The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20110632.tiff Ill 2011 Phase III Bond Release Application r , . -- , ri T ^ k Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine- S � ,_ J CDRMS Permit No. C- 1981 -028 , � _ � 11 � Weld County, Colorado J V ELI lt V � EI 1o; lit s s i t i - i k4 ' J • •1 Li L : S 'ir y i R! I file, 1 i t d tt a •.• '. ;, / r ` i ♦f }7.lot 4c -f : , �� .. i .' 1G`Ir Y777 •r I?)��y' r{ F S' I < 'V� ( .�/+ ;flit v S. t • .. �( . . rol,• �j _r ;y - ]J'� • :pt. �� , k S 1 �1 r. = . i t I .j,F : , 1A ., , •ta ,'h' Ai )4� ,y..l, . ki r. . . -7S@. .i 14: �_ i��.l .. � '1�_�~.._ a "l !' • , Prepared by: Savage and Savage, Inc. 4610 Haystack Drive Windsor, Colorado 80550 970.674.8080 February 2011 • PU3Ok.) C. RQV i 6rw Q , '. Pui , PL .31 °) III3J / ► � 2011 -0632 3 6 . Savage and Savage Environmental practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970 674 8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970 674 8088 facsimile savageandsavagec earthlink.net 1 February 28, 2011 Weld County Clerk and Recorder 1402 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Phase III Bond Release Application for the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine(CDRMS file C-1981-028, bond release application SL06) Dear Weld County Clerk: • Please retain the enclosed bond release application for the Keenesburg Mine on file for public review in accordance with your normal procedures. If you have any questions, please contact me at the above number. Thank you. Sincerely, ii#A1044 .44re Michael S. Savage Principal CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED# 7007 0220 0000 6632 8753 Enclosure: Keenesburg Mine Phase III Final bond release application(SL06) cc w/out enclosure: Rob Zuber, CDRMS Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970 674 8080 telephone f rip+' Windsor,Colorado 80550 970 674 8088 facsimile ' �'f savageandsavage@earthlink.net ? n ;T February 28, 2011 Mr. Robert Zuber, Environmental Protection Specialist Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, Colorado 80203 Re: Application for Phase III Bond Release, Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Rob: Attached is the Phase III bond and liability release application for the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) north of Keenesburg in Weld • County, Colorado. This application seeks release for successful final reclamation at Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 19 within the mine site under CRS 34-33-125(9)(c) and Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). Copies of the required notifications, application information, certification, and public notice are attached for review. If any additional materials are required, or if there are any questions regarding the information presented, please contact me or Don MacDonald at Coors Energy. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage Principal enclosure: Keenesburg Mine Phase III bond release application (SL06) C: Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company Weld County Clerk and Recorder Town of Keenesburg • 2 DL • O z 0 i 7- U_ J Q N 2 DZ o U LU (n Q COORS ENERGY COMPANY • KEENESBURG MINE CDRMS FILE C-1981-028 PHASE III BOND RELEASE APPLICATION (SL06) Date of Request: February 28, 2011 Permittee: Coors Energy Company Permit Number: C-1981-028 Permit Approval Date: November 3, 1981 Mine Name: Keenesburg Mine Bond Release Phase Requested: Phase III Acreage: Current Permit Area: 610.86 acres Maximum Area Disturbed: +437.69 acres Area Sought for Release: + 42.29 acres Bonding Company: Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America • Bond Number: 103799990 Proposed Bond Amount (after release): $ 1,937,676.00 Original Bond Amount: $9,077,000.00 (November 10, 1983 permit issuance) Anolicable Bond Amount (for bond release calculation purposes): $4,402,022.00 Current Bond Amount: $ 2,001,475.00 (after SL05 bond release approval) Bond Amount Requested for Release: $63,799.00 The amount requested for release is based on the methodology employed by the Division during the SL-03 bond release process. In that bond release for the Keenesburg Mine, the Division first established the applicable original reclamation bond amount. Then, the allowable amount of bond that could be released under the regulations was calculated. Third, the acreage for which bond release was being sought was determined, and the percentage of the bond release area was calculated relative to the permit area. The percentage of bond release area was multiplied by the reclamation bond amount eligible for release to obtain the calculated bond release amount. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10, 15, 16,19 In this Phase III bond release, the original applicable bond amount determined by the Division was $4,402,022.00. The percentage of reclamation bond retained between the • approved Phase II bond release and Phase III bond release is 15 percent of the total reclamation bond. Multiplying the applicable reclamation bond amount by 15 percent yields the total bond amount eligible for release for the permit area for all Phase III bond release actions, or $660,303.30. The acreage proposed for Phase III bond release under this application is 42.29 acres. The permitted acreage is 610.86 acres, and the total acreage disturbed over the life of the mine is 437.69 acres. From this point in our calculation, we propose to use the actual area disturbed (437.69 acres) rather than the permit area (as the Division did in SL03) for the reason that there was, and is, no reclamation liability for areas within the permit area that have not been disturbed, therefore the reclamation bond does not apply to those undisturbed areas, and undisturbed areas should not be used in any bond release calculations. The percentage of area requested for Phase III bond release in this application is 9.66 percent (42.29 acres/ 437.69 acres). This percentage, multiplied by the reclamation bond amount eligible for Phase III bond release amounts to $63,799.00 ($660,303.30 x 0.09662). Therefore, the reclamation bond amount requested for release in this Phase III application is $63,799.00. Legal Description of the Area Requested for Bond Release: The Phase III bond release application requests release of bond and liability for successfully completing all required reclamation tasks at Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site, located in portions of Sections 25 and 36, T3N, R64W, Sixth Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. This area comprises approximately 42.29 acres. • Map: The enclosed map titled, Coors Energy Company Vegetation/Re-Vegetation Map identifies the areas requested for Phase III final bond and liability release. Dates of Reclamation Work: Reclamation work was undertaken in the areas requested for release between 1998 and 2000 by Coors Energy Company. Description of Bond Release Amount Request: This bond release request seeks final bond and liability release at Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 totaling approximately 42.29 acres in size. The areas reclaimed have been demonstrated to meet the requirements for erosion control (CDRMS Bond Release SL05 (2010)), and meet the final bond release vegetation standard for cover, total herbaceous production, and species composition (enclosed vegetation studies for 2009 and 2010). The areas requested for release are in conformance with the approved post-mining land use which has been implemented. Remaining reclamation obligations at the mine site include the final reclamation of the remaining area of the "B" Pit, the long term spoil area, topsand piles A-1, A-3, and B-1, the facilities area, and additional miscellaneous ancillary areas. Protection of the Hydrologic Balance: Annual Hydrologic Reports have been submitted annually for the mine and the information within the AHR's has demonstrated the continued protection of the hydrologic balance at the mine site and off-site. Self- monitoring of the sediment control system has been continual, and where regular • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10, 15, 16,19 inspections have revealed concerns with protection of the hydrologic balance, protection measures have been implemented and maintained. • Notice to Parties Identified in Rule 3.03.2(1): Please see attached copies of letters and certified receipts sent to specified parties. A copy of the letter to the Weld County Clerk and Recorder and the Town of Keenesburg, requesting retention of a public copy of the bond release application are enclosed in this section. Newspaper Advertisement: A copy of the newspaper advertisement to be published in the Fort Lupton Press is attached. A copy of the proof of publication will be forwarded for inclusion when received. Achievement of Revegetation Success The reports, 2009 Quantitative Vegetation Study, Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19, Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine, Keenesburg, Colorado, and 2010 Quantitative Vegetation Study, Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19, Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine, Keenesburg, Colorado that document achievement of the applicable final revegetation bond release criteria are appended to this application. A summary of the applicable revegetation success criteria and sampled values for 2009 and 2010 for the Keenesburg Mine follows. • Vegetation Cover The revegetation success criterion for vegetation cover for the Keenesburg Mine is a predictive equation based on cumulative precipitation amounts during the period from September-July. The predictive equation for total vegetation cover is y=0.0173x3- a 8592x2+14.562x-47.015, where x is the cumulative amount of precipitation and y is the total percentage of live vegetation cover. The vegetation cover success criterion value for 2009 was calculated to be 35.69% total vegetation cover (based on 13.71"precipitation value). Total Vegetation Cover(2009) 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 60.96 % S 7.41 N 46 Nmin 3 • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 3 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15, 16,19 The vegetation cover success criterion value for 2010 was calculated to be 36.28 % total vegetation cover (based on 14.65"precipitation value). aTotal Vegetation Cover(2010) 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 51.91 % S 5.33 N 46 Nmin 2 Total Herbaceous Production The revegetation success criterion for total herbaceous production for the Keenesburg Mine is a predictive equation based on cumulative precipitation amounts during the period from September-July. The predictive equation for total herbaceous production is y=0.3749x2 zaes where x is the cumulative amount of precipitation and y is the total herbaceous production (in g/m2). The total herbaceous production success criterion value for 2009 was calculated to be 135.07 g/m2 (based on 13.71"precipitation value). Total Herbaceous Production (2009) 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 261.13 g/m2 S 56.60 N 61 Nmin 8 The total herbaceous production success criterion value for 2010 was calculated to be 156.78 g/m2 (based on 14.65" precipitation value). Total Herbaceous Production (2010) 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 175.20 S 49.63 N 81 Nmin 13 • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 4 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,19 Species Composition • The species composition success criterion requires that there be at least four perennial species, of which three are warm season grasses and one a cool season grass. No one component of the above four species should comprise greater than 40% relative importance nor less than 3% relative importance. Relative importance will be measured by calculating relative cover of the revegetation species. Vegetation species which may be used in the calculation of species composition may be any plant species not defined as a noxious or prohibited plant species, and may be native or introduced. Species Composition (2009) Success 1998/1999/2000 Rec.Areas Standard Total Perennial 4 6 Species* Warm Season 3 4 Grasses* Cool Season 1 Grasses* Relative Importance All Species All Species (3%<x<40%) Species Composition (2010) . Success 1998/1999/2000 Rec.Areas Standard Total Perennial 4 5 Species* Warm Season 3 4 Grasses* Cool Season 1 Grasses* Relative Importance All Species All Species (3%<x<40%) * Numbers reflect only those species meeting the relative importance percentage limitation From the summary information above, the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final revegetation success criteria values for total vegetation cover, total herbaceous production, and species composition in 2009 and 2010, thereby demonstrating that the permittee has established a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety as the original vegetation. The revegetated area is capable of self-regeneration and plant succession. The data shows development of a stable, self- sustaining vegetation community, with seasonality and diversity sufficient to demonstrate successful reestablishment of vegetation on the reclaimed area. