fine gravel, to a depth over 30 inches. Permeability is high and organic content is low. RIVER WASH (Mapping Unit 110) Along and in the dry stream channel are rocks and boulders ranging up to 3 feet thick. These rocks and boulders border and are on the Rivera Series along the stream channel. Site visual examination indicates -2- that the upper 8 inches of the Rivera Series can be used as topsoil. • There is essentially no salvable topsoil in the other soils units. VEGETATION: The southfacing slopes are dominated by scattered Juniper (approximately 10% density), scattered Saltbush, and bare ground. The northfacing slopes contain Pinion -Juniper overstory, approximately 10 to 15 percent in density and an understory consisting of Serviceberry, Snowberry, Spirea, Mountain Mahogany, Rye Grass, Western Wheatgrass, Prickly Pear Cactus, Russian Thistle, Indian Rice Grass, Loco, and Snake Weed. On the flatland along the east side of Salt Creek occurs Greasewood, Sheep Grass, Sagebrush, and Big Rabbitbrush. A few Narrow - leaf Cottonwoods and Box Elder trees are found in the bottom of McClaine Canyon, along with some Greasewood, Rabbitbrush and Cheatgrass. WILDLIFE: The animal species that frequent the McClaine Canyon area and which may occasionally be on or near the mining test site include Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Wood Rat, Weasel, Lizard, Bat, Mouse, Mule Deer, Elk, Bullsnake, Rattlesnake, Spotted Skunk, Chipmonk, Ground Squirrel, Killdeer, Mourning Doves, Pinion Jay, Magpie, Junco, Blackbird, Robin, Bluebird, Rabbit, Red -shafted Flicker, Owl, Eagle (Golden) and Falcon. Season -long use of the canyon area by most of these species can be expected however, some song bird species migrate seasonally as do elk and deer in search of water and/or food. McClaine Canyon was not found to be a migration route, although evidence of heavy winter use by deer and elk was found. The Mountain Mahogany is heavily hedged, the Service - berry is moderately hedged, and the Juniper shows light use, indicating -3- significant grazing. No fisheries or water fowl habitat exist in McClaine Canyon. There are no known endangered species of either flora or fauna in the vicinity of McClaine Canyon. In summer, the site is grazed by cattle and recreation use of the area by deer hunters in late fall is significant. WATER RESOURCES: The McClaine Canyon site lies on the east side of East Salt Creek which is tributary to the Colorado River. McClaine Canyon contains an inter- mittent stream which at the time of most recent observation on May 19 was dry. The drainage area contains very steep and poorly vegetated slopes, and with the exception of the period of snowmelt, it appears that the only flow of water through McClaine Canyon is immediately subsequent to rainstorms. This flash flooding would be expected to be brief in duration. It is evident from the site reconnaissance that the general area is subject to flash flooding, capable of carrying particles ranging in size from pebbles to small boulders. Stockpiles and site facilities should be located to minimize danger of erosion. An absence of springs or seeps was noted in the area of McClaine Canyon. The drill hole logs available for the area do not indicate the presence of significant quantities of subsurface water above canyon level. It is not anticipated that significant quantities of groundwater will be encountered above canyon level during mining, although more abundant quantities of ground- water may be encountered in the deeper coals below canyon level. If excessive quantities of groundwater are encountered, the water should be piped to the mine portal and evaporated in an evaporation or holding pond. This pond should be built such as to allow a minimum of 36 inches of soil -14- • 1 1 to be placed over the bottom during the subsequent site reclamation. This depth is expected to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. In addition, mine water may be used to suppress dust from stockpiles at the site, during transportation of the coal, or to suppress dust on the relatively unimproved access road. Mine water cannot be allowed to enter a stream without a point discharge permit. A sample of water was obtained on May 7, 1977 from East Salt Creek at a location approximately 50 yards upstream from McClaine Canyon. Analysis of that water sample yielded the following results: Constituent 1. Total Dissolved Solids 2. Sulfate 3. Total Iron 4. pH 8.65 Colorado State Dept. of Observed Public Health Recommended Limits PPm (Ppm) 3107 500 1950 250 0.4 0.3 5. "P" Alkalinity 54 6. Total Alkalinity 524 7. Calcium 257 8. Total Hardness 900 9. Magnesium 63 125 10. Chloride 30 250 11. Sodium 970 12. Turbidity 40.3FTU 5 These analytical results are from a single grab sample obtained during a period of low to moderate flow. These data are not expected to serve as a basis for specific effluent limitations in the event that a discharge permit -5- becomes necessary. In general,the surface water downstream from the site can be characterized as a sulfate -bicarbonate water and is very' alkaline. Mine water, if encountered, could be expected to be of higher quality than the surface water. PROPOSED OPERATION: It is our understanding that the operation proposed at the site will be for the purposes of exploration and evaluation of the Cameo coal seam outcropping at the site. Initially, surface disturbance will include trenching to delineate the coal seam and benching to provide an area for operations. These two activities are considered site preparation. The prospecting operation will be conducted essentially as an underground prospecting operation utilizing typical underground coal mining equipment including continuous miners, shuttle cars, roof bolting machines, etc. As the coal is mined it will be transported through the tunnel entrance to a portable crusher with bin. It will be conveyed 25 feet to an open stockpile where it will be loaded by front end loader to dump trucks which will transport the coal for burn tests and analyses. The trucks to be used for transport of coal will be those normally used for highway transportation of similar materials. Site facilities at the surface may include: a temporary portal structure, a trailer which will serve as a temporary office, a portable diesel generator, a portable shop building for storage of mining equipment and a portable crusher with bin. The shop building will have a dirt floor and it is anticipated that the structures at the site will not require permanent foundations as all are considered temporary. Bottled water will be provided for the personnel and portable chemical toilets will be -6- provided. In addition to the temporary structures at the site, there will be one stockpile of coal, which will be small, because, as coal is added to the stockpile it will also be removed as indicated above. There will not be a stockpile of topsoil reserved for reclamation purposes because of the absence of topsoil from the area of the site. There is presently an access road, approximately one-third mile in length from the paved Douglas Pass Road to the mouth of the canyon. This access road is an unimproved dirt road. This will have to be extended up the canyon to provide a route adequate to carry the few trucks per day expected to haul . the coal from the site. There are plans to significantly improve the existing access road especially where it crosses the intermittent stream in McClaine Canyon and where it crosses East Salt Creek. If it becomes necessary, some improvement will be made of the streambed at that location. A small holding/evaporation pond may be constructed at the site to accommodate mine water, if encountered. This pond, if constructed, is expected to be temporary in nature. This prospecting operation will apparently be limited in duration to two or three months. At the end of the prospecting operation, it is our understanding that the temporary facilities will be removed during the evaluation process. If the project is to be permanently abandoned, that decision will be made within approximately six months of commencement of the prospecting efforts, and permanent reclamation operations will be conducted. If the decision is made, however, to develop a permanent mining operation at the site, the same time frame apparently applies and abandonment of the site would be temporary pending detailed site studies and agency approvals. -7- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The nature of the environmental impacts at the site will depend upon whether the operations there are only temporary and limited to prospecting activities, or whether major mine development will occur. The impact of a major mining operation at the site is beyond the scope of this report which is intended to address a temporary prospecting operation only. The primary impact at the site will be the presence of human activity itself and its effect upon wildlife. Use of the canyon by mule deer and elk is significant during Spring "green -up" time, as well as in the Winter. As animals and certain cool -season forage plants begin early Spring growth, the deer concentrate on the drainage bottoms. This period in McClaine Canyon probably extends from early April to June. When vegeta- tion cures and water becomes scarce the animals move to higher elevations. Traffic and mining activity could cause some disruption of