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 5 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16, 19 In the Legislative History for the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (Public Law 95-87, the enabling and controlling legislation for the Colorado Surface Coal Mining • Reclamation Act), Congress described the elements and necessity of revegetation(page 106); "Revegetation of mined areas is an essential aspect of the reclamation process since it assures: 1) The surface stability and erosion control of the regraded areas; 2) appropriate water retention desirable on the mine site; 3) the long range productivity of the land; 4) the diversity of species capable of sustaining pre-mining land uses, and 5) aesthetic value. " From this legislative statement of intent were developed the regulatory criteria for revegetation success at coal mining sites; vegetation cover, vegetation production, species diversity (composition), and woody plant density. Vegetation cover was selected by plant scientists and regulators as the indicator of success to fulfill requirements I) and 2) expressed in the legislative intent. Vegetation cover is a measure of the cover intercepted by a raindrop falling to earth and therefore, a direct measure of the potential for erosion on a given landscape surface (SCS Agronomy Note #50, Barfield, Warner and Hahn, 1981). The singular most important purpose of measuring vegetation cover during reclamation of disturbed lands is to evaluate the potential for erosion, all vegetation should be considered in any evaluation of revegetation success. As erosion and sedimentologists note, the significance in vegetation cover is related to a) the density of the vegetation, and b) the structure or character (physiogmomy) of the vegetation; with dense grass vegetation being more effective than shrubs, being more effective than trees, and so on. • For the above reasons, when collecting vegetation data for evaluation of revegetation success, all live vegetation is sampled and considered (dead vegetation or litter is given consideration in any sedimentology evaluation). There is no distinction made as to the utility (grass, shrub, tree, cactus, forb), value (edible or poisonous), origin (native or introduced), or classification (desirable or noxious) of the vegetation. Judgments on these characters are separately evaluated in the vegetation success criteria for productivity, species composition, and woody plant density. The applicant was presented with the introduction of an alternate view and another criterion that selectively removes plant species from consideration under the vegetation cover sampling analysis based on their value and/or origin (SL-05). It is our contention that this is a significant and unjustified modification of the legislative intent described above, and of the subsequently promulgated regulations. In the Division's Phase II Bond Release; Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance for the Keenesburg Strip Mine SL-05 (permit Number C-1981-028), it was stated in Section III Observations and Findings; "CEC reported in the 2009 vegetation sampling report that the overall vegetation cover for reclaimed areas seeded in 1998, 1999, and 2000 (reclamation areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 19) was 60.96% live vegetation cover. However, per Rule 4.15.1(2) and the Division's 1995 Bond Release Guidelines, noxious weed species cannot contribute to reclamation success. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 6 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16, 19 Table 2 in CEC's revegetation report shows that Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) contributed 8.3% to the live vegetation cover (LVC) on this Bond Release Block (BRB), and this amount must be removed from the value of 60.98%for a sub- total of 52.66%LVC. Furthermore, in measuring reclamation success the allowable cover contribution of annual and biennial species should not exceed 10 percent (based on Division policy and the Division's 1995 guidelines). Of the 36 plant species sampled on the 1998/1999/2000 BRB, 14 species were determined to be annual or biennial. The 14 species contributed 13.19% of the total cover and 28.67% of the relative cover (from Table 2). To limit the relative cover of annual and biennial species to exactly 10 percent, a portion of these species were removed from a revised Table 2, and the resulting LVC is 44.07%. " The assertion by the Division that neither "noxious" species nor annual or biennial forbs should contribute to the total vegetation cover of reclaimed areas when evaluating revegetation success is a concern. The permittee is bound by the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act, and Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining, as well as the permit document for the Keenesburg Mine relative to the requirements for judging revegetation success. These documents do not stipulate that a permittee must remove "noxious" species or annual or biennial forbs from consideration in • judging revegetation success. It is the permittee's position that it has met the permit, regulatory, and statutory requirements for Phase III bond release for the areas described in this application. Absent a clarification or ruling by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board, the application of Division's 1995 guidelines in judging the success of revegetation for bond release should be considered contrary to Rule 1.15.4(1) and 1.15.4(2). Literature Cited Barfield, Billy, J., R.C. Warner, C.T. Hahn. 1981. Applied Hydrology and Sedimentology for Disturbed Areas. Department of Agricultural Engineering, Stillwater, OK. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service. 1982. Agronomy Note# 50. Universal Soil Loss Equation. i Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 7 Phase III Bond Release: Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10, 15, 16, 19 W U z • J D.. 2 O U I.L. a Z in 2 111 t- < 1- (S) 0 W N Q 0 Z NOTARIZED STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 0 In accordance in Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Rule 3.03.2(e), I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, all applicable reclamation activities for which Phase III bond release is being sought at the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS Permit # C-1981-028, Bond Release Application SL-06) have been accomplished in accordance with the requirements of the Act (CRS 34-33-101 et seq), the applicable rules pursuant to the Act and the approved reclamation program as detailed and approved in the mining and reclamation permit,C-1981428. aiSiSig Date Oa-a.I-a,\\ Donald W. MacDonald Coon Energy Company (ak • State of Colorado Subsc,ribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me at LIDUINA A. ARMIJO „f din (city), NOTARY PUBLIC STATE OF COLORADO by DD Ai At-0kJ . AAA<&INALh (signer's name) on ^,? a I - (( (date). SEAL Sit - N tary Public's Signature My Commission Expires: ( -5 - /a- l • O Z • 1L }- 0 U U m m Q... Savage and Savage Environmental4111 k: n practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970 674 8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970 674 8088 facsimile 4.'14e savageandsavagepearthlink.net w t' q February 28, 2011 Town of Keenesburg P.O. Box 312 Keenesburg, CO 80643 Re: Phase III Bond Release Application for the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028, bond release application SL06) Dear Sir or Madam: Please retain the enclosed bond release application for the Keenesburg Mine on file for public review in accordance with your normal procedures. If you have any questions, please contact me at the above number. Thank you. Sincerely, in er stisesor--- Michael S. Savage Principal HAND DELIVERED Enclosure: Keenesburg Mine Phase III Final bond release application (SL06) cc w/out enclosure: Rob Zuber, CDRMS Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company S Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues ).r. 4610 Haystack Drive 970 674 8080 telephone / I Windsor,Colorado 80550 970 674 8088 facsimile ' savageandsavage®earthlink.net 44- .• February 28, 2011 Weld County Clerk and Recorder 1402 N. 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Phase III Bond Release Application for the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028, bond release application SL06) Dear Weld County Clerk: Please retain the enclosed bond release application for the Keenesburg Mine on file for • public review in accordance with your normal procedures. If you have any questions, please contact me at the above number. Thank you. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage Principal CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED It 7007 0220 0000 6632 8753 Enclosure: Keenesburg Mine Phase III Final bond release application(SL06) cc w/out enclosure: Rob Zuber, CDRMS Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • W U 1 • U_ m LU • • 0 W Z • PUBLIC NOTICE Coors Energy Company, P.O. Box 467, Golden, Colorado 80402 (telephone (303) 927- 3648) has filed an application for a Phase III bond release for final reclamation work completed at the Keenesburg Mine with the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (permit C-1981-028, approved November 3, 1981). The Phase III bond release application requests release of bond and liability for successfully completing all required reclamation tasks at Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site. Final reclamation (revegetation and any amendment application) at these areas took place in 1998, 1999, and 2000. The reclamation at these areas has resulted in meeting or exceeding all final revegetation success criteria in accordance with the approved reclamation permit and applicable statute and regulations within the required liability period. Final bond release is sought for approximately 42.29 acres at the site. The current bond is a corporate surety. The current CDRMS calculated bond amount prior to the proposed release is $2,001,475.00, and the amount requested for release is $63,799.00. The legal description of the permit area is: a tract of land located within Sections 25 and 36, Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The surface owner of the property for which bond release in being requested is Coors Energy Company. The U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute quadrangles titled "Klug Ranch" and "Tampa" contain the permit area of the mine. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. A copy of the bond release request application is available for public review at the Weld County Clerk and • Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, the Keenesburg Town Hall, and at the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman St., Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, phone (303) 866-3567. In accordance with Rule 3.03.2(3) any person with a valid legal interest which might be adversely affected by release of the bond, or any federal, state, or local governmental agency with jurisdiction over regulated activities at the mine shall have the right to file written objections to or comments upon the requested release and/or file a request for an informal conference with the Division within thirty (30) days of the last publication of this notice, or within thirty (30) days of the completed bond release inspection to be conducted by the Division, whichever is later. All comments, objections, and requests must be submitted in writing to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety at the above address. Published in the Fort Lupton Press, , 2011. • N in • DZ Q a. n w 1- 0 in a. iL Q O 1- (S) w U H 0 z m- . ._g m _ _ �.. R❑❑ m ≥ N or ri z c\I�- ❑ cot,... ,, C', a >. ❑I'm ❑ ..0 g • o / .-2 may; dpi L- �\ 1. ' Ed M Rg el, n p ❑❑❑ 6. �� " ad 4 o ,: N m qp ≥ p al p 0 p .g 0 . • i cc 2 .1 CICC D-. II m m a a m 8 2 m a 8 • E� c = ed : E$L o' E U'-L_ O 8.- T m • O m gtcsa ym� mt f/) ..so.2...64 -c, >0«Lm� 2 N N 9 ≥O2A2 N 2mm mm .Y. C) I T 5d ti <,i�9E« a U 0 a �3 IW- NDO E.L- 'b 033N I i . 0205v, m P co a 0m 0 = ,r. o 0 04N n Eam mmc i Ln LL E-5 E ¢ ▪ x M1 Ii ▪ m¢ m._ $ spa v i € caoj t¢ � ;5m CU � E 03 • aV TWLr EEc«ia �` X014 n E . EEctto▪ �_ a714 m E om- p �h �/ O omG 09 � I. b 0 II @ O Z UCLL mQ O V Qa 'xl � LL Z UCLL m< O < W W U N Y- co CI O. f/) • • • - NLo LL a I n 1/4A d� oLn In - >. '❑ 8 o f 0 N g t -13 U u7 • s r � s a i- 8 ul p@ ¢ al • rg sp _ • 9 n�( 0 �q .� : F' 1 E 0 1 Rl • . a W ¢ U Z O a S In im, _ 2 O R ' '≥ . r9 N 4 a � y 'a o yy 1 ..J a E L" 2 3 x a, ffi y ci m Ma IJ �r►:. $ R' C F ELI F J hL W ¢ t O• g 2 ¢ Q 0 a ci 8 o d K ai. d r$ ❑❑ ¢ ¢ CI gm E g M1 1 II S °$ QE m p• ,O p 8.0c«« m slit R.„ o po1xvi am t Up% aDo+ °~'or VU 0 • 0 Q2 tel 13 '11'm o. ] � jA N = v ≥$5'2 � E d O o Nag 0.c �m 0 ly -O m ,c {U{pp G 8 `8 00 t. 15—Oy UO I N N O_J� % ugly be _, 'in m m15 mmc-2.pp_ y1 _, !,000 ;) Crl m�Tim ��'c s cd Lu' OM1 m r T c `� n.C C ° 7 O r E E 8• g .5 0x0 x 2 "- 0 cc j3~ m b CO 3a °.ToL£ z' b c+7 m', 'o;�5 � ` . .k M p L_ U C ,gpy m 55 a E = d a G>L U c a C0 (J and r0nQ0 � ,-• W �. LL Ura NQO ¢ U Q-I Q a 2 LL • ■ ■ Q of R y ■ • • ci CO Na J N a 0d __ N _. -o $ ' v 4 r w m m` a o N N c m P- f ❑❑ m -❑❑ Do ❑❑ m ' ❑❑ I' O a FFzz _o m _ > g 6 -' d a cm b m a _0 W U , _ a C a g _� a S E d .n g • 2 ' a ¢ U .➢ E a 51 ¢ di ti E N 23 " ❑❑❑ • n fit" m �io �� l' o m '5 t.' ❑ ❑❑ .nI I a a .� � a � Ea fi � I n o" • m R B �p o O n �� m a`. �� `' �y o Cr • a 1 " ` enil:❑ o ; g y m Wit_ ffi co EWE' it o vi e M1 E cc U d l o — of d tt) . O g O > 0 p ¢ t r- u M1 ¢ v m a@ g N E m C 8 q r E a n 8 z m a ^� M1 E • 8 79 2 2°,E 0 • E ay2y' m 'o E 0 0 NDC«« • Ul � Q0p m� OL UO ....22-011.12 cu N .--I W Na O..•- y -0 N eE 0 o' ¢ mmao= �O =� vm2mAm '� G «t o • N oi2'm cmi� € E o ≥a.c n a N p a it w 2 mamma ""� O m _ O mmm`« a 0U >�� Z F �_mm«mm 0 pO w �� m.om iti d 81O -' a W �ac? mn oo m • EZEmm.� 8' a 0 OU m ?' mm@ 2 ca 8 n rmcmoQ 2 U a C' •A - , • ES No Nc 8' O O ii • m¢ my... 9 -1�+ N yO� gEr • :e `icy H.� �N 0U aE1- . m- o 3«.t as 'G O!1 g .g W V mK 3t m a• a� (h F" E e p� EEc« mo _u N m •M1 'G a c E = no az [tic m CO en > _m ' o m'c o z . Q `� le' CO o E Et- m o u C. Q Z U.a m¢ o @ LL o m"c oz .. r 0 M 0 a w fit. 2 U«a m¢ o < U .. Q at. LL (/J ■ • ■ of a o • II ■ w a• •m a $I o $ ' gm O fi DO 2 ❑ m 1 ❑❑ m\❑❑ g ❑ M1 • ... O p4 a N `o -, d a 4° Ci• O n -0 14 r0 FF E a rU / E a N • d «c u� O •➢ • E g a w ci .n y$ ti 2 _ • • ❑❑❑ Lb- C a _ - O W �c \ t m p Em - O " d .m - ≥ 2 ti C .A. N y 82 E = i ' a � v `w •• am ! 2 a O 9.... St RS Ci a f of 8 � (0 KIDD a c3 v d m d - ni e M1 E U d ai\ d - of 6 E o M1 o a o ¢ 0 M1 i o O n- yy m m di s m C m 174o m o • E C j 'p CUC Q O m d U O 6 U �i▪ a�°$ gU b �- CI 74 Q y e EY2 'Z E; .~. 3HN-2"a:2 00 •am@m11 $ V] •vN+� ry g N 'Om w mm M 0❑ OO o ti —0 W S c ≥ mta a N "O a ,..i0,2 ;-.5. N M1 W $ o• N m • cot m m � y LL N t mca O 1- E"« E me E'� Em�c U U ..E _ • "-•' 2 us e yI 0 0 EE r • rm2my2 .b O 2g r . m- 53P m ao q L1a § U m¢ � 3t m y N (Yl p • ▪ EEt o «S 0 y o EE��uo a bq u c w Ura. $¢ o P. v a.; x rd W Ura •°m¢ o ¢ Vii vii O.Cl dt U. ■ ■ • N a y ■ • • of o. r r g m — Co .? m O> m i `m .c o ID DO 3 00 O 43 i 0 0 .l] o U c t. m W V O n p O W 000 V :! - a m ono a C O 1 _..u- c 2 ≥ r D y ic ,z O ti 2 c.• 2 1.- �` 4, FT ri, j sin F @ 1 !+ �'m H � • m ea UT 2125 .2 0 u q y>�,. aw z t V cePitir.0 El i fL ru t o mg d X m d m - p ¢ d X m 6 t; d ¢ O P r Z r P. O ¢ r u m m am E m CO E m m A pE py > d N C) 0 d .d in O E C m 'o E ^ O E lj e ' E C m 0 0 m Ri U 2-g =2 ,0 . aN N H rat * y aq moYl Co virdp� tit S ' cri2] of, E N nt a gum« m m 0 ai ti m'v..- a O O °i09 E« °q � ,Z N ctiW am E£ ° a+ 00 O I W -'O C'O' O 6 .N W lE 00 l~tt 9 O li U �0u 2 • !Ti ar cL p m yd . O ,3 n •-yy� m EC« m E 4 .g 0 '$ • m E 2 ° ' U. g 1--I a' "' O m LL F `- m n g ) U LL v m¢ � m«Q a O OC.J E E r o▪ m¢ mVin.CC R �j >: .gE EE>« oo 0 �o CLO m c0 0-0r >,0=-tic m Z `g- P') too N E E E E o-o o .Y 6 in +2+ m && E 0 .-cot .,tia mQ ° a OO b q ¢ t LL W c4ra mQo $ a, � U- . • • NCO O. • • • N a _ _--_ -..n- _______ • _ a:11E; _ b m 351.-s:0.* P ` o - m 3 la S b ffiz a$ 5 V � i fm ffi ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑ ' 1:0 ❑ —❑❑ E ❑ rl "mN !r. . O . r 2 —tic opRti �cac �ppb ; YoRJFm .� i 7@Ed • F5v .n :\ , o u yak o .ice O h Y @ - o s I a m '� is S o o � � � 8 8 F -" r � ¢ � 8 roil am N " � 8 � < o . J � y 8r y{ �m ¢ _ fL TS rn § ... W m c ti 11`a en er Lot; 31, tiLOCI O r ¢ d X m d na, ci e E c� d X an d of d o E Ky� r rt m _m 2 co 1 G n > n '� $ n a 8 E. @ �'m o0 Z EV@zm 8E2EE o • 8- moE 02; 02 0 o $ m q o U -0c$« q ° s .� . ; m °PsE 00 Ma hQ€ q S t7t•E 0 . g „rot0 0113-o Zm m 'a I P r o t E q v g I °i O v E« m o .$ mi$ u°i 6 c UUoo a Frg g O-' $ a • CPO; ya m E� EcE« � 0 I ti m¢ ' tmea- o 3 .w .�' s: g m V• m¢ ' m o U O T Eogio oD ae >`E c m •t° p.; O > 4 a11.0. ?-2.1;f c < b yLI' _m • O ,�, y N Om C~pper O 4i E E 'E p� g t-S € U-a mdO - U Q �. W Z Ura giQ `O rat LL W N ■ • ■ N a vJ ■ • • ai 0- Z h _ _ _v . 4 _ v_ �. 9 _ ass. > z m $ m 2 ¢ ¢ zuJ _ 2 m i 4 DDDD o ❑ N o 00 11--- 00 o ❑ W . 1 U n 'a W d a c- ...... p � E 3 - M1 r m 2 CI = �� n %� j d Rl • �, 8 ¢ @ m t. a �' of aq m ❑❑❑ fi -13 3 a $ ffi 8.21• 2 8 x V s o u - c a r] I- L n ti@ 8 m 1- E @ $ RJ W @ `^ 2.t I- ID H ig $ in a U d• x m d ri d o E cc . d X • d of e o cc E E CI a r a o cc r m o U P- 8 Z > 'a 8 m n 8 • E e o tie 'o E' co2 E n Y 2' 6 0 v A-0 =,2� men y • v) °,,,-2.5 N W 3 0 v L_" 7 v, mzcg g 46 € a � «, � g mzox € on o 9 ≥a m� $ 3 '� N om CI) mo yyp� 0 _ Y m m`to O `er, b `° 5m�1' mo O y~j o =« O m nc F-icip c, o h N a a J`. n Ci V q 2 $ m v m J 2 g 2 m 2 N N U 1] EYEc�« mtCD x ll.) by m m000m '` 0oyy N O • n" a E" E �i = '._. en 'S .}� I n U Y¢ m y l0 n E C 8 a mg g w X P t$ zz Y;eo3«t - i E, sg OD U m¢ � 3tm a � � � g co oaa ,•5.. c m b ti O� N m m no- rm.v q z .k CO Z• EEa $ `o : Ec5 g N m w EEc«� o U U O N � o Z Ura $¢ `m aQ F" O �+ rd t. o V a a W t!i ■ ■ ■ y ■ ■ ■ mi a a. V-- m ---- - $ ' $ ----- ------ .7a 5�1z° r as o � i o �❑❑ ❑ ❑❑ o ❑❑ • a 0 Q N. N ti r o O tra a m o 5 r E $ • ¢1 r- `� $ � ¢ 2 1 § ciLf N _ cEd ti � d p m n�' O rL ru 12 it tb 4 v 'w 2 0 ¢ a I. o $ m $ m C nI p-p - 2• $ o y F -° co ¢ t g ❑ a rru ¢ o wart �n. '1 J ECU❑ a I d X m d >i a CI e d x ai dc ei • 6 , in 0 ¢ }" ri 2 `� t 1 ;p 8 Y g g .. Imo/ IVK� r e > a a g T & 8„28.m .o • ormo,E £ m N $a =,26 �+ oo,2154 C • nmpmm o� yy coo.,2154 yy CJ U U €€y p., y Oo d m l m D , $ 00 N a•V 2. a, la N m N O E U 7 N m m ' a 0 Q cg < mo 8 2 $ N J m 0, a rD[ /I is 1{^` 5 t G o u. E- Fmcp« '� l-� M 1i g So m Eil c (� t • fl 000 �. % 7Y1 t e m¢Ill 53.in m > • >•,' ° g mom = mg 'm U7 I ? aci o.� rm=1' no Tm= EEc«Vo '2 T'o W ^y z € EEc« n =o 5 € tiro 8a 15 ° � bH fit. LL O,.< u t .4-e fit: LL • • ■ , F "3 cad .-, CJ N a • • ■ — N a Savage and Savage Environmental • . • practical solutions for environmental issues `1 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile ��,A� savageandsavagepearthlink.net February 11, 2011 WJW Properties LLC 16350 Weld County Road 76 Eaton, CO 80615 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the • bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase Ill pond Release Notification February 2011 This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0001 6527 4555 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Paget Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone ' r, Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile a f 1,10 savageandsavagepearthlink.net 'r '. February 11, 2011 Waste Management Corporation c/Marvin F. Poer& Company P.O. Box 80226 Dallas, TX 75380-2206 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for . portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. S Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 . This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage . Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0001 6527 4562 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues liff4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone r5 ,,r. Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile , yn savageandsavagepearthlink.net f: k` ,' a. February 11, 2011 Mike Guttersen Guttersen Ranches LLC P.O. Box 528 Kersey, CO 80644 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Mr. Guttersen : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0001 6527 4579 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental2r4 • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone 1 f 111" Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile f. U•f savageandsavage0earthlink.net 61 P" ,< February 11, 2011 Frederick Heyde 8646 Cord Road Cord, AZ 72524 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine(CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Mr. Heyde : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8616 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental 7 .... • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone <`f r'i )'s' Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile I '� l". b savageandsavage@earthlink.net t` 1, February 11, 2011 Panenergy Field Services, Inc. c/o Panhandle Eastern Corporation P.O. Box 1642 Houston, TX 77251-1642 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8623 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental r r • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674 8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile 1 savageandsavage@earthlink.net ''S • . :E'' r, fll�' February 11, 2011 District Conservationist Natural Resource Conservation Service 57 W. Bromley Lane Brighton, CO 80601 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear District Conservationist : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely,r hyAr Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8630 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues 'ref ir 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone rl I"ty Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile Ike F1 r savageandsavage@earthlink.net } I t' ,e aS` February 11, 2011 SW Weld Conservation District 57 W. Bromley Lane Brighton, CO 80601 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase Ill Dond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8647 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Dond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues a 'IC' 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephonek Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile savageandsavage@earthlink.net °. t• February 11, 2011 State Board of Land Commissioners 1313 Sherman, Room 620 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine(CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the • bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8654 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 201 1 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues r 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674 8080 telephone r i Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile d savageandsavagepearthlink.net ra t lj, I., February 11, 2011 Colorado Division of Wildlife Department of Natural Resources 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear CDOW : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8661 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile , , 14 savageandsavage@earthlink.net yt`; '''1. February 11, 2011 Tania Watson Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246-1530 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Ms. Watson : • Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8692 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental k:_a • practical solutions for environmental issues ' 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone rir�f. k Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile t �. in n, savageandsavagepearthlink.net • •F Y February 11, 2011 Weld County Commissioners 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear County Commissioners : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the • bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, AttAtbe%err---- Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8708 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 ` Qa a. Savage and Savage Environmental • practical solutions for environmental issues a 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone 7?.1;ii 'i\' Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.5058 facsimile • l+ r i b r savageandsavage@earthlink.net u February 11, 2011 Weld County Planning Department 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Weld County Planning Department : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. S Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8715 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental rn : k • practical solutions for environmental issues yMa 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone l• , Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile � f savageandsavagepearthlink.net k ':,.ew .P' t• 00t f! �.._. February 11, 2011 Central Colorado Water Conservancy District 3209 W. 28th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the • bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Pagel Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8722 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental PT, • practical solutions for environmental 1551165 'IrIff 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone r`S ',V � Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile 4;1.- savageandsavage@earthlink.net ,L February 11, 2011 Troy Swain Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Mr. Swain : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety • permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage 4111 Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8739 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Savage and Savage Environmental . • practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone l'1"R` s Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile kt , savageandsavage@earthlink.net w 't. February 11, 2011 Town of Keenesburg P.O. Box 312 Keenesburg, CO 80643 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine(CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Sir or Madam : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the • bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 • This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17`h Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Aisissife Michael S. Savage • Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8746 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase Ill bond Release Notification February 2011 N in • m tf) Z O H H w ow w oz 2009 Quantitative Vegetation Study Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 . Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Keenesburg, Colorado t. y/ z ', • F, 4F - I r , ( : Prepared by: Savage and Savage,Inc. 4610 Haystack Drive Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8080 December 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS • Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4. 2.0 METHODS 5. 2.1 Sampling Design 5. 2.2 Field Sampling 6. 2.2.1 Timing 6. 2.2.2 Vegetation Cover 6. 2.2.3 Herbaceous Production 7. 2.2.4 Species Composition 7. 2.3 Sample Numbers/Sample Adequacy 7. 2.4 Statistical Analysis 7. 2.5 Species Identification and Verification 8. 3.0 RESULTS 8. 3.1 Quantitative Evaluation: Reclamation Areas 8. 3.1.1 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas 8. 3.1.1.1 Vegetation Cover 9. 3.1.1.2 Herbaceous Production 9. 