this normal pattern of deer use during the Spring season. It is anticipated that the heavy use of the canyon by deer and elk will be diminished as long as human activity is present. As long as the quantity of browse is not significantly decreased, wildlife activity would be expected to reach its present level subsequent to abandonment of the test site. As noted previously in this report, McClaine Canyon is not considered a migration route for deer or elk because they "drift" toward higher elevations in the Spring, rather than having a fixed route. No other significant impacts on any wildlife species are anticipated. The reclamation and revegetation efforts discussed below would be expected to enhance food and cover conditions for both wildlife and domestic animals. -8- RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED AREAS: It is recommended that all disturbed areas at the site be reclaimed for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat uses. The following practices and techniques are recommended and are expected to provide reasonable assurance of successful revegetation as well as to obtain quality forage production equal to or better than currently exists, and to protect esthetic values of the area. 1. Salvage and stockpile all usable topsoil from the tunnel area and from areas on which coal will be piled. A previous section of this report details the soil unit which contains salvable topsoil. 2. The area of the pond, if actually constructed, should be covered by a minimum of 36 inches of soil to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. 3. Reshape disturbed areas to approximate the natural contours. 4. Spread topsoil on disturbed areas to the extent possible and cultivate where necessary to control undesirable vegetation. The details of the topsoiling effort will depend upon the exact nature of the site disturbance. 5. On slopes over 15% gradient, drill a mixture of seed as follows: Indian Ricegrass (oryzopsis hymenoides) 3 Lbs./ac Wild Ryegrass (Elymus salinus) 3 Lbs./ac Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) 6 Lbs./ac On small areas too rough or steep to drill seed, handplant seed or seedling of saltbush (Atriplex canescens). -9- 6. On the bottomland and lower slopes drill seed as follows: Nordan Crested Wheatgrass (Ag. cristatum-nordan) 6 Lbs./ac Arriba Western Wheatgrass (Ag. smithii-arriba) 4 Lbs./ac Thickspike Wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum) 4 Lbs./ac 7. Seed grass in early fall to obtain germination from Fall precipitation (September). 8. For screening special problem areas, or on slopes too steep to operate equipment, handplant Juniper seedlings in early Spring. 9. Protect seeded area from livestock use for at least 2 years by use of temporary fencing. (There is no practical method to control deer use.) Since there is no wind problem in this area, and since surface water run-off should be neglible on the small exposed area, a temporary vegetative cover is probably not necessary to control erosion in the initial one to two year period. However, Fall seeding of oats would provide some litter and mulch the following year, as well as some temporary feed source for birds and wild animals. CONCLUSION: In general, it appears that the environmental impact of prospecting operations of limited duration at the site will be minimal and that reclamation efforts could improve forage conditions. This report presents data collected on a reconnaissance investigation and is not intended as a detailed inventory. The fieldwork was conducted, however, and this report prepared, by specialists experienced in the general area of the site; and, the recommendations presented are considered valid within the scope of the proposed operation. -10- Respectfully Submitted, R. d ORD AND ASSOCIATE INC. Robert F. Matthias Geologist, Project Manager • • • SITE RECONNAISSANCE LOMA TEST SITE //4-A EAST SALT CREEK NORTH OF LOMA, COLORADO Prepared For Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 2416 Littleton, Colorado 80161 February 14, 1977 R. V. LORD & ASSOCIATES INC. 3250 Walnut St./ P.O. Box 335 / Boulder, Colo. 80302 (303) 443-0413 February 14, 1977 Bill Bosworth, Environmental Coordinator Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 2416 Littleton, Colorado 80161 Dear Mr. Bosworth: ROBERT V. LORD, JR., P.E. JAMES S. HILLHOUSE, A.I.A. DALE D. SHREVE, Arch.'Planner ROGER M. BURTON, Arch./Planner The enclosed report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at your Loma prospecting test site 4-A, approximately 20 miles North of Loma, Colorado, in the NES'—, NWS'—, Section 16, T7S, R102W, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resources at the proposed prospecting site. If you have any questions or we may be of further service, please call. Very truly yours, R. V. LORD AND ASSOCIATES, INC. obert F. Matthias Geologist RFM:ss Encl. W.O. 2937 ARCHITECTS - ENGINEERS - PLANNERS BOULDER. COLORADO SHERIDAN. WYOMING INTRODUCTION The following report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at the Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. Loma prospecting test site /»4-A approxi- mately 20 miles North of Loma, Colorado, in the NE1,i NW4, Section 16, T7S, R102W, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnais- sance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resources at the site. The recommendations presented are based upon our own experience in the general area and upon discussions with staff members of the Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Colorado Department of Health. GENERAL The fieldwork for this preliminary report was conducted on January 26 and 27, 1977 by technical staff of R. V. Lord and Associates, Inc., consisting of Robert Matthias, Geologist; John Matelock, Soils Scientist; and Joseph O'Rourke, Range Specialist. At the time of the fieldwork, approximately 8 inches of snow covered the valley bottoms and slopes. South -facing slopes were relatively snow -free. Both bottoms and west -facing slopes did have areas from which the melted, allowing observation plate shows the distribution site and the distribution of north -facing the valley snow had of both soils and vegetation. The attached of vegetative associations occurring at the the soil types encountered at the site. Additional fieldwork at the site, particularly during the growing season when the grasses are leafed out, would allow more accurate determination of species and relative proportions of each, but the major associations and general findings discussed in this report would not be expected to change significantly. VEGETATION The majority of area on this test site is on flat alluvial bottom of East Salt Creek and on 2 alluvial fans at mouths of 2 small drainages. Thenatural vegetation here includes greasewood, saltbush, big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, western and/or thickspike wheatgrass, cheatgrass, and annual forbs. The flat is predominatly greasewood and cheatgrass, which apparently have increased in abundance since land oJner efforts to clear and reseed failed, and also as the result of heavy livestock grazing use. The slopes on this site face west, and are occupied by a Juniper-Pinon Pine -shrub association. Junipers are dominant, but scattered and have a low crown cover density. The inter -spaces support a sparse stand of service -berry, mountain mahogany, ryegrass (E. salinus) and Indian ricegrass. A few oakbrush and snowberry plants occur in the steep -sided draws. WILDLIFE Birds and animals that frequent the East Salt Creek area and which may occasionally be on or near the prospect site include: Pinon Jay Cottontail Rabbit Red -tail Flicker Badger Mourning Dove Marmot -Rock Chuck Blackbird Chipmonk Blue Jay Ground Squirrel Robin Gopher Gambel Quail Tree Squirrel Swallow Wood -Rat Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Coyote Prairie Falcon Bobcat -2- Golden Eagle Mountain Lion Mule Deer Elk Additionally, there may be usable water -fowl habitat near this site in the spring (nesting season) for etc.), in East Salt Creek. The appears incapable of supporting by most of these animal species ducks (possibly Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, flow and water quality of East Salt Creek fish. Season -long use of the canyon area can be expected. However, some song -bird species migrate seasonally, as do elk and deer in search of water and/or food. There are no migration routes as such through the area. Big game animals merely drift seasonally to different ranges of elevation. There are no known endangered species of either flora or fauna in the vicinity of the site (according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Bureau or Land Management, and our own site study). Golden eagle, classified as a threatened species by some agencies or groups, is common in the area, but no nesting sites have been observed on or near the exploration -test location. LAND USE The fee -owned surface is used for livestock (cattle) grazing. The present productivity is very low, due to dominance of the site by unusable plant species. Carrying capacity is estimated at six to eight acres per cow - month, if used moderately. However, deer use the area in the spring and winter, and probably consume considerable forage when spring annuals are green and when shrubs are the only available forage in winter. Total grazing use, by both cattle and big game, has been and continues to be very heavy. A few elk occasionally cross the site in winter -time, but their grazing appears insignificant. -3- • WATER RESOURCES The site lies on the east side of East Salt Creek which is tributary to the Colorado River. East Salt Creek is apparently a permanent stream which at the time of the most recent observation on January 27, 1977, was only two to three feet across and a few inches deep. The drainage area contains very steep and poorly vegetated slopes. It is evident from the site reconnaissance that the general area is subject to flash -flooding capable of carrying pebbles to small diameter boulders. Small boulder -choked channels were observed. Where the channel of the stream draining the canyon passes the proposed prospecting site however, it is approximately 15 feet deep and 8 feet wide. The stream meanders extensively and meandering is apparently active at present. An old top- soil and root horizon was visible about 7 feet above the water level at the . time of the fieldwork. This apparently was covered in a major flood in the distant past. There is some history of numerous attempts to irrigate the valley floor, each attempt failing as a flood destroyed the ditches, head gates, etc. The degree of development of the buried horizon, however, suggests that floods of the magnitude which covered it are infrequent. In addition, the prospecting site itself is well above the stream level. The stream would be expected to affect operations at the site only at the point where the stream is crossed. Any permanent crossing should take into account the surface hydrology of the drainage basin. It is not anticipated that erosion of stockpiles by overbank flow from East Salt Creek would be a problem at the site. Care should be exercised in site planning to avoid placing stockpiles, structures, or equipment beneath any of the major gullies near the site unless protection against erosion is provided. -4- 4. 4. The drillhole logs av::.ilable for the area do not indicate the presence of subsurface water, nor were any springs noticed in the general area of the proposed site. It is anticipated that the underground operation will be dry, but if ground water is encountered, it is not expected to be very abundant. If water is encountered, it should be piped to the entrance and evaporated in a small evaporation or holding pond. This pond should be built such as to allow a minimum of 36 inches of soil to be placed over the bottom during site reclamation. This depth is to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. Some of this water may be used• to suppress dust from stockpiles at the site or on the unimproved access road. Mine water cannot enter the stream without a point discharge permit. The surface water quality should not be significantly degraded. A sample of water was obtained on January 27, 1977 from East Salt Creek at a location 200 yards above the point at which flow from Spink Canyon enters, immediately downstream from the prospect site. The sampling point was noted to be highly odiferous. Analysis of that water sample resulted in the following: Total Dissolved Solids 4260 ppm Sulfate 2650 ppm Fe 0.3 ppm pH 8.4 P alkalinity less than 5 ppm Total Alkalinity 695 ppm Ca 518 ppm Total hardness 1225 ppm -5- Mg A 707 ppm 40 ppm Na 880 ppm Turbidity 8.4 Jackson Units These analytical results are from a single grab sample during a period of low flow. These data are not expected to serve as a basis for specific affluent limitations in the event that a discharge permit becomes necessary. In general, the surface water downstream from the site can be character-' ized as a sulfate -bicarbonate water, and very alkaline. Mine water, if encountered, could be expected to be of higher quality than the surface water. SOILS The site soils were investigated by obtaining samples with a hand auger and by comparing the profiles encountered with known soils in the area. The Soil Conservation Service has mapped soils a few miles South of the site, but not at the site itself. Three major soil types occur at the site. The SCS has named and studied the Uffens and Nihill Series. The other soil types encountered have not yet been defined by the SCS. The following are brief descriptions of the soils encountered at the site. -HAPLARGID - UFFENS SERIES - GLENDIVE SERIES COMPLEX (Mapping Unit 107 in Plate 1) This complex mapping unit occurs in the valley bottoms and along East Salt Creek. The soils were formed in alluvium derived mainly from sedimentary bedrock and have slopes from 2 to 5%. These soils range in color from pale brown to brown and are fine sandy loams about 10 inches thick. The underlying materials are stratified loams, sandy loams and -6- • loamy sands to a depth over 60 inches. Organic matter content in the surface layer is medium. Surface runoff and erosion is moderate. The Glendive Series soil in this complex is classified as a Ustic Torri- fluvent with little or no soil horizon development. It is generally located along the creek. The Uffens Series soil in this complex is classified as a Natrogid. The soil profile has a clay horizon that has a high sodium content. Associated with the Uffens Series is the Haplargid with a low sodium content in the clay horizon. The relative percentages of the three soil types in the complex varies along the valley and without detailed field checks, only estimates can be given. At the test site, the estimated percentages are: Series, 10%; Haplargid, 20%; Uffens Series, 70%. NIHILL SERIES (Mapping Unit 105 on Plate 1) Taxonomic Class: Ustic Torriorthent The soils of the Nihill series consists of moderately deep, well -drained soils. At the site it is located at the bottom of the draws and borders the Haplargid-Uffens Series-Glendive Series Complex in the valley. The soil is formed on a surface that has a shape like an alluvial fan but the material is more like colluvium than alluvium. The material comes from the adjacent slopes of sedimentary rock. The slope of this soil is from 2 to 5%. The surface layer is reddish brown, sandy loam with small sandstone rock fragments and is about 18 inches thick. The underlying material is stratified layers of reddish brown sandy loam and sandstone rock fragments to a depth of over 30 inches. Permeability is moderate and the organic content low. Glendive - 7- • ROCK OUTCROP-TORRIORTHENT ASSOCIATION (Unit 106) This association napping unit occurs mainly on the Westerly facing slope of the test site. The unit is on the strongly sloping to extremely steep mountain slopes and canyon bluffs. The Rock Outcrop occurs mainly as vertical sandstone and shale cliffs. These outcrops make up about 35% of the mapping unit. The Torriorthent soils of the unit are the very shallow soils on the steep slopes and make up about 65% of the mapping unit. The slopes range from about 5% to nearly vertical for the Rock Outcrop. These soils are generally light in color, calcareous, fine to • coarse in texture, and contain varying amounts of rock fragments. Based upon the profiles observed in the field, a sample was selected for laboratory testing to confirm the designation of topsoil at the site. The test results are as follows: Haplargid 0-10" Saturated Soil Extract ppm mg/1 Na 100 4.5 K 66 1.7 Ca 90 4.5 Mg 78 6.5 TOTAL 17.2 Soil Exchangeable cations Na 83 0.4 K 130 0.3 Ca 2900 14.5 Mg 650 5.4 TOTAL 20.6 -8- Cation Exchange Capacity 17.8 meq./100 g. Exchangeable Na % 2.0 SAR 1.9 EC 1.7 millimho/cm pH 7.5 Texture clay loam Saturation % 73.0 Sand Content 28 Silt Content 43 Clay Content 29 Site visual examination and the laboratory test results indicate that the upper 18 inches of the Nihill Series soil unit which occurs on the fan-like areas can be used as topsoil with some difficulty because of the many rock fragments, while the upper 10 inches of the Glendive Series soil unit occurring along the creek (in the channel) can be used as topsoil. There is essentially no salvable topsoil in the Uffens Series because of the high sodium content. The Torriorthent - Rock Outcrop unit also has essentially no salvable topsoil. If plant nutrients are added, the soil below the clay layer, that is soil below 10-12 inches, in the Uffens Series may be used as topsoil. PROPOSED OPERATION It is our understanding that the operation proposed at the site will be for the purposes of exploration and evaluation of the Cameo coal seam outcropping at the site. The prospecting operation will be conducted essentially as an underground prospecting operation utilizing typical • underground coal mining equipment including continuous miners, shuttle -9- • • cars, roof bolting machines, etc. As the coal is mined, it will be trans- ported through the tunnel entrance and will be stockpiled on the surface outside the portal. A front-end loader or portable crusher with bin will be used to load the coal onto dump trucks which will transport the coal for burn tests and analyses. The trucks to be used for transport of coal will be those normally used for highway transportation of similar materials. Site facilities at the surface may include: a temporary portal structure, a trailer which will serve as a temporary office, a portable diesel generator, a portable shop building for storage of mining equipment and a portable crusher with bin. The shop building will have a dirt floor and it is anticipated that the