3.1.1.3 Species Composition 9. • 3.2 Comparison of Reclamation Areas with Final Revegetation Success 10. Criteria 4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 11. 4.1 Vegetation Cover 12. 4.2 Herbaceous Production l2. 4.3 Species Composition 12. 5.0 SUMMARY 12. 6.0 LITERATURE CITED 13. 7.0 TABLES 14. 8.0 APPENDIX 19. Page ii LIST OF TABLES • Page 2009 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine 1998, 1999, and 2000 1' 15. Reclamation Areas 2. Vegetation Cover: 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas (2009) 17. 3. Herbaceous Production: 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas (2009) 18. APPENDIX Page Coors Energy Company Vegetation/Revegetation Map Appendix • • Page iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • As required by Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) regulations, coal mining operations must demonstrate that the vegetation established on reclaimed areas of coal mines support the approved post-mining land use and meet the approved success standard for vegetation cover prior to bond release. Quantitative vegetation sampling of 1998, 1999, and 2000 revegetation areas was conducted in August 2009. Vegetation cover, total herbaceous production, and species composition were sampled. Comparisons were made between total vegetation cover and total herbaceous production means from the reclamation areas and predicted values calculated from the approved equations based on on- site precipitation from September 2008 to July 2009. The sampled reclamation areas exceeded the predicted value of 35.69 percent total vegetation cover in this years sampling. The sampled reclamation areas also exceeded the predicted total herbaceous production criterion of 135.07 grams/square meter. Species composition of the reclamation areas was also evaluated from a final success criterion perspective. Results from this year's vegetation sampling at the Keenesburg Mine revealed that the vegetation of the reclaimed areas exceeded the final species composition revegetation success for the mine. Further, the state of development of vegetation in these areas at the mine shows that the permittee has established a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety as the original vegetation, meeting the final success criterion for species composition. 1.0 INTRODUCTION • Information in this report addresses the vegetative condition of selected reclaimed areas eligible for bond release at the mine. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (CDRMS) requires quantitative vegetation sampling and reporting as a demonstration of successful revegetation establishment prior to bond release. Quantitative information in this report addresses the vegetative condition of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas at the mine. Vegetation sampling was performed in compliance with Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board Surface Coal Mining Rules 2.04.10 and 4.15 and current botanical and plant ecological methods. Field sampling was conducted between August 6 and 15, 2009 by Michael and Edith Savage of Savage and Savage, Inc. The Keenesburg Mine is located in Weld County, Colorado, approximately seven (7) miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. Coors Energy Company operated the Keenesburg Mine for coal extraction from 1980 to 1988. Reclaimed areas sampled in 2009 were backfilled, graded, topsoiled and revegetated in accordance with the approved mining and reclamation plan. The revegetation standards used to evaluate these areas are those currently in effect under the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act (CRS 34-33-101 et seq) and the Keenesburg Mining and Reclamation Permit (C-1981-028). • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 4 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 2.0 METHODS • 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN Discussions with revegetation specialists at CDRMS in February 2007 and April 2009 formalized the sampling design for vegetation sampling at the Keenesburg Mine. Areas revegetated in 1998, 1999, and 2000 would be treated as one sampling unit as parcels within the revegetation areas and revegetation years were contiguous (or nearly so) and received the same seed mixes and reclamation management. Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, and applicable revegetation standards. A map of the mine site at 1:2400 scale (1"=200') was used to delineate the revegetated areas (Coors Site Plan; Vegetation Sampling Locations). On a gridded overlay of the revegetation map, a Cartesian coordinate grid (50x50 feet) was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y coordinates. The acreage of each revegetated area was established. Random sample locations were established for each revegetated area. Within each year's revegetation parcels, sufficient samples were established to represent each area by proportional acreage. The following table identifies the location of each parcel quantitatively sampled, the acreage, and the number of cover and herbaceous production samples taken. • Cover/Herb. Prod. 2009 2009 Location (minimum# #of Cover #of Herb.Prod. of samples) samples taken samples taken 1998, 1999,and 2000 Reclamation Areas Area 2(1.95 ac.) 2 2 3 Area 7(1.60 ac.) 1 1 2 Area 10(9.69 ac.) 9 9 12 Area 15 (2.73 ac.) 3 3 3 Area 16(1.67 ac.) 1 1 1 Area 5 (2.63 ac.) 2 2 2 Area 9(14.73 ac.) 13 13 18 Area 6(4.06 ac.) 8 8 11 Area 19(3.23 ac.) 7 7 9 Total Samples 46 46 I 61 Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known landmarks. Figure 1 illustrates the location of the reclaimed areas and sample point locations within each area sampled. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 5 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15, 16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 2.2 FIELD SAMPLING • 2.2.1 Timing Field investigation was undertaken during the period August 6-15, 2009. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum development of the majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas at the mine site to be evaluated. Cumulative precipitation for the September-December 2008 period was 2.49 inches, 27.3 percent below the average for those months (3.01 inches). Overall total precipitation for 2009 from January through July was 11.22 inches, reflecting an amount 41.6 percent above average precipitation for that time period. April, June, and July 2009 precipitation amounts were significantly above the averages recorded for the mine site, resulting in above average moisture conditions during the 2009 growing season. At the Keenesburg Mine, precipitation relevant to the growing season occurs from September to the following July. Total cumulative precipitation for the period from September 2008- July 2009 was 13.71 inches, the fifth highest value since 1993. Compared to the corresponding averages, this represents a 23.5 percent above the average September-July precipitation amount. 2.2.2 Vegetation Cover • Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular point frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of reference or revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used to calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also provided the basis for calculation of species composition and relative importance. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 6 Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 2.2.3 Herbaceous Production • Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover transect. Additional production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were 0.50 square meters in area. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant biomass was clipped within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Production material was air dried until weights varied by no more than 0.1g. 2.2.4 Species Composition Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance of each encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation success criterion. The tables presenting data summaries for total vegetation cover for each area sampled also contain the relative cover by species, and a column depicting the numerical ranking of each species by relative cover within the area. 2.3 SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY For the purposes of this study, total vegetation cover and total herbaceous production sampling were undertaken to sample adequacy for each sampling unit with a minimum of fifteen (15) samples. Parameter testing occurred at the one-sided 90% confidence level. Comparisons between sample mean parameter values and the revegetation success standard • assume that the sample mean value accurately represents the population mean in all cases. The following formula was used for sample adequacy calculations: (02 (s)2 nmin = (d Xbar)2 where: nmin=minimum sample size s=sample standard deviation t=the Student's t distribution value at the 90% level (one-sided) d=percent acceptable deviation from the mean (10%) Xbar= sample mean 2.4 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical analysis for the revegetation success criterion of total vegetation cover is required if the value of the sample mean from the reclaimed area is less than 90 percent of the value of the final revegetation success criteria for total vegetation cover or total herbaceous production. Sampling revealed that the mean total vegetation cover for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 • reclamation area sampling units was greater than that of the final revegetation cover success standard value, therefore no statistical analysis was required. Similarly, total herbaceous Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 7 Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) production means for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation area sampling units significantly exceeded the final herbaceous production criterion value, therefore no statistical analysis was • necessary. 2.5 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION Species identification was accomplished in the field through the use of plant identification keys (Harrington, 1954, Weber, 1990; Whitson, 1987; Zimdahl, 1990, Stubbendieck, et al, 1995). In cases where plant identification was inconclusive in the field, voucher specimens were pressed for lab identification. 3.0 RESULTS 3.1 QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION: RECLAMATION AREAS 3.1.1 1998, 1999, and 2000 RECLAMATION AREAS The 1998 reclamation areas sampled this year encompass 17.64 acres of reclamation in five areas within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas include Area 2, an area immediately west of the dugout, Areas 7 and 10, two areas south and east of the central reclaimed mining area, and Areas 15 and 16, located north and west of the former A pit and bordered on the west and south by undisturbed range. Vegetation cover transects and • herbaceous production quadrats were distributed within the five areas based on size. The 1998 reclamation areas range from flat (Areas 2, 7) to north and south facing (Areas 15, 16, and 10, respectively). Reseeding or interseeding with the permanent seed mix took place during the autumn of 1998 within these areas with the goal of increasing perennial graminoid representation. The 1999 reclamation areas encompass a total of 17.36 acres of reclamation in two distinct parcels within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas are found on the south and east sides of the mine; Area 5, a 2.63 acre parcel south of the topsand piles, and Area 9, 14.73 acres of the former A Pit. Area 5 is nearly flat with a gentle slope (<1°)to the north and east. Area 9 slopes slightly to the north. Reclamation and coincident revegetation within these areas took place in 1999. Replaced soils were sandy in texture. The 2000 reclamation areas sampled this year encompass 7.29 acres of reclamation in two distinct parcels within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas include Area 6, a former haul road along the southeast boundary of the mining area and Area 19, another former haul road in the center of the reclaimed mining area. Vegetation cover transects and herbaceous production quadrats were distributed within the two areas based on size. The 2000 reclamation areas range from flat to gently sloping (<1 to 2°). Interseeding with the permanent seed mix took place in 2003 within these areas with the goal of increasing perennial graminoid representation. • Specific sampling information for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas is contained in Tables 1, 2, and 3. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 8 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15, 16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 3.1.1.1 Vegetation Cover • Total vegetation cover of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas was 60.96 percent. Graminoids provided 41.30 percent mean cover (70.43% relative cover) and forbs accounted for 19.30 percent mean cover (28.77% relative cover). Succulents contributed 0.09 percent total cover (0.12% relative cover), while shrubs provided 0.26 percent vegetation cover (0.67% relative cover). The lowest total vegetation cover of the parcels sampled was found in Area 2 (42%) and the highest cover (82%) was found in Area 9. Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed) was encountered in all cover transects. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) was encountered in 89 percent of the transects, Ambrosia psilostachya (ragweeed) in 76 percent of the transects, and Helianthus annuus (annual sunflower) in 67 percent of transects. Calamovilfa longifolia, a warm season native perennial prairie grass was the dominant plant species with total mean vegetation cover of 18.35 percent and 31.17 percent relative cover in the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Eight additional species contributed significantly to vegetation cover (greater than 3% relative cover); the cool season introduced annual grass Bromus tectorum with 8.30 percent mean cover and 11.84 percent relative cover, the native cool season perennial forb Ambrosia psilostachya contributed 5.26 percent mean cover (8.04% relative cover), the annual warm season native forb Helianthus annuus accounted for 5.04 percent total mean vegetation cover (7.48% relative cover), the warm season native perennial grass Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) provided 3.30 percent total mean vegetation cover and 7.12 percent relative cover, cool season native graminoid Agropyron smithii (western wheatgrass) accounted for 3.87 percent mean cover (6.56% relative cover), Kochia scoparia (kochia), the introduced annual forb, contributed 3.43 percent total cover (4.91% • relative cover), the warm season perennial native Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) provided 2.30 percent mean total cover (4.29% relative cover), and the warm season perennial native range grass Andropogon hallii (sand bluestem) accounted for 2.13 percent mean cover (4.05%relative cover). Vegetative litter (prior years growth, dead wood, and other biologic organic material) comprised 25.17 percent ground cover overall within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Bare soil comprised 13.87 percent of the ground cover. No rock was encountered during the cover sampling in the reclamation areas. Cryptogams provided 0.04 percent ground cover. 3.1.1.2 Herbaceous Production Mean total herbaceous production within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas in 2009 was 261.13 g/m2 (2328 lb/ac). 3.1.1.3 Species Composition Cover sampling identified four lifeforms and thirty-six species within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. The lifeforms included sixteen species of perennial grass, two annual grass species, four perennial forbs, one biennial forb, eleven annual forbs, one • succulent, and one shrub. Of the species encountered during cover sampling, twenty-six were native and ten were introduced. Perennial species outnumbered annual species by twenty-two Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 9 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) to thirteen, with one biennial. Both warm and cool season species contributed to the seasonality of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Warm season graminoids • outnumbered cool season graminoids by ten to eight. Cool season forbs prevailed by thirteen to three. The succulent was evergreen and the shrub was deciduous. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had nine species contributing greater than three percent relative cover this year. The species contributing greater than three percent relative cover included four warm season perennial grasses, one cool season perennial grass, one annual grass, one perennial forb, and two annual forbs. These species included Calamovilfa longifolia (31.17 percent relative cover), Bromus tectorum (11.84 %),Ambrosia psilostachya (8.04%), Helianthus annuus (7.48% relative cover), Panicum virgatum (7.12%), Agropyron smithii (6.56%), Kochia scoparia (4.91%), Bouteloua gracilis (4.29%), and Andropogon halld(4.05%). 3.2 COMPARISON OF RECLAMATION AREAS WITH FINAL REVEGETATION SUCCESS CRITERIA Comparison of the reclaimed area values for vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and species composition with the final revegetation success criteria, indicates whether revegetation has been successful, or whether additional measures need to be initiated to enhance vegetation community development. The tables below allow the comparison of the parameter values with the standard to be achieved, either from the predictive equations in the case of total vegetation cover (y=0.0173x3-0.8592x2+14.562x-47.015) and total herbaceous production 0 3749x2.248s • (3'= . ), or the established standard for species composition. Total Vegetation Cover(2009) The predictive equation value for total vegetation cover for 2009 (based on 13.71" precipitation value): 35.69% Parameter Value 1998/1999/2000 Rec.Areas Xbar 60.96% S 7.41 N 46 Nmin 3 Based on the results of the 2009 quantitative sampling, the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the predicted total cover vegetation value of 35.69 percent, meeting the final revegetation success criterion for total vegetation cover. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1O Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) Total Herbaceous Production (2009) • The predictive equation value for total herbaceous production for 2009 (based on 13.71" precipitation value): 135.07 g/m2 Parameter Value 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 261.13 S 56.60 N 61 Nmin 8 With regard to total herbaceous production, the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the predicted value for total herbaceous production, thereby meeting the final revegetation success criterion. Species Composition (2009) Success 1998/1999/2000 Standard Rec. Areas Qualifying Species Total Perennial Andropogon hallii, Bouteloua gracilis, Species* 4 6 Calamovilfa longifolia, Panicum virgatum, (>3% rel. cover) Agropyron smithii, Ambrosia psilostachya • Warm Season Grasses* 3 4 Andropogon hallii, Bouteloua gracilis, Calamovilfa longfolia, Panicum virgatum Cool Season 1 1 Agropyron smithii Grasses* Relative Importance (3%<x<40%) All Species All Species All Species * Numbers reflect only those species meeting the relative importance percentage limitation The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas satisfied the final species composition revegetation criteria. 4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Vegetation cover, herbaceous productivity, and species composition within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas were monitored from 1998 to 2007. The 1998 Reclamation Areas (Areas 2, 7, 10, 15, and 16) were released from Phase I liability requirements with approval of Surety Release 1 by CDRMS on August 11, 1998. Areas 5 and 9 (1999 Reclamation Areas), and Areas 6 and 19 (2000 Reclamation Areas) were • released from Phase I liability by CDRMS with approval of Surety Release 2, on October 18, 2005. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 11 Areas 2,5,6,7,9, 10, 15, 16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 4.1 VEGETATION COVER • The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final revegetation success criterion value (35.69%) for total vegetation cover. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had a mean total vegetation cover of 60.96 percent. The first year of quantitative vegetation cover sampling for bond and liability release reveals that the requirement for total vegetation cover has been met. 4.2 HERBACEOUS PRODUCTION The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final revegetation success criterion value (135.07 g/m2) for total herbaceous production. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had a mean total herbaceous production of 261.13 g/m2. The first year of quantitative sampling for bond and liability release reveals that the requirement for total herbaceous production has been met. 4.3 SPECIES COMPOSITION The species composition standard requires that there be at least four perennial species, of which three are warm season grasses and one a cool season grass. No one component of the above four species should comprise greater than 40% relative importance nor less than 3% relative importance. Relative importance will be measured by calculating relative cover of the revegetation species. Vegetation species which may be used in the calculation of species composition may be any plant species not defined as a noxious or prohibited plant species, . and may be native or introduced. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas satisfied the final species composition revegetation criteria. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had six qualifying perennial species; four qualifying warm season graminoids, one qualifying cool season graminoid, and one perennial forb. This year of quantitative sampling for bond and liability release reveals that the reclamation areas have exceeded the final revegetation success requirements for species composition. 5.0 SUMMARY The quantitative vegetative cover, herbaceous production, and species composition data indicate that the permittee has established a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety as the original vegetation. The revegetated area is capable of self-regeneration and plant succession. The data shows development of a stable, self- sustaining vegetation community, with seasonality and diversity sufficient to demonstrate successful reestablishment of vegetation on the reclaimed area. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 12 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15, 16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 6.0 LITERATURE CITED • Harrington, H.D. 1954 Manual of the Plants of Colorado. Sage Books. Denver Stubbendieck, J., G.Y. Friisoe, and M.R. Bolick. 1995. Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains. Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Weber, William A. 1990. Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope. University of Colorado Press Whitson, Tom D. Editor. 1987. Weeds and Poisonous Plants of Wyoming and Utah. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, The University of Wyoming Zimdahl, Robert L. 1990. Weeds of Colorado. Cooperative Extension, Colorado State University Bulletin 521A • • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 13 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) • • 7.0 TABLES • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 14 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10, 15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) Table 1. 2009 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas • 1998 1999 2000 Species Name Common Name Lifeform Areas Areas Areas Graminoids Agropyron cristalum Crested Wheatgrass P,C,1 X Agropyron dasystachyum Thickspike Wheatgrass P,C,N X Agropyron smithii Western Wheatgrass P,C,N X X X Agropyron trachycaulum Slender Wheatgrass P,C,N X Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem P,W,N X X X Andropogon hallii Sand Bluestem P,W,N X X X Aritida purpurea Three Awn P,W,N X Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama P,W,N X X X Boutelouagracilis Blue Grama P,W,N X X X Bromus marginatus Mountain Brome P,C,N X X Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass A,C,I X X X Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie Sandreed P,W,N X X X Eragrostis cilianensis Stinkgrass A,W,I X Oryzopsis hymenoides Indian Ricegrass P,C,N X X • Panicum virgatum Switchgrass P,W,N X X X Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem P,W,N X X Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed P,W,N X X X Stipa viridula Green Needlegrass P,C,N X X X Total Number of Grasses 12 15 14 Total Number Perennial Grasses 11 13 13 Total Number Annual Grasses 1 2 1 Total Number Native Grasses 10 13 13 Total Number Introduced Grasses 2 2 1 Total Number Cool Season Grasses 5 5 6 Total Number Warm Season Grasses 7 10 8 Lifeform abbreviations: A annual C cool season N native B biennial W warm season I introduced P perennial D deciduous L legume • E evergreen Note: Only plant species encountered during cover sampling are represented on this list Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 15 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) Table 1. 2009 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine • 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas continued 1998 1999 2000 Species Name Common Name Lifeform Areas Areas Areas Forbs Amaranthus retroflexus Redroot Pigweed A,C,I X X Ambrosia psilostachya Ragweed P,C,N X X X Chenopodium album Lambsquarters A,C,I X X Conyza canadensis Horseweed P,W,N X X Erigeron speciosus Daisy A,C,N X Eriogonum annuum Buckwheat A,C,N X X X Helianthus annuus Sunflower A,W,N X X X Kochia scoparia Kochia A,C,I X X X Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce A,C,I X Lepidium densiflorum Pepperweed A,C,N X Medicago lupulina Black Medic A,C,I X X X Melilotus officinalis Yellow Sweetclover B,C,I X X X Nuttallia nuda Blazing Star P,W,N X Physalis pumila Ground Cherry P,C,N X X Plantago patagonica Wooly Plantain A,C,N X IIISisymbrium altissimum Tumble Mustard A,C,I X X X Total Number of Forbs 12 11 11 Total Number Perennial Forbs 3 2 3 Total Number Biennial Forbs 1 1 1 Total Number Annual Fortis 8 8 7 Total Number Native Forbs 5 6 6 Total Number Introduced Forbs 7 5 5 Total Number Cool Season Forbs 10 9 9 Total Number Warm Season Forbs 2 2 2 Succulents Yucca glauca Yucca P,E,N X Total Number of Succulents 1 0 0 Shrubs Artemisia filifolia Sand Sage P,D,N X Total Number of Shrubs 0 1 0 TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 25 27 25 • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 16 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 1 r fa L G a. N O r' r' O M O 00 N `O CO 00 r' 0 00 ON O ^ O h N O K U t- ;411! N M NO N N lr, - -- N ~ M N -- N --- N e+1 --. --* M f r N M ^-• .--` N N M N Y O a a CS ;.0.. 