structures at the site will not require permanent foundations as all are considered temporary. Bottled water will be provided for the personnel and portable chemical toilets will be provided. In addition to the temporary structures at the site, there may be 2 stockpiles. The coal stockpile will be small because, as coal is added to the stockpile, it will also be removed as indicated above. There may also be a stockpile of topsoil, reserved for reclamation purposes. There is presently no access road to the site. There is access to the west edge of East Salt Creek, however, through an existing gate and across the alluvium where the general area has been cleared of tall vegetation. A cut would be made in the stream bank where the least disturbance would result to allow the passage of excavating equipment. A small holding/evaporation pond may be constructed at the site to accommodate mine water, if encountered. This pond, if constructed, is 111 expected to be temporary in nature. This prospecting operation will apparently be limited in duration to • two or three months. At the end of the prospecting operation, it is our • understanding that the temporary facilities will be removed during the evaluation process. If the project is to be permanently abandoned, that decision will be made within approximately 11 months of commencement of the prospecting efforts, and permanent reclamation operations will be conducted. If the decision is made, however, to develop a permanent mining operation at the site, the same time frame apparently applies and abandonment of the site would be temporary pending detailed site studies and agency approvals. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The nature of the environmental impacts at the site will depend upon whether the operations there are only temporary and limited to prospecting activities, or whether major mine development will occur. The impact of a major mining operation at the site is beyond the scope of this report. The primary impact at the site will be the presence of human activity itself and its effect upon wildlife. Use of the canyon by mule deer is • significant during Spring "green -up" time, as well as in the Winter. As animals and certain cool -season forage plants begin early Spring growth the deer concentrate on the drainage bottoms. This period in East Salt Canyon probably extends from early April to June. When vegetation cures and water becomes scarce the animals move to higher elevations. Traffic and prospecting activity could cause some disruption of this normal pattern of deer use during the Spring season. As noted previously in this report, East Salt Creek Canyon is not considered a migration route for deer or elk because they "drift" toward higher elevations in the Spring, rather than having a fixed route. No other -11- • significant impacts on any wildlife species are anticipated unless the access road affects waterfowl habitat. The reclamation and revegetation efforts discussed below would be expected to enhance food and cover conditions for both wildlife and domestic animals. RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED AREAS It is recommended that all disturbed areas at the site be reclaimed for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat uses. The following practices and techniques are recommended, in order to provide reasonable assurance of successful revegetation, to obtain quality forage production equal to• or better than currently exists, and to protect esthetic values of the area. 1. Salvage and stockpile all usable topsoil from the tunnel area and from areas on which coal will be piled. The upper 10 inches of soil mapped as Glendive Series (in the stream channel) has a higher organic content than the underlying material, and would be considered suitable for reclamation purposes. The upper 18 inches of the Nihill Series can be used as topsoil, as can the Uffens Series below a depth of 10-12 inches, if fertilizer is added. Control weeds and annual grasses on the stockpile of soil, by use of herbicides, until redistribution. 2. The area of the pond, if constructed in either soil type, should be covered by a minimum of 36 inches of soil to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. 3. Reshape disturbed areas to approximate the natural contours. 4. Spread topsoil on disturbed areas to the extent possible and cultivate where necessary to control undesirable vegetation. The details of the topsoiling effort will depend upon the exact nature of the site disturbance. -12- 5. On slopes over 151/4 gradient, drill a mixture of seed as follows: Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) Wild ryegrass (Elymus salinus) Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) 3 Lbs./ac 3 Lbs./ac 6 Lbs./ac On small areas too rough or steep to drill seed, handplant seed or seedling of saltbush (Atriplex canescens). 6. On the bottomland and lower slopes drill seed as follows Nurdan crested wheatgrass (Ag, cristatum-nordan) 6 Lbs./ac Arriba Western wheatgrass (Ag, smithii-arriba) 4 Lbs./ac Thickspike wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum) 4 Lbs./ac 7. Seed grass in early fall to obtain germination from fall pre- cipitation (September). 8. For screening special problem areas, or on slopes too steep to operate equipment, handplant Juniper seedlings in early Spring. 9. Protect seeded area from livestock use for at least 2 years by use of temporary fencing. (There is no practical method to control deer use.) A temporary vegetative cover of the species described above may be necessary to control erosion in the initial one to two year period. Fall seeding of oats would provide some litter and mulch the following year, as well as some temporary feed source for birds and wild animals. CONCLUSION In general, it appears that the environmental impact of prospecting operations of limited duration at the site will be minimal and that reclamation efforts could improve forage conditions. -13- • The field work which provided data for this report was conducted under conditions of partial snow cover and in the winter when vegetative species are difficult to distinguish. However, the fieldwork was conducted, and this report prepared by specialists experienced in the general area of the site; and, the recommendations presented are considered valid within the scope of the proposed operation. If a major mining operation is proposed for the site in the future, we recommend that additional, more detailed work be conducted, particularly with respect to water resources and water quality. Respectfully Submitted, AND ASSOCIATES, INC. obert F. Matthias Geologist Robert -V. torl,'Jr. President • • • SITE RECONNAISSANCE SPINK CANYON TEST SITE ##2 NORTH OF LOMA, COLORADO Prepared For Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 2416 Littleton, Colorado 80161 March 8, 1977 • • • R. V. LORD & ASSOCIATES INC. 3250 Walnut SL/ P.O. Box 335 / Bould.r, Colo. 80302 (303) 443-0413 March 8, 1977 Bill Bosworth, Director of Environmental Affairs Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 2416 Littleton, Colorado 80161 Dear Mr. Bosworth: The enclosed report contains the results of our site r your Spink Canyon Test Site #2, approximately 20 miles Colorado, in the E2, NES,-, Section 7, T7S, R102W, Garfi The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain b concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resou proposed prospecting site. If you have any questions or we may be of further sery Very truly yours, R. V. •': AND ASSOCIATES, INC. obert F. Matthias Geologist RFM:ss Encl. W.O. 2937 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNERS 1 °conraissance at North of Loma, =1d County, Colorado. 3ckground data -ces at the ce, please call. INTRODUCTION • The following report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at the Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. Spink Canyon Prospecting Test Site #2, approximately 20 miles North of Loma, Colorado, in the E2, N'E4i Section 7, T7S, R102W, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnais- sance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resources at the site. The recommendations presented are based upon our own experience in the general area and upon discussions with staff members of the Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado9 nt, Department of Health. GENERAL The fieldwork for this preliminary report was conducted on January26 and 27, 1977 by technical staff of R. V. Lord and Associates, Inc., consisting of Robert Matthias, Geologist; John Matelock, Soils Scientist; and � • • Joseph O'Rourke, Range 9 Specialist. At the time of the fieldwork, approximately 8 inches of snow covered the valley bottoms and north-facin slopes. South -facing slopes were g p relatively snow -free. Both the valley bottoms and north -facing slopes did have areas from which the snow had melted, allowing observation of both soils and vegetation. The attached plate shows the distribution of vegetative associations occurringthe site and the distribution of at h the soil types encountered at the site. Additional fieldwork at the site, particularly during the growing seas when the grasses are leafed out, would allow more accurate determi on of species and relative patron proportions of each, but the major associations and general findings discussed in this report would not be expected to chane significantly. g VEGETATION The north and north-east facing slopes are dominated by Juniper-Pinon Pine cover. Very few Pinon trees occur on the site, but are prevalent at higher elevations and in other sections of Spink Canyon. Small areas on the cooler mesic slopes have an association of oakbrush, mountain mahogany, service -berry, and snowberry, with an understory of a number of grasses and forbs (many of which were unidentifiable because of snow cover), including. bluegrasses, bluebunch wheatgrass, wild rye-grass and needlegrass. On the dryer, more exposed openings in the Juniper stands, the following were observed: saltbush, gooseberry (Ribes), Indian ricegrass, wild ryegrass, Indian buckwheat (Eriogonum), and snakeweed. The crown cover of Juniper stands on the benches and better sites was estimated at 40 to 60%. In other areas trees were scattered. Ground cover of tall shrubs-grasses-forbs on the north slopes could not be deter- mined because of snow, but in that favorable ecological situation would probably exceed 50% ground interception. Ground cover on exposed open slopes, bet,:een Juniper patches, was estimated at 20-25% (with the balance bare soil and rock). The dominant plants on the toe of the slopes and in the flat alluvial bottom are: greasewood, saltbush, rabbitbrush, sagebrush, cheatgrass, wheatgrasses, needlegrass, sandberg bluegrass, yarrow, gumweed, and possibly many other annual weeds. There was too much snow for ground cover estimates. The subject area is used for cattle grazing and wildlife habitat. Cattle graze the bottomland and approximately 200 feet up the slopes. Wildlife species use the entire area. The only significant consumptive use by wildlife is foraging by mule deer on shrub species in the fall and winter and on green grass and forbs in the spring. -2- • • Use of service -berry and mountain mahogany by deer has past. Currently (January, 1977) it is moderate. Due to the limited extent of shrub stands, the area does not support large numbers of deer, although the north aspect of the topography provides more browse plants and greater productivity for big game use than the oppo been heavy in the canyon. A few elk occasionally cross and graze the Spi Grazing use by them is insignificant. During the summe deer and elk move to higher elevations. WILDLIFE Birds and animals that frequent the Spink Canyon area al occasionally be on or near the mining test site include, Pinon Jay Cottontail Rabbi Red -tail Flicker Badger Mourning Dove Marmot -Rock Chuc Blackbird Chipmonk Blue Jay Ground Squirrel Robin Gopher Gambel Quail Tree Squirrel Swallow Wood -Rat Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Coyote Prairie Falcon Bobcat Golden Eagle Mountain Lion Mule Deer -3- Elk site side of the nk Canyon region. r months, both the id which may t k • • • Season -long use of the canyon area by most of these species can be expected. However, some song -bird species migrate seasona elk and deer in search of water and/or food. There are no routes as such through the area. Big game animals merely. to different ranges of elevation. There are no known endangered species of either flora or f vicinity of Spink Canyon (according to the Colorado Divisi the Bureau of Land Management, and our own site study). G, classified as a threatened species by some agencies or grou in the area, but no nesting sites have been observed on or tion -test location. No fisheries or water -fowl habitat exists in Spink Canyon. Recreation use of the area by deer hunters in late fall is significant. In winter -time the area is used by fur -bearer and predatory trappers. WATER RESOURCES The site lies on the Southwest side of Spink Canyon which is Ily, as do migration drift seasonally )una in the on of Wildlife, Aden eagle, ps, is common near the explora- to East Salt Creek, which is in turn tributary to the Colora Spink Canyon contains an intermittent stream which at the time of the most recent observation on January 27, 1977, was dry. The drainage area contains very steep and poorly vegetated slopes and with the exception of the period of snow -melt, it is expected that the animal tributary Jo River. through Spink Canyon is immediately subsequent to rain storms would be brief in duration. It is evident from the site reconnaissance that the general a subject to flash -flooding capable of carrying pebbles to smal -4- only flow . This flow -ea is I diameter b(jiders, Small boulder -choked channels were observed. Where the channel of the intermittent stream draining the canyon passes the proposed mining site however, it is approximately 15 feet deep i;nd 36 feet wide. This is considerably larger in cross-section at that location than in many areas downstream, suggesting that the channel adjacent to the proposed site is more than adequate to handle most conditions of runoff. It is not anticipated that erosion of stockpiles by overbank flow from Spink Creek would be a problem at the site. Care should be exercised in site planning to avoid placing stockpiles, structures, or equipment beneath any of the major gullies at the site unless protection against erosion is provided. The drillhole logs available for the area do not significant quantities of subsurface water, nor were any springs noticed indicate the presence of • in the general area of the proposed site. It is anticipated that the • underground operation will be dry, but if ground water is encountered, it is not expected to be very abundant. If water is encountered, it be piped to the entrance and evaporated in a small evaporation or pond. This pond should be built such as to sllow a minimum of 36 of soil to be placed over the bottom during site reclamation. This depth is to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. Some of this water may be used to suppress dust from stockpiles at the site or on the unimproved access road. Mine water cannot enter the stream without a point discharge permit. The surface water quality should not be significantly degraded. A sample of water was obtained on January 27, 1977 from East Salt Creek a location 200 yards above the point at which flow from Spink Canyon should holding inches -5- at enters. Analysis of that water sample produced the following results: Total Dissolved Solids 4260 ppm Sulfate 2650 ppm Fe 0.3 ppm PH 8.4 P alkalinity less than 5 ppm Total Alkalinity 695 ppm Ca 518 ppm Total hardness 1225 ppm Mg 707 ppm A 40 ppm Na 880 ppm Turbidity 8.4 Jackson Units These analytical results are from a single grab sample during a period of low flow. These data are not expected to serve as a basis for specific affluent limitations in the event that a discharge permit becomes necessary. In general, the surface water downstream from the site can be character- ized as a sulfate -bicarbonate water, and very alkaline. Mine water, if encountered, could be expected to be of higher quality, than the surface water, SOILS The site soils were investigated by obtaining samples with a hand auger and by comparing the profiles encountered with known soils in the area_ The Soil Conservation Service has mapped soils a few miles South of the site, but not at the site itself. Only one major soil type, the Glendive Series, was encountered at the site, which the SCS has named and studied. The other soil types encountered have not been defined -6- • by the SCSyet. The following are brief descriptions of the soils encountered at the site. GLENDIVE SERIES (Mapping Unit 101 on Plate 1) Taxonomic Class: Ustic Torrifluvents; coarse -loamy, mixed (calcareous), frigid family The soils of the Glendive series consist of deep well drained soils that formed in alluvium weathered mainly from sedimentary bedrock. These soils are in narrow valley bottoms and have slopes of 2 to 15 percent. At the site, the slope of this soil is about 2% and the surface layer is a pale brown, fine sandy loam about 6 inches thick. The underlying materials are stratified loams, sandy loams, and loamy sands to a depth of over 60 inches. Permeability is moderate. Available water capacity is moderate. Organic matter content in the surface layer is medium. Surface 411 runoff is slow and erosion hazard is moderate. • ROCK OUTCROP-TORRIORTHENTS ASSOCIATION (Unit 108) This complex mapping unit occurs mainly on the Northerly facing slope of the test site. The unit is on the strongly sloping to extremely steep mountain slopes and canyon bluffs. The Rock Outcrop occurs mainly as vertical sandstone and shale cliffs. These outcrops make up about 35% of the mapping unit. The Torriorthent soils of the unit are the very shallow soils on the steep slopes and make up about 65% of the mapping unit. The slopes range from about 5 to 50% for the Torriorthents to nearly vertical for the Rock Outcrop. These soils are generally light in color, calcareous, fine to coarse in texture, and contain varying amounts of rock fragments. Based upon the profiles observed in the field, samples were selected for laboratory testing to confirm the designation of topsoil at the -7- • site. The test results are as follows: Glendive Series 0-6" Saturated Soil Extract ppm mg/1 Na 150 6.7 K 72 1.8 Ca 150 7.5 Mg 63 5.2 TOTAL 21.3 Soil Exchangeable cations Na 75 0.3 K 85 0.2 Ca 1600 8.0 Mg 270 2.2 TOTAL 10.8 Cation Exchange Capacity 10.8 meq,/100 g. Exchangeable Na % 3.0 SAR 2.7 EC 1.7 millimho/cm pH 7.2 Texture Sandy Loam Saturation % 54.3% Sand Content 56% Silt