6~i ^ `O ri h `O M 01 ..74. •0 n tie, r N U -. ^ M 00 O', t 'O O` 00 ti N `O M ' O` -4 `O N r N N r r 0 I r M O N N O N N 00 P.1 OD in rt K M `O K ---` K `O O K f O\ O h a V M O O� r -+ `O `O O G `it V O O t0 0 0 4 0 i ti 0 0 r: 0 0 0 a ad 0 0 0 0 r f O O --` N6 O O O N 0 0 O O O h. F. r Q O. M A K �1 Op r- co 4 t- N N Ol t0+, M O M V r' O Zip O O O O N N O `O F,..1 O O N N VD 'Cr M 0 '"' O L V ^ O in O --� wit O `O Nl 00 e7 O --4 l N N M !� t<' ? O M ca. I O O M O a N O O c4 O op O O f. 0 0 0 Owe 0 0 0 0 t(j es 0 0 ^ tv 0 0 66 c:" 0 0 0 O b N O N ,Mr O O y F K et OD. 1 iml N CI V N 10 N Q 7 O M -N-, O Ye n 40 yr 4° — � � � N11111 11 " 111 _ 111 D O � KO 7 ' f NU : raN %o - OD N N N ' ' VVD\O N N CD CV O ' N _ .._ 1 N A b N QFI - �O N 'O Oco 0 we _.___ N _.. a fff ea III in11Q � _ O1- 1111 ON00O n* f Al ti A 1110414 N' 1.1 N 00 O co n N O y N N .0 fp l ~` 00 N N a O m 00 O CA N N AP N K h 00 N 00 a M �T O _ _ eoo 1 N - v." H 11111 °f �1 * 1 Nni 11 1'11 b0 CV O en CO O r-fe �O N 10 N try r--4a O Noo . O on N b f ,O,y N N � '.. V 10 Q co N O in ti O 0 crl CO 0VA _1. ' N N - 1-- tt ‘c:, 111 '111 ''111 1111 M ellf N 44 N N N 11 111 IS 111 N 1 1 N Cv r O CV N N O el - . - -. _--1-_..Al f N —IUIIUUUUUIIUUUU N f — -flhllJfl .;D O N O en V 00 •l ^ r : : ; : on ' 3 _N ' — •Sf ' !!flljlfl - J N `D Al _ —_~ b —_ 1.. . ti IIUIIU1U2UUIIHIUUUUHUI Vol 4.1 __ O CO 0 N O Coo V OD ' ' wv 10 N M N 1D f V, O `O Q O • CV CV 0 0 All C ea GO CV 1 1 — WN •UUCIIUU %bNUUt4UUUiN — lIlT O CI NO an - 1p N N - O t9 . . 1 - __ N 11 1 111 '1111 1111 — CO O O N b O N ._ . . IN 1 I 01 N f N UIifUUIUIUIUUIN — — — _ O O M O N _ N 1. _ 1 eal co C) A —. :1 11 vol11 111111111 KVD O N O CV — N NN .,f -r._ � N00 —_' NNIUUU_UUHUHIUUUUHIIU N Ory000 Al — .. . —.1— ' N 1 1111 00 Uric] UIUUiIIUUUII r a N 0 N - __ __ N — ' ti f9 N t N _ -. .-_ b. 11111 1 _ 1_ 11 Nco O M O ti f CO N 00 'f„ 1"iat 00 00 O V O ✓1 N l0 K N K it N N NCV 00 G 0 00 0 m as t0 ea f A b N N Al R ip-iv. O eQ„ N O as ,-• ti N a N f N - K N .:C O N O 'f In W N ^ ea N N CO N O 00 O I•I WI r' N - 1.4N N 111 - ...t f v. 1—1 11 1 111111 O `O O .y 00 b N 7 N 0 00 n V 0 .Oa O •, In rl IV `O N i Al N N �► N N 00 f N 4 O CO— 0 IO4 - .-. — CO _ N0 tai M.I 1 IUUI1 111 10 0 11 111 N 11 1 1 `CA O O O O vai0o N .w 0 1.0b f 111 11111111 11 0 O N O O yON we 'TT 00 ea1 _ _ N_ a N 11 111 1111 11 11 1100 a -et a co�• co _. - b _. _- N - _� AU 11111111111 ~ 11 1111 1_- 11111 O O r--8 O O r `O __ .-_1 _ __.�IN N - 1— .-_ UUUI:IUUUUUUUUUI CO el 11111 b ONOO b 00 N ~ ~ N ND CI- 1 ~ ~ N''''''N O r4 C4 N .--. O O N anf K 00 N 1 11 N f 1- 111111 1 1 O M ,� O O 30 La, n f N 10 t0 'Cr' •fy .Ni N ,r, O Z O = • r ''0 C4c v h f ti in a C N N �2 O N 00 O v, G C OS O u d N N f Y N f 44 V CV VD 4.1 ct, ea n O CV O C ,, `` O T^` CD W N — b N 1p K CC O OJ O Ol C 43 V) . c 04. 01 Qt. as II as 117 V .�1 w. 41 E 47 N N aV+ 8 L c d q p St ar�i a u o v a, o 01 C 3 en _ y pN? Y011 'Oi, o avi - n`°i v v 3 Y4 U `d y :� �\... -5:4 CT -vrsA v of F a YC °� m 0 z o N 3 - '� .' - E 43 r- c n ou °' v, (S) 0 0 Jo 43 L:. v �' b co 'vV t o 'er , �Ccd. '� G � C 5vi as . l=. p p co c U U __ � in cn a' to Ci � U Or ti � - � rn t� a f a t o m v. AE a a C4 � [0 C� 3 _ - to CO a 43 in U a 4) u 'tr y 'II :t E y en y ._ d c O �^ .. i., Q O G ... a O 0 O L. 0 - y 3 O Q 1 -. Q t. 4' �� 3 ti' tltltl Et., 'C % ti L.00K OOAO ,EZa +tl. V ! ITHHU1iHiIIL Q O `... y uiz - Za v �+ — ' y -1 v V > c I. O N 4 o o O O o C ] E .. T? h -= C '` p 3 ti h y E o y fi O O ti g t n O O g Ol y ..� r +, 'C "' 3 08 : " -00 > �' a O o o Q zt 3 0 a ;e3 " .ip J Cr 'n I V 00 = V C a, P ° a o v o .m o o a a p n o 0 0 o rl h ° E E Y e a o 5' d o 3' a a 't). a t'''' c x LO to 40 c oq oc a c o a s c, o f o i i 01 C O .?, ~ 0 4.3 y c 0 c 0 _ 0 Z 0 o Ft v, O 'r !r; 4 7 -a; q '' W w e V W O 4e ,t, ti V k. -r U U W W •C44 ,-..1 a 2 - ? 0. 0. h Gt. n .-. to to -a z > U a W aL T_ CO in LLt N 4) i (cs O O O 1- U Q 0.3 • b G M ) VI r .0 7 ., in N E N 00 00 CO VS v II II .-, ,N, el coM 0 co b N > ._ N N en .sr et Q N V L 00 00 'b et 1/46 M o\ �' 7 b b 7 V] ., — N N O N M O O " 0 V .D en 00 0 N co°O E v 0 06 0 N 00 Y N r O CO V O .. O O CT N eo 7 coo in O N as coes cel M C N N N E ¢" 'cr. env N ° 0 rN N el 2 M N M in On V td0 00 C /.. O 01 O m ~ N C'Os N N 7 M CA N O O 07"'i CC N I. V 1. N 00 1. O a in m 0 O . 0 r CU 0 N N en O N I. R 0 0 0 V O E 00 O N v�j M on E R O O CC en N 0la• b CO Cd M ^ 0 0 .O 00 b CIS 00 CI t` 'n N O co M - C N M • VZ 00 a. C. Mca 0.4 L M 0 QS H N y 00 O N M ¢ N N O T M 0o in el W O N _ N N N 00 E ¢ a. O ^0 h0 id;N ... N W CJ M V) Q CO N N y N N CC co L 7 0o a 0 0 O\trc ¢ a N In 41 en 0pop m et.1 N N - N C7 N O 01 in 00 N CT N R �o Q a 00 d 0 F. ^ T M 7 CT Z" 'Q Q N 4.4 in N O0 N 00 O yy N 0 - b M vj N 0 O p. _o a) Q N M N .1- � tN�00 d .7 op )O iD V b 0. O1/ Q) 0 N o o " o N N E kt 3. QI N ¢ en en N CS L C) h 00 i r Z o 0 0 O O b Ca O R CI C., Ca Cl U ,� 0 .0 9 'O 'C 9 h 3 C L C. L 0 L L 6 0 °' a a a a C Yr x y y =o 0US r es.; E id E s. C E id E so C E m O C0 0 R O m o R C o 0 y ad. y od. y w I.Cle T CD • F a x .a S .7 'T .] S e ui W N o 0 0 < • • 8.0 APPENDIX Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 19 Areas 2,5,6,7,9,10, 15, 16,and 19 Vegetation Study(2009) 2010 Quantitative Vegetation Study 0 Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Keenesburg, Colorado .1 ' % ;it° l'.1 le - I . 4 b.V c s 11 ' 4 '741\1/4 ) ' 1 ' llit?tjt 4 .! . , ilt , . , ..,,. , ,,,, ., ,i. e • . ,.) . d t• 1 r • 11 • , {jam 'p P O l' : • ' ' . . !Ft. ! lot? '! I. I• ;. r • ''V , . y !y 'i -ti. f :ii'- .. S . r r1 T : c 1 °`� i s • • 7 , ) \• � '` , tqt s , • qt, i f, f r.ttf ?• -i. �f 1`TE r 1 • ,-. ,� ,f , .•• .� I t♦{�yj�{y�l j7 r '� 1_�f� , ! , •. , �' • ff- k -1, . � .�. ' -7 I, , # , `'i.,' ' 4. r. rf�,�7�.t,tl .ili •,..1$1" / ' r « s .,: : ikg t :'.i. It, 1. . 4,,t0v ♦ti c7ii1 4 it 1 ; Jf : ,', , , � 1' r. , i, , lof • Irt I . f, 4g••ht_. Ji •i 4i , .}, . , •; i. r: • , 1 Y//,! �(. }} �rti. 77., 0.x ,4_.y; � ,�. .\V. � r I 1 !_fit j '! ,,1, (3. _Il ??.I , I .;. nri i• ` ,�1 . to . •• 7, ? t f T; f• !; �Y•I iv f g .F / ,. A if. i r I 5 I i k i�tl, 1' I • f f 4 , ,•s • 7 ' ,14• h 4r }�� .k, I lc' I,C�I ,� te) 5 I t1' f r !A. rt'vic y Di n -fi�hr • I; . it icl )�;4 .,.ili ,S* :c l ' " kr i +fy "1, ,i�• +�f4 ' � �`'y t :, ,t ... r� ��. ' ' • I t I f t 1 t, ' i ` % 1 I ` �. I , • 1 . 1 f r li. , . • . f 1i Is - .,; r. i •ire • 's • _ k , Prepared by: Savage and Savage, Inc. 4610 Haystack Drive Windsor, Colorado 80550 970.674.8080 December 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS • Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1. 2.0 METHODS 2. 2.1 Sampling Design 2. 2.2 Field Sampling 3. 2.2.1 Timing 3. 2.2.2 Vegetation Cover 3. 2.2.3 Herbaceous Production 3. 2.2.4 Species Composition 4. 2.3 Sample Numbers/Sample Adequacy 4. 2.4 Statistical Analysis 4. 2.5 Species Identification and Verification 5. 3.0 RESULTS 5. 3.1 Quantitative Evaluation: Reclamation Areas 5. 3.1.1 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas 5. 3.1.1.1 Vegetation Cover 6. 3.1.1.2 Herbaceous Production 6. 3.1.1.3 Species Composition 6. • 3.2 Comparison of Reclamation Areas with Final Revegetation Success 7 Criteria 4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS 8. 4.1 Vegetation Cover 8. 4.2 Herbaceous Production 9. 4.3 Species Composition 9. 5.0 SUMMARY 9. 6.0 LITERATURE CITED 10. 7.0 TABLES 11. 8.0 APPENDIX 16. • Page ii LIST OF TABLES • Page 2010 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine 1998, 1999, and 2000 1' 12. Reclamation Areas 2. Vegetation Cover: 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas (2010) 14. 3. Herbaceous Production: 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas (2010) 15. APPENDIX ISc Coors Energy Company Vegetation/Revegetation Map Appendix • Page iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • As required by Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (CDRMS) regulations, coal mining operations must demonstrate that the vegetation established on reclaimed areas of coal mines support the approved post-mining land use and meet the approved success standard for vegetation cover prior to final Phase III bond release. This year's vegetation sampling represents the second of two years of sampling required prior to final liability and reclamation bond release for selected areas at the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine. Quantitative vegetation sampling of 1998, 1999, and 2000 revegetation areas was conducted in August 2010. Total vegetation cover, total herbaceous production, and species composition were sampled. Comparisons were made between total vegetation cover and total herbaceous production means from the reclamation areas and predicted values calculated from the approved equations based on on-site precipitation from September 2009 to July 2010. The total vegetation cover mean for the reclamation areas (51.91%) exceeded the predicted value of 36.28 percent total vegetation cover in this years sampling. The mean total herbaceous production mean for the reclamation areas (175.20 g/m2) exceeded the predicted total herbaceous production criterion of 156.78 g/m2. Species composition of the reclamation areas was also evaluated from a final success criterion perspective. Results from this year's vegetation sampling at the Keenesburg Mine revealed that the vegetation of the reclaimed areas exceeded the final species composition revegetation success for the mine. Further, the state of development of vegetation in these areas at the mine shows that the permittee has established a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety as the original vegetation, meeting the final success criterion for species • composition. 1.0 INTRODUCTION This vegetation report represents the second of two vegetation sampling events prior to application for final Phase III bond and liability release for selected parcels at the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-1981-028) owned by Coors Energy Company. Information in this report addresses the vegetative condition of selected reclaimed areas eligible for Phase III bond release at the mine. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (CDRMS) requires quantitative vegetation sampling and reporting as a demonstration of successful revegetation establishment prior to Phase III bond release. Quantitative information in this report addresses the vegetative condition of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas at the mine. These reclamation areas include Reclamation Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19. Vegetation sampling was performed in compliance with Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board Surface Coal Mining Rules 2.04.10 and 4.15 and current botanical and plant ecological methods. Field sampling was conducted between August 24 and 29, 2010 by Michael and Edith Savage of Savage and Savage, Inc. • The Keenesburg Mine is located in Weld County, Colorado, approximately seven (7) miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. Coors Energy Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study Company operated the Keenesburg Mine for coal extraction from 1980 to 1988. Reclaimed areas sampled in 2010 were backfilled, graded, topsoiled and revegetated in accordance with • the approved mining and reclamation plan. The revegetation standards used to evaluate these areas are those currently in effect under the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act (CRS 34-33-101 a seg) and the Keenesburg Mining and Reclamation Permit(C-1981-028). 2.0 METHODS 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN Discussions with revegetation specialists at CDRMS in February 2007, April 2009, and July 2010 formalized the sampling design for Phase III vegetation sampling at the Keenesburg Mine. Areas revegetated in 1998, 1999, and 2000 would be treated as one sampling unit as parcels within the revegetation areas and revegetation years were contiguous (or nearly so) and received the same seed mixes and reclamation management. Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, and applicable revegetation standards. A map of the mine site at 1:2400 scale (1"=200') was used to delineate the revegetated areas (Coors Site Plan; Vegetation Sampling Locations). On a gridded overlay of the revegetation • map, a Cartesian coordinate grid (50x50 feet) was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y coordinates. The acreage of each revegetated area was established. Random sample locations were established for each revegetated area. Within each year's revegetation parcels, sufficient samples were established to represent each area by proportional acreage. The following table identifies the location of each parcel quantitatively sampled, the acreage, and the number of cover and herbaceous production samples taken. Cover/Herb. Prod. 2010 2010 Location (minimum# #of Cover #of Herb. Prod. of samples) samples taken samples taken 1998 Reclamation Areas Area2(1.95 ac.) 2 2 3 Area 7(1.60 ac.) 1 1 3 Area 10(9.69 ac.) 9 9 20 Area 15 (2.73 ac.) 3 3 4 Area 16(1.67 ac.) 1 1 1 1999 Reclamation Areas Area 5 (2.63 ac.) 2 2 4 Area 9(14.73 ac.) 13 13 21 2000 Reclamation Areas Area 6(4.06 ac.) 8 8 14 Area 19(3.23 ac.) 7 7 11 Total Samples 46 46 81 Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 2O1O Phase III Vegetation Study Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known • landmarks. Figure 1. illustrates the location of the reclaimed areas and sample point locations within each area sampled. 2.2 FIELD SAMPLING 2.2.1 Timing Field investigation was undertaken during the period August 24-29, 2010. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum development of the majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas at the mine site to be evaluated. Total annual precipitation at the mine in calendar year 2010 to date was above normal. Cumulative precipitation between September 2009 and July 2010 (growing season precipitation) was 29.6 percent above the seventeen year mine average. While precipitation in the autumn and early winter of 2009 was slightly above average, April and June 2010 precipitation levels far exceeded average, providing significant growing season moisture for cool season species. Hot and dry conditions throughout July and August 2010 affected growth of warm season species, with decreased stature and delayed anthesis this season. 2.2.2 Vegetation Cover 41111 Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular point frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect centerline, I.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation (prior to interception of the ground)were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used to calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also provided the basis for calculation of species composition and relative importance. 2.2.3 Herbaceous Production Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover transect. Additional production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were 0.50 square • meters in area. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant biomass was clipped Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 3 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Production material was air dried until weights varied by no more than 0.1g. • 2.2.4 Species Composition Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance of each encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation success criterion. The table presenting data summaries for total vegetation cover for each area sampled also contain the relative cover by species, and a column depicting the numerical ranking of each species by relative cover within the area. 2.3 SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY For the purposes of this study, total vegetation cover and total herbaceous production sampling were undertaken to sample adequacy for each sampling unit with a minimum of fifteen (15) samples. Parameter testing occurred at the one-sided 90% confidence level. Comparisons between sample mean parameter values and the revegetation success standard assume that the sample mean value accurately represents the population mean in all cases. The following formula was used for sample adequacy calculations: nmin (t)2 (5)2 • (d Xbar)2 where: nmin =minimum sample size s= sample standard deviation t=the Student's t distribution value at the 90% level (one-sided) d=percent acceptable deviation from the mean (10%) Xbar=sample mean 2.4 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Statistical analysis for the revegetation success criterion of total vegetation cover is required if the value of the sample mean from the reclaimed area is less than 90 percent of the value of the final revegetation success criteria for total vegetation cover or total herbaceous production. Sampling revealed that the mean total vegetation cover for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation area sampling units was greater than that of the final revegetation cover success standard value, therefore no statistical analysis was required. Similarly, total herbaceous production means for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation area sampling units significantly exceeded the final herbaceous production criterion value, therefore no statistical analysis was necessary. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 4 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study 2.5 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION • Species identification was accomplished in the field through the use of plant identification keys (Harrington, 1954, Weber, 1990; Whitson, 1987; Zimdahl, 1990, Stubbendieck, et al, 1995). In cases where plant identification was inconclusive in the field, voucher specimens were pressed for lab identification. 3.0 RESULTS 3.1 QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION: RECLAMATION AREAS 3.1.1 1998, 1999, and 2000 RECLAMATION AREAS The 1998 reclamation areas sampled this year encompass 17.64 acres of reclamation in five areas within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas include Reclamation Area 2, an area immediately west of the dugout, Reclamation Areas 7 and 10, two areas south and east of the central reclaimed mining area, and Reclamation Areas 15 and 16, located north and west of the former A pit and bordered on the west and south by undisturbed range. Vegetation cover transects and herbaceous production quadrats were distributed within the five areas based on size. The 1998 reclamation areas range from flat (Reclamation Areas 2, 7) to north and south facing (Reclamation Areas 15, 16, and 10, respectively). Reseeding or interseeding with the permanent seed mix took place during the autumn of 1998 within these • areas with the goal of increasing perennial graminoid representation. The 1999 reclamation areas encompass a total of 17.36 acres of reclamation in two distinct parcels within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas are found on the south and east sides of the mine; Reclamation Area 5, a 2.63 acre parcel south of the topsand piles, and Reclamation Area 9, 14.73 acres of the former A Pit. Reclamation Area 5 is nearly flat with a gentle slope (<1°) to the north and east. Reclamation Area 9 slopes slightly to the north. Reclamation and coincident revegetation within these areas took place in 1999. Replaced soils were sandy in texture. The 2000 reclamation areas sampled this year encompass 7.29 acres of reclamation in two distinct parcels within the Keenesburg Mine permit area. The areas include Reclamation Area 6, a former haul road along the southeast boundary of the mining area and Reclamation Area 19, another former haul road in the center of the reclaimed mining area. Vegetation cover transects and herbaceous production quadrats were distributed within the two areas based on size. The 2000 reclamation areas range from flat to gently sloping (<1 to 2°). Interseeding with the permanent seed mix took place in 2003 within these areas with the goal of increasing perennial graminoid representation. Specific sampling information for the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas is contained in Tables 1, 2, and 3. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine / Page 5 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study 3.1.1.1 Vegetation Cover Mean total vegetation cover of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas was 51.91 percent. Graminoids provided 49.87 percent mean cover (96.21% relative cover) and forbs accounted for 1.39 percent mean cover (2.40% relative cover). Succulents contributed 0.39 percent total cover (0.87% relative cover), while one shrub species provided 0.26 percent vegetation cover (0.51% relative cover). The lowest total vegetation cover of the parcels sampled was found in Areas 2 and 5 (40%) and the highest cover (60%) was found in Areas 9, 15, and 16. Calamovilfa longifolia (prairie sandreed) was encountered in all cover transects. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) was encountered in 95 percent of the transects (44 of 46 transects), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in 52 percent of the transects, and Andropogon hallii(sand bluestem) in 50 percent of the transects. Bromus tectorum, a cool season introduced annual grass was the dominant plant species with total mean vegetation cover of 23.26 percent and 39.04 percent relative cover in the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Five additional species contributed significantly to vegetation cover (greater than 3% relative cover); the warm season native perennial prairie grass Calamovilfa longifolia with 14.35 percent mean cover and 27.68 percent relative cover, the warm season native perennial grass Panicum virgatum provided 2.83 percent total mean vegetation cover and 8.67 percent relative cover, the warm season perennial native range grass Andropogon hallii accounted for 2.65 percent mean cover (5.90% relative cover), cool season native graminoid Agropyron smithii (western wheatgrass) accounted for 2.74 percent mean cover (5.61% relative cover), and the warm season perennial native Bouteloua gracilis provided 2.30 percent mean total cover(4.95% relative cover). • Vegetative litter (prior years growth, dead wood, and other biologic organic material) comprised 39.26 percent ground cover overall within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Bare soil comprised 8.83 percent of the ground cover. No rock or cryptogams were encountered during the cover sampling in the reclamation areas. 3.1.1.2 Herbaceous Production Mean total herbaceous production within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas in 2010 was 175.20 g/m2 (1562 lb/ac). 3.1.1.3 Species Composition Cover sampling identified four lifeforms and twenty species within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. The lifeforms included nine species of perennial grass, one annual grass species, one perennial forb, one biennial forb, five annual forbs, two succulents, and one shrub. Of the species encountered during cover sampling, fourteen were native and six were introduced. Perennial species outnumbered annual species by thirteen to six, with one biennial. Both warm and cool season species contributed to the seasonality of the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas. Warm season graminoids outnumbered cool season graminoids by six to four. Cool season forbs prevailed by six to one. The succulents were evergreen and the shrub was deciduous. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 6 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had six species contributing greater than three percent relative cover this year. The species contributing greater than three percent relative • cover included four warm season perennial grasses, one cool season perennial grass, and one annual grass. These species included Bromus tectorum (39.04%), Calamovilfa longfolia (27.68%), Panicum virgatum (8.67%), Andropogon hallii (5.90%), Agropyron smithii (5.61%), and Bouteloua gracilis (4.95%). 3.2 COMPARISON OF RECLAMATION AREAS WITH FINAL RE VEGETATION SUCCESS CRITERIA Comparison of the reclaimed area values for vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and species composition with the final revegetation success criteria, indicates whether revegetation has been successful, or whether additional measures need to be initiated to enhance vegetation community development. The tables below allow the comparison of the parameter values with the standard to be achieved, either from the predictive equations in the case of total vegetation cover (y=0.0173x3-0.8592x2+14.562x-47.015) and total herbaceous production (y=0.3749x2.2485) or the established standard for species composition. Total Vegetation Cover(2010) The predictive equation value for total vegetation cover for 2010 (based on 14.65" of growing season precipitation): 36.28% • Parameter Value 1998/1999/2000 Rec. Areas Xbar 51.91 % S 5.33 N 46 Nmin 2 Based on the results of the 2010 quantitative sampling, the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the predicted total cover vegetation value of 36.28 percent, meeting the final revegetation success criterion for total vegetation cover. Total Herbaceous Production (2010) The predictive equation value for total herbaceous production for 2010 (based on 14.65" of growing season precipitation): 156.78 g/m2 Parameter Value 1998/1999/2000 Rec.Areas Xbar 175.20 S 49.63 N 81 Nmin 13 • Coors Energy Company Keeneshurg Mine Page 7 2010 Phase Ill Vegetation Study With regard to total herbaceous production, the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the predicted value for total herbaceous production, thereby meeting the final . revegetation success criterion. Species Composition (2010) Success 1998/1999/2000 Qualifying Species Standard Rec.Areas Total Perennial Agropyron smithii, Andropogon hallii, Species* 4 5 Bouteloua gracilis, Calamovilfalongfolia, (>3% rel.cover) Panicum virgatum, Warm Season 3 4 Andropogon hallii, Bouteloua gracilis, Grasses* Calamovilfa longifolia, Panicum virgatum Cool Season 1 1 Agropyron smithii Grasses* Relative Importance (3%<x<40%) All Species All Species All Species *Numbers reflect only those species meeting the relative importance percentage limitation The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final species composition revegetation criteria. • 4.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Vegetation cover, herbaceous productivity, and species composition within the 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas were monitored from 1998 to 2007. The 1998 Reclamation Areas (Areas 2, 7, 10, 15, and 16) were released from Phase I liability requirements with approval of Surety Release 1 by CDRMS on August 11, 1998. Areas 5 and 9 (1999 Reclamation Areas), and Areas 6 and 19 (2000 Reclamation Areas) were released from Phase I liability by CDRMS with approval of Surety Release 2, on October 18, 2005. Release from Phase II liability was initially approved by CDRMS for Reclamation Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 19, 23, and 29 in October 2010, with final approval pending completion of the public comment period. 