Content 30% Clay Content 14% Site visual examination and the laboratory test results the upper 6 inches of the Glendive Series soil unit occu Valley bottom can be used as topsoil. There is essentia topsoil on the other soil unit. PROPOSED OPERATION It is our understanding that the operation proposed at t for the purposes of exploration and evaluation of the Ca seam outcropping at the site. Initially, surface distur include trenching to delineate the coal seam and benchin an area for operations. These two activities are consid preparation. -8- indicate that rring along the Ily no salvable he site will be meo coal Bance: wi l l 3 to provide eyed site • • The prospecting operation will be conducted essentially as an underground prospecting operation utilizing typical underground coal mining equipment including continuous miners, shuttle cars, roof bolting machines, etc. As the coal is mined, it will be transported through the tunnel entrance and will be stockpiled on the surface outside the portal. A front-end loader or portable crusher with bin will be used to load the coal onto dump trucks which will transport the coal for burn tests and analyses. The trucks to be used for transport of coal will be those normally used for highway transportation of similar materials. Site facilities at the surface may include: a temporary portal structure, a trailer which will serve as a temporary office, a portable diesel generator, a portable shop building for storage of mining equipment and a portable crusher with bin. The shop building will have a dirt floor and it is anticipated that the structures at the site will not require permanent foundations as all are considered temporary. Bottled water will be provided for the personnel and portable chemical toilets will be provided. In addition to the temporary structures at the site, there may be 2 stockpiles. The coal stockpile will be small because, as coal is added to the stockpile, it will also be removed as indicated above. There may also be a stockpile of topsoil, reserved for reclamation purposes. There is presently an access road, approximately 1 1/2 miles in length from the paved Douglas Pass Road to the site. This access road is an unimproved dirt road. The access road in its present form appears adequate to carry the few trucks per day hauling the coal from the site. There are no plans to improve the access road with the possible exception • of the one point at which it crosses the intermittent stream in Spink -9- • • • Canyon. If it becomes necessary, some improvement will be streambed at that location. A small holding/evaporation pond may be constructed at the accommodate mine water,, if encountered. This pond, if cons expected to be temporary in nature. This prospecting operation will apparently be limited in du two or three months. At the end of the prospecting operati understanding that the temporary facilities will be removed evaluation process. If the project is to be permanently ab decision will be made within approximately 11 months of corn the prospecting efforts, and permanent reclamation operatic conducted. If the decision is made, however, to develop a mining operation at the site, the same time frame apparentl abandonment of the site would be temporary pending detailec and agency approvals. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The nature of the environmental impacts at the site will de whether the operations there are only temporary and limitec activities, or whether major mine development will occur. a major mining operation at the site is beyond the scope of The primary impact at the site will be the presence of humE itself and its effect upon wildlife. Use of the canyon by made of the site to tructed, is ration to on, it is our during the andoned, that mencement of ns will be permanent y applies and site studies pend upon to prospectinz The impact of this report. n activity mule deer is significant during Spring "green -up" time, as well as in the Winter. As animals and certain cool -season forage plants begin earl growth the deer concentrate on the drainage bottoms. This -10- y Spring period in Spink Canyon probably extends from early April to June. When vegetation cures and water becomes scarce the animals move to higher elevations. Traffic and mining activity could cause some disruption of this normal pattern of deer use during the Spring season. As noted previously in this report, Spink Canyon is not considered a migration route for deer or elk because they "drift" toward higher elevations in the Spring, rather than having a fixed route. No other significant impacts on any wildlife species are anticipated. The reclamation and revegetation efforts discussed below would be expected to enhance food and cover conditions for both wildlife and domestic animals. RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED AREAS It is recommended that all disturbed areas at the site be reclaimed for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat uses. The following practices • and techniques are recommended, in order to provide reasonable assurance of successful revegetation, to obtain quality forage production equal to or better than currently exists, and to protect esthetic values of the area. 1. Salvage and stockpile all usable topsoil from the tunnel area and from areas on which coal will be piled. The upper 6 inches of soil mapped as Glendive Series has a higher organic content than the underlying material, and would be considered better for reclamation purposes, but the underlying material to a depth of approximately 3 feet is also expected to be suitable for revegetation purposes. Control weeds and annual grasses on the stockpile of soil, by use of herbicides, until redistri- bution. -11- 2. The area of the pond, if constructed in either soil type, should be covered by a minimum of 36 inches of soil to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. 3. Reshape disturbed areas to approximate the natural contours. 4. Spread topsoil on disturbed areas to the extent possible and cultivate where necessary to control undesirable vegetation. The details of the topsoiling effort will depend upon the exact nature of the site disturbance. 5. On slopes over 15% gradient, drill a mixture of seed as follows: Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) 3 Lbs./ac Wild ryegrass (Elymus salinus) 3 Lbs./ac Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) 6 Lbs./ac On small areas too rough or steep to drill seed, handplant seed or seedling of saltbush (Atriplex canescens). 6. On the bottomland and lower slopes drill seed as follows: Nordan crested wheatgrass (Ag. cristatum-nordan) 6 Lbs./ac Arriba Western wheatgrass (Ag. smithii-arriba) 4 Lbs./ac Thickspike wheatgrass (Agropyron dasystachyum) 4 Lbs./ac 7. Seed grass in early fall to obtain germination from fall precipitation (September). 8. For screening special problem areas, or on slopes too steep to operate equipment, handplant Juniper seedlings in early Spring. 9. Protect seeded area from livestock use for at least 2 years by use of temporary fencing. (There is no practical method to control deer use.) -12- Since there is no wind problem in this area, and since surface water run-off should be neglible on the small exposed area, a temporary vegetative cover is probably not necessary to control erosion in the initial one to two year period. However, fall seeding of oats would provide some litter and mulch the following year, as well as some temporary feed source for birds and wild animals. CONCLUSION In general, it appears that the environmental impact of prospecting operations of limited duration at the site will be minimal and that reclamation efforts could improve forage conditions. The field work which provided data for this report was conducted under conditions of partial snow cover and in the winter when vegetative species are difficult to distinguish. However, the fieldwork was conducted, and this report prepared by specialists experienced in the general area of the site; and, the recommendations presented are considered valid within the scope of the proposed operation. If a major mining operation is proposed for the site in the future, we recommend that additional, more detailed work be conducted, particularly with respect to water resources and water quality. Respectfully Submitted, R. V•D AND ASSOCIATES,A0 %-? /Gr Robert F. Matthias Geologist • • SITE ENVIRONMENTAL RECONNAISSANCE MUNGER CANYON TEST SITE NORTH OF LOMA, COLORADO Prepared For Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 E. Prentice Ave. Englewood, Colorado June 1, 1977 • R. V. LORD Cr ASSOCIATES INC. 3250 Walnut St./ P.O. Box 335/ Boulder, Colo. 80302 (303) 443-0413 June 1, 1977 Bill Bosworth, Director of Environmental Affairs Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. 8301 E. Prentice Ave. Englewood, Colorado Dear Mr. Bosworth: The enclosed report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at your Munger Canyon Test Site, approximately 20 miles North of Loma, Colorado, in the SW27, Section 27, Township 7 South, Range 102 West, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegetation, wildlife and water resources at the proposed prospecting site. • If you have any questions or we may be of further service, please call. Very truly yours, R. V. ARD AND ASSOCIATES, INC. Robert F. Matthias Geologist/Project Manager RFM:ss Encl. W.O. 2937 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNERS INTRODUCTION: The following report contains the results of our site reconnaissance at the Sheridan Enterprises, Inc. Munger Canyon prospecting site approximately 20 miles north of Loma, Colorado in the SW4f Section 27, Township 7 South, Range 102 West, Garfield County, Colorado. The purpose of our site reconnaissance was to obtain background data concerning soils, vegeta- tion, wildlife, and water resources at the site. The recommendations presented are based upon our own experience in the general area and upon discussions with staff members of the Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Colorado Department of Health. GENERAL: The field work for this preliminary report was conducted on May 7 and • 19, 1977 by the technical staff of R. V. Lord and Associates, Inc., consisting of George Gorsuch, Ecosystems Analyst, John Matelock, Soils Scientist, and Robert Matthias, Geologist. At the time of the field work, the weather was clear and mild, and spring foliage was in evidence, allowing observation of both soils and vegetation. The attached plate shows the distribution of vegetative associations occurring at the site and the distribution of the soil types encountered at the site, SOILS The site soils were investigated by obtaining samples with a hand auger and by comparing the profiles encountered with known soils in the area. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has mapped soils a few miles south of the site, but not at the site itself. Six major soil types occur at the site. The SCS has named and studied the Glendive, Rivera, Uffens and • • 1 Nihill Series. The other soil types encountered have not yet been defined by the SCS. The following are brief descriptions of the soils encountered at the site. NIHILL SERIES (Mapping Unit 105 on Plate 1) Taxonomic Class: Ustic Torriorthent; loamy -skeletal, mixed, calcareous, mesio family. The soils of the Nihill series consists of moderately deep, well -drained soils. At the site this soil type is located at the bottom of a few draws and slopes. It borders the Rivera Series in the valley. The soil is formed on a surface that has a shape like an alluvial fan but the material is more like colluvium than alluvium. The soil parent material comes from the adjacent slopes of sedimentary rock. The slope on which this soil is formed vary from 2 to 5%. The surface layer is a light brown, sandy loam with small sandstone rock fragments and is about 18 inches thick. The underlying material is stratified layers of light brown sandy loam and sandstone rock fragments to a depth of over 30 inches. Permeability is moderate and the organic content low. ROCK OUTCROP-TORRIORTHENT ASSOCIATION (Mapping Unit 106) This association mapping unit occurs mainly on the north and south facing slopes of the test site. The unit forms on the strongly sloping to extremely steep mountain slopes and canyon bluffs. The Rock Outcrop occurs mainly as vertical sandstone and shale cliffs. These outcrops make up about 45% of the mapping unit on the south facing slopes and about 20% on the north facing slopes. The Torriorthent soils of this association are the shallow to very shallow soils on the steep slopes. The slopes covered by this soils unit vary from about 5% for the Torriorthent soils to nearly vertical for the Rock Outcrop. These soils are generally light in color, -2- calcareous, fine to coarse in texture, and contain varying amounts of rock • fragments. • • HAPLARGID - UFFENS SERIES - GLENDIVE SERIES COMPLEX (Mapping Unit 107) This complex mapping unit occurs in the valley bottoms and along East Salt Creek. The soils were formed in alluvium derived mainly from sedimentary bedrock and have developed on slopes of 2 to 5%. These soils range in color from pale brown to brown and are fine, sandy loams about 10 inches thick. The underlying materials are stratified loams, sandy foams and loamy sands to a depth in excess of 60 inches. Organic matter content in the surface layer is medium. Surface runoff and erosion are moderate. The Glendive Series soil found in this complex is classified as a Ustic Torrifluvent with little or no apparent soil horizon development. This soil type is generally located along the creek. The Uffens Series soil found in this complex is classified as a Natragid. Its soil profile has a clay horizon with a high sodium content. Associated with and contrasting with the Uffens Series, is a Haplargid soil with a low sodium content in the clay horizon. The relative proportions of the three soil types in this complex varies along the valley and without very detailed field checks, only estimates of percentages can be given. At the test site, the estimated percentages are as follow: Glendive Series, 10%; Haplargid type, 20%; and Uffens Series, 70%. RIVERA SERIES (Mapping Unit 109) Taxonomic Class: Ustic Torrifluvent; fine sandy, mixed, calcareous, mesic family. The soils of the Rivera Series consist of deep, well -drained soils. They are located on the floodplain in the canyon bottom. The -3- 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 10 1 1 1 1 slopes on which the Rivera occurs varies in steepness from 0 to 5%. The parent material from which the soil forms is derived from the surrounding slopes of sedimentary rock. The surface layer is a tan, sandy loam approximately 6 inches thick. Underlying this surficial layer is strati- fied silty sand, with occasional thin layers of fine gravel, to a depth over 30 inches. Permeability is moderate and organic content is low. RIVER WASH (Mapping Unit 110) At the southwest edge of the mouth of the canyon are found rocks and boulders ranging up to 3 feet in diameter. Although many of these rocks were washed out of the canyon, some were apparently placed there when the surrounding area was cleared for agriculture use in the past. Site visual examination indicates that the upper 18 inches of the Nihill Series soil unit which occurs on the fan-like areas can be used as topsoil with some difficulty because of the many rock fragments. The upper 10 inches of the Glendive Series soil unit occurring along the valley bottom (in the channel) and the top 6 inches of the Rivera Series can be used as topsoil. There is essentially no salvable topsoil in the Uffens Series because of the high sodium content. The Torriorthent - Rock Outcrop unit also has essentially no salvable topsoil. If plant nutrients are added, the soil below the clay layer, that is soil below 10-12 inches, in the Uffens Series may be used as topsoil. VEGETATION: The south facing slopes are dominated by Pinion -Juniper overstory of approximately 10 percent in density. Juniper is predominant over the Pinion. Beneath the overstory is largely bare ground and scattered Salt Bush (Shadscale). There are numerous cliffs and completely bare slopes. -4- The north facing slopes contain Pinion -Juniper overstory, approximately • 15 to 20 percent in density and an understory consisting of Serviceberry, • • Snowberry, Spirea, Mountain Mahogany, and Rye Grass. Western Wheatgrass, Prickly Pear Cactus, Vetch, Russian Thistle, Indian Rice Grass, Loco Weed, Snake Weed, and Oak also occur on the cooler mesic slopes. On the flat- land along the east side of Salt Creek occurs Greasewood, Sheep Grass, Sagebrush, and Rabbit Brush. WILDLIFE: The animal species that frequent the Munger Canyon area and which may occasionally be on or near the mining test site include Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Wood Rat, Weasel, Lizzard, Bat, Mouse, Mule Deer, Elk, Bullsnake, Rattlesnake, Spotted Skunk, Chipmonk, Ground Squirrel, Killdeer, Mourning Doves, Pinion Jay, Magpie, Junco, 3lackbird, Robbin, and Bluebird. Season -long use of the canyon area by most of these species can be expected however, some song bird species migrate seasonally as do elk and deer in search of water and/or food. Munger Canyon was not found to be a migration route, although evidence of heavy winter use by deer and elk was found. The Mountain Mahogany is heavily hedged and the Serviceberry is moderately hedged, indicating significant grazing. No fisheries or water fowl habitat exist in Munger Canyon. There are no known endangered species of either flora or fauna in the vicinity of Munger Canyon. In summer, the site is grazed by cattle and recreation use of the area by deer hunters in late fall is significant. WATER RESOURCES: The Munger Canyon site lies on the east side of East Salt Creek which is tributary to the Colorado River. Munger Canyon contains an intermittent -5- stream which at the time of most recent observation on.May 19 was dry. . The drainage area contains very steep and poorly vegetated slopes, and with the exception of the period of snowmelt, it appears that the only flow of water through Munger Canyon is immediately subsequent to rainstorms. This flash flooding would be expected to be brief in duration. It is evident from the site reconnaissance that the general area is subject to flash flooding, capable of carrying particles ranging in size from pebbles to small boulders. Stockpiles and site facilities should be located to minimize danger of erosion. An absence of springs or seeps was noted in the area of Munger Canyon. The drill hole logs available for the area do not indicate the presence of significant quantities of subsurface water above canyon level._ It is not