4.1 VEGETATION COVER The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final revegetation success criterion value (36.28%) for total vegetation cover. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had a mean total vegetation cover of 51.91 percent. The second year of quantitative vegetation cover sampling for Phase III bond and liability release reveals that the requirement for total • vegetation cover has been met. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 8 2010 Phase 111 Vegetation Study 4.2 HERBACEOUS PRODUCTION • The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas exceeded the final revegetation success criterion value (156.78 g/m2) for total herbaceous production. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had a mean total herbaceous production of 175.20 g/m2. The second year of quantitative sampling for Phase III bond and liability release reveals that the requirement for total herbaceous production has been met. 4.3 SPECIES COMPOSITION The species composition standard requires that there be at least four perennial species, of which three are warm season grasses and one a cool season grass. No one component of the above four species should comprise greater than 40% relative importance nor less than 3% relative importance. Relative importance will be measured by calculating relative cover of the revegetation species. Vegetation species which may be used in the calculation of species composition may be any plant species not defined as a noxious or prohibited plant species, and may be native or introduced. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas satisfied the final species composition revegetation criteria. The 1998, 1999, and 2000 reclamation areas had five qualifying perennial species; four qualifying warm season graminoids and one qualifying cool season graminoid. The second year of quantitative sampling for Phase III bond and liability release reveals that the reclamation areas have exceeded the final revegetation success requirements • for species composition. 5.0 SUMMARY The quantitative vegetative cover, herbaceous production, and species composition data indicate that the permittee has established a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety as the original vegetation. The revegetated area is capable of self-regeneration and plant succession. The data shows development of a stable, self- sustaining vegetation community, with seasonality and diversity sufficient to demonstrate successful reestablishment of vegetation on the reclaimed area. • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page9 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study 6.0 LITERATURE CITED • Harrington, H.D. 1954 Manual of the Plants of Colorado. Sage Books. Denver Stubbendieck, J., G.Y. Friisoe, and M.R. Bolick. 1995. Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains. Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Weber, William A. 1990. Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope. University of Colorado Press Whitson, Tom D. Editor. 1987. Weeds and Poisonous Plants of Wyoming and Utah. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, The University of Wyoming Zimdahl, Robert L. 1990. Weeds of Colorado. Cooperative Extension, Colorado State University Bulletin 521A • • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 10 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study • 7.0 TABLES • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 11 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study Table 1. 2010 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas III 1998 1999 2111111 Species Name Common Name Lifeform Areas Areas Areas Graminoids .Igropyron dasystachvum Thickspike Wheatgrass P,C,N X Agropyron smithii Western Whealgrass P,C,N X X Andropogonhallii Sand Bluestem P,W,N X X X Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats Grama P,W,N X X Boutelouagracilis Blue Grama P,W,N X X X Brontus marginatus Mountain Brome P,C,N X X X Bromus tectorunt Cheatgrass A,C,I X X X Calamovilfa longifolia Prairie Sandreed P,W,N X X X Panicutn virgatum Switchgrass P,W,N X X X Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestein P,W,N X X Forbs .1 maranthus retroflexus Redroot Pigweed A,C,I X .-1mbrosiapsilo.stachva Ragweed P,C,N _lsterfendleri Aster P.W N Chenopodium album Lambsquarters A,C,1 Conyzacanadensis Horseweed P,W,N Lrigeron speciosus Daisy A,C,N . Criogonum annuum Buckwheat A.C.N Helianthusannuus Sunflower A,W,N Kochia scoparia Kochia A,C,I Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce A,C,I X Lepidium densiflorum Pepperweed A,C.N Aledicago lupu/ina Black Medic A,C,I X lied/lotus officinalis Yellow Sweetclover B,C,I X Nuttallia nuda Blazing Star P,W,N X X Physalis pumila Ground Cherry P,C.N Plantago patagonica Wooly Plantain A,C,N X X Si,svmbrium alti.ssimum Tumble Mustard A.C.I X X Succulents Opuntia polyacantha Prickly Pear P,E,N X Yucca glauca Yucca P,E,N X X Shrubs .-t rtemi.sia filifolia Sand Sage P,D.N X X • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 12 2010 Phase Ill Vegetation Study Table 1. 2010 Plant Species List: Keenesburg Mine 1998, 1999, and 2000 Reclamation Areas continued 1998 1999 2000 IIILifeform Areas Areas Areas Total Number of Grasses 10 8 7 Total Number Perennial Grasses 9 7 6 Total Number Annual Grasses 1 1 1 Total Number Native Grasses 9 7 6 Total Number Introduced Grasses 1 1 1 Total Number Cool Season Grasses 4 3 2 Total Number Warm Season Grasses 6 5 5 Total Number of Forbs 4 4 2 Total Number Perennial Forbs 1 11 0 Total Number Biennial Forbs 0 1 0 Total Number Annual Forbs 3 3 2 Total Number Native Forbs 2 2 0 Total Number Introduced Fortis 2 2 2 Total Number Cool Season Forbs 3 3 2 Total Number Warm Season Forbs 1 1 0 Total Number of Succulents 1 2 0 Total Number of Shrubs 1 0 1 TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES 16 14 10 . Lifeform abbreviations: A annual C cool season N native B biennial W warm season I introduced P perennial D deciduous L legume E evergreen Note: Only plant species encountered during cover sampling are represented on this list • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 13 2010 Phase Ill Vegetation Study 14. r m CS R .e L.6. - rn h er t` �O `� .. N M ou co co kn el00 — — — —in in O el 7 L O 1 ►- > - - a I L. - sp� rl O oo v! d 00 N N N N 00 'i in V. M r .-• �.. L. e: O O O\ O� kg, rails O O O M 'n n 00 V1 `r? O a o ` u -• Vl N et O01 N 00 O CN O O O .-• O O O N O O O O O 8 p O c{ O N 0,2 8 T M r ON OM VD N N M 00 01 r O N O OM O M o M M N N O� M N O M DD O Y G >= O N Ni O N O N N O O O G O O O a -- G O O O O in v1 II II Q. N d d eti M -d,• N'et .gyp G OM O9 O a V; 00 d el r 1 'O '9 O 1/40 O eh in " O ION •S1 1111 -- 11 IL Y m O N O -r M N on 00 0 N SO M d 0 Ct .N.- .Or d „Oy -1 N �1 O VD O ? d N N M `O N rl O d 0 .:f NNNl Ny N N 7 O O O M 00 et d r.1 CD 'O N N P2. OVI N O 0 x O N CV CO M d .� v� O VO O M 11 N in •-+ , 1 - N O O 0 0 rn Iii - - 111111 OOO V.nn II1IdI 111111 V G ,is. (0 M O0 0•••I 00 Itooci - O 4 t O N M N d N d M 0 N CJ Kph O g N O M r 1O M CO N 7 O M 00 ii II ;+; N Od 0 N 71- a O M CI O + 1111' N M IS _ O d O Cr. CC CV 1 IIliii' - vn -- G G G O V N IN N N e! M -•-y N '0 O M o0 O d FO NN OD ,�-. O M r‘a co O CI ' 00 g el ii I N N N -1 O co O rl et -Oy H -dy H v� O 00 O C I HN00NI2 N p — 1111111 1111 1 1 O M O CV IF NO1N � 1 - ,1111111 111111111 ,x. OM � O V • N IINI ° N ,1111111 1111111111 �. O N O Nd �O1111 _ — _ _ _ _ —11— t, OOMNO 00 IIIII _ N NM0 "Let sl '„ 11111 111 11111 �� Oelk° %D O d oo N 00 N O O ki' N 0N `O O N N O O M d 0 .r II II ,7 N kO N �O d kO N On • 0 O 4 t o en 00 N - IS C 1 C .9 z O M O O ^A N N 00 %O d rt O 4 oo O R .d•• v�'i O M - O ,O,� 7 N M el C) 111111 N0 4 G o 0. a era III V OMooO ei� II NN s—i� N 11111 111 11111 OM � G r-- 1111 1 OD OD N 1111111111111111 111 O oo O O O '0 N a 00 N O LO O N m CIS V)41 N N N - CO .Ni 2 O M tit. O L. Q G N N O N -, O re) et cis N -dy N C1/41 Oliii ; O N N O G C .� 01 V. N NI N NI 00 VD O M N O cx c0CD O - M 00 N et N N ,G O oo O N PO Ny c N N O1 (1.4 113ja7 E tii E ao '3 _ m � q = ate ; a o N. V 2- ≥T.r U co a s a �S "'' U V 8 Cc� U -0 a tn p a b = 0 = L ; 11 . 3 7 -c p Cg F- 41 O U � � caUa. v� � zcw >- wH a, >4 a. = cn U - CO _ C E r v CO 0 O a CS 0 at 'Is te3 ics a :� `� g o a E r a I-ao ad X03 p 'ln V Z r O C a C y ti O y O > C .a O N p 0 0 T a h o y O > O a 4.C a o o — a t...."' y a' U. 0 a .a • O aa V cc3 7 ., m m tit) ets a l., 000 r L. O O ° L. DI C U Ed O v t°' ti p 7 a 7 .t r s a . � O p H rn Ch `t � Q; C3 Qo w W Ci a. col O w 7 .- y .y e. a. � rte, cn O a, V) COD c v> > � .a co x Z c s W il- cf) L C- O O 0 N •O O .D CO 7 < In ^, en to M M 7 06 b .4D r oo c_ ^ N N R N 0) 44 us 00 .D N I. N 00 0- .fin r; T ^ R T : T p et V a N e ^ p in T r M N O O Cl N N V en M o M E is 00 0 o0 moo c, e Lo O\ i2i N n R F ti in 0 r Q N N • Q ¢ N V .D N O Y 00 b N N r .s N r r oC N p O ..i ^ N ^ d' ^ O in .M. r N O O 6.1 O N O N O O Q ^ c N O 7 O � V N 7 N ^ N .D •O .-. CO 7 N C O kr) V) N y O oo in in O O z N N ^ Oa 4 �° 4 r rn O L el L N O N co a N 7 p 0 Cr. .-. 7 0. '. 0 o R a T r y N .D 0 M V we ^ C b 00 0) O C3 CI O L f' .O L o0 E'. CC V O e en C CC Crl 00el C. N ON y en Mm CI L i N DI b V 0J 0 es• 0) N , 0 O 0 0J O C N M rel N al N � M M 0 el ig. o 0N b N t IN 0 en cis it 4, ti I; obi Li O O 0/ ^ 00 N N N E O O II II b y g 4 .., .G b 06 T .C 00 "'I en > .C ^ O N N M ^ V Vl N .O b 00 b N C O ON 00 Q N u ro V ',Z r 7 .�i O .D g1 v s) Q O .D el ceV I.V. V' O N Vi 01 Q '1) 00 b C 0m Z ^ V] N w M O\ O R Q ~ N 03 0 00 N 00 0 Q1/40 O\ R 4 ^ T 7 00 T v) 7 T a r O\ O in in M 00 .1 O b NC lel ^N <0 N 0 rl V N N N ¢ 0o •D N .D °: M 0^ r-- ta M • R O 'Co OS Q Ni E .—I d \ �N/ D O m •0 r 7 V 0 O F�1 N y. �+ ¢ N 0b .� •- M m b OO 00 0r V ✓ 0 7 v, 00 m 00 a v N N O. '0 ., O .C O E '0 '- e' b .O ,-IN .0 ^ O ,M. Q -- M h d' en b oo N T E L N N C QM L. 0G 0) on C = O 0 0 O 0 0 O d.� S cu U V V V V V V R = C C 'C O C y d• 3 ', 0 0 0 0 0 0 i O N 0. 6. 1 LL 0, G, C m c = 0 0 C C C C Y O M v cia aSi Q d Cii0 co c pRR V L. V 8 V @ V 8 V L. V � R N 0J 0 01 0 01 0 t0 0 0 0 c0 0 0 C 0- on = 4 V " V w V end. L w V ` 0 .�. 0 -- ;l Z ..7 = = :5 x w7 I d rT. MU Co in • L. 0) C L -C W - O U r- Q O U N • 8.0 APPENDIX • Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 16 2010 Phase III Vegetation Study LARGE MAPS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE CLERK TO THE BOARD 'S OFFICE , IN THE PUBLIC REVIEW FILE . Savage and Savage Environmental : practical solutions for environmental issues 4610 Haystack Drive 970.674.8080 telephone Windsor,Colorado 80550 970.674.8088 facsimile , savageandsavage@earthlink.net k 6' .y Q+� February 11, 2011 Weld County Planning Department 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Notice of Application for Phase III Final Bond Release of Selected Areas of the Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine (CDRMS file C-1981-028) Dear Weld County Planning Department : Coors Energy Company is applying for a Phase III final liability and bond release for portions of the Keenesburg Mine (Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety permit C-81-028) in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The subject of the bond release is a release from liability and reclamation bond for areas where it has been demonstrated that Coors Energy Company has successfully completed all surface coal mining operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan (CDRMS Rule 3.03.1(2)(c). The application for final release includes Areas 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 19 within the mine site encompassing approximately 42.29 acres. The current permit area is located within Sections 25 and 36 of Township 3 North, Range 64 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado. The permit area is located seven miles north of Keenesburg, Colorado, and is accessed by Weld County Road 59. As required by Colorado law, whenever bond release is requested, all interested or affected parties with a valid legal interest must be notified and afforded the opportunity to comment or request an informal conference on the bond release in accordance with Rule 3.03.3 of the Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining. Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 1 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 0/l - 0(23a This letter will serve to notify you that Coors Energy Company is requesting Phase III final liability and bond release in the amount of$63,799.00 of the total calculated current reclamation bond amount of $2,001,475.00. A copy of the entire bond release application submitted to the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety will be on file with the Division in Denver, Colorado at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 (telephone 303.866.3567), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office, 1402 N. 17th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631, and the Keenesburg Town Hall, Keenesburg, Colorado, during the review period. All information pertinent to the bond release request is presented within this application. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the request for bond release, please contact the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, CO 80203 (telephone 303.866.3567). Additionally, if I can answer any questions or concerns, please call me at the above number. Sincerely, Michael S. Savage Principal CERTIFIED MAIL # 7007 0220 0000 6632 8715 RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED c: Rob Zuber, CDRMS, Denver Don MacDonald, Coors Energy Company Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 2 Phase III Bond Release Notification February 2011 Hello