anticipated that significant quantities of groundwater will be encountered above canyon level during mining, although more abundant quantities of groundwater may be encountered in the deeper coals below canyon level. If excessive quantities of groundwater are encountered, the water should be piped to the mine portal and evaporated in an evaporation or holding pond. This pond should be built such as to allow a minimum of 36 inches of soil to be placed over the bottom during the subsequent site reclamation. This depth is expected to minimize capillary rise of salts to the surface. In addition, mine water may be used to suppress dust from stockpiles at the site, during transportation of the coal, or to suppress dust on the relatively unimproved access road. Mine waters cannot be allowed to enter a stream without a point discharge permit. A sample of water was obtained on May 7, 1977 from East Salt Creek at a location approximately one mile above Munger Canyon. Analysis of that water sample yielded the following results: -6- 1 a J 1 1 1 Constituent 1 Total Dissolved Solids 2. Sulfate 3. Total Iron 4. pH 8.65 5. Up111 Colorado State Dept. of Observed Public Health Recommended Limits (Ppm) (PPm) 3107 500 1950 250 0.4 0.3 Alkalinity 54 6. Total Alkalinity 524 7. Calcium 257 8. Total Hardness 900 9. Magnesium 63 125 10. Chloride 30 250 11. Sodium 970 12. Turbidity 40.3 FTU 5 • These analytical results are from a single grab sample obtained during a period of low to moderate flow. These data are not expected to serve as a basis for specific effluent limitations in the event that a discharge permit becomes necessary. In general, the surface water downstream from the site can be characterized as a sulfate-bicarbona. water and is very alkaline. Mine water, if encountered, could be expected to be of higher quality than the surface water. PROPOSED OPERATION: It is our understanding that the operation proposed at the site will be for the purposes of exploration and evaluation of the Cameo coal seam outcropping at the site. Following several air track drill holes, a bench will be excavated at the outcrop to provide an area of operations. i • The prospecting operation will be conducted essentially as an under- ground prospecting operation utilizing typical underground coal mining equipment including continuous miners, shuttle cars, roof bolting machines, etc. As the coal is mined, it will be transported through the tunnel entrance to a stockpile where it will be loaded by front- end loader to dump trucks which will transport the coal for burn tests and analysis. The trucks to be used for transport of coal will be those normally used for highway transportation of similar materials. The coal stockpile will be small because, as coal is added to the stockpile, it will also be removed as indicated above. Site facilities at the surface may include: a temporary portal structure, a trailer which will serve as a temporary office, a port- able diesel generator, a portable shop building for storage of mining equipment and a portable crusher with bin. The shop building will have a dirt floor and it is anticipated that the structures at the site will not require permanent foundations as all are considered temporary. Bottled water will be provided for the personnel and portable chemical toilets will be provided. There is presently an access road, approximately 1 3/4 miles in length, from the paved Douglas Pass Road to the site. dirt road. The access road in carry the number of trucks per the site; however, significant This access road is an unimproved its present form appears adequate to day expected to haul the coal from road construction will be necessary to access the coal outcrop at the head of the canyon. A small holding/evaporation pond may be constructed at the site to 411 accommodate mine water, if encountered. This pond, if constructed, is expected to be temporary in nature. This prospecting operation will apparently be limited in duration to two or three months. At the end of the prospecting operation, it is our understanding that the temporary facilities will be removed during the evaluation process. If the site is to be permanently abandoned, that decision will be made within approximately six months of commencement of the prospecting efforts, and permanent reclamation operations will be conducted. If the decision is made, however, t develop a permanent mining operation at the site, the same time frame apparently applies and abandonment of the site would be tem- porary pending detailed site studies and agency approvals. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The nature of the environmental impacts at the site will depend upon whether the operations there are only temporary and limited to pros- pecting activities, or whether major mine The impact of a major mining operation at scope of this report which is intended to development will occur. the site is beyond the address a temporary pros- pecting operation -only. The primary impact at the site will be the presence of human activity itself and its effect upon Use of the canyon by mule deer and elk is significant "green -up" time, as well as in the winter. As animals wildlife. during spring and certain cool -season forage plants begin early spring growth, the deer con- centrate on the drainage bottoms. This period in Munger Canyon probably extends from early April to June. When vegetation cures and water becomes scarce, the animals move to higher elevations. Traffic and mining activity could cause some disruption of this normal pattern of deer use during the spring season. It is antici- pated that the heavy use of the canyon by deer and elk will be r i 1 1 diminished as long as human activity is present. quantity of browse is not significantly decreased 11, would be expected to reach its present level subsequent to abandon - As long as the , wildlife activity ment of the test site. As noted previously in this report, Munger Canyon a migration route elevations in the for deer or elk because they spring, rather than having a "dx fix significant impacts on any wildlife species are an reclamation and revegetation efforts discussed bel to enhance food and cover conditions for both wild animals. RECLAMATION OF DISTURBED AREAS: is not considered ift" toward highe r ed route. No other ticipated. The ow would be expbcted life and domestic 0411 It is recommended that all disturbed areas at the s for 111 1 1 1 1 1 • livestock grazing and wildlife habitat uses. T practices and techniques are recommended and are ex reasonable assurance of successful revegetation as quality forage production equal to or better than and to protect esthetic values of the area. c ite be reclaimed he following pected to provide well as to obtain urrently exists, 1. Salvage and stockpile all usable topsoil from the tunnel area and from areas on which coal will be piled. A previous section of this report details those soil units which contain salvable topsoil; however, it cipated that salvable topsoil will be encot; proposed test site. -10- is not anti- ntered at the 2. The area of the pond, if actually constructed, should be covered by a minimum of 36 inches of soil to mini- mize capillary rise of salts to the surface. 3. Reshape disturbed areas to approximate the natural contours. 4. Respread topsoil on disturbed areas to the extent possi- ble and cultivate where necessary to control undesirable vegetation. The details of the topsoiling effort will depend upon the exact nature and soil conditions of the site disturbance. 5. On slopes over 15% gradient, apply a mixt follows: Indian Ricegrass (oryzopsis hymenoides Wild Ryegrass (Elymus salinus) ure of seed as 3 lbs./ac. 3 lbs./ac. Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) 6 lbs./ac. On small areas too rough or steep to drill seed, handplant seed or seedling of saltbush (Atriplex canescens). 6. On the bottomland and lower slopes, seed as follows: Nordan Crested Wheatgrass (Ag. cristatum-nordan) 6 lbs./ac. Arriba Western Wheatgrass (Ag. smithii-arriba) 4 lbs./ac. Thickspike Wheatarass (Agropyron dasystachyum) 4 lbs./ac. 7. Seed grass in early fall to obtain germination from fall precipitation (September). 8. For screening special problem areas, or on slopes too steep to operate equipment, handplant Juniper se Spring. -11- edlings in early 9. Protect seeded area from livestock use for at least two years by use of temporary fencing. (There is no practi- cal method to control deer use.) Since there is no wind problem in this area, and since surface water runoff should be neglible on the small exposed area, a temporary vegetative cover should not be necessary to control erosion in the ''' initial one to two year period. However, fall seeding of oats woul provide some litter and mulch the following year, as well as some temporary feed source for birds and wild animals. CONCLUSION: In general, it appears that the environmental impact of prospecting, operations of limited duration at the site will be minimal and that'I reclamation efforts could improve forage conditions. This report presents data collected on a reconnaissance investiga- tion and is not intended as a detailed inventory. The fieldwork was conducted, however, and this report prepared by specialists experienced in the general area of the site; and, the recommendatio presented are considered valid within the scope of the proposed operation. s