The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) is taking a significant step forward in addressing the longstanding issue of the Corley Mine's burning coal refuse pile. Slated to begin construction on May 19, DRMS plans to implement the first phase of the Corley Mine Surface Burn Mitigation Project. This initial phase, expected to wrap up by September 4, focuses on extinguishing the fire that has been smoldering for more than twenty years. A federal fund aimed at ameliorating the impact of coal mines on communities will finance the project, with an accepted bid amount of $853,015.00, as reported by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Set to remediate a 1.5-acre area, the project will have crews working to remove approximately 82,400 cubic yards of hot, burning material. Each yard of this material is to be quenched thoroughly, at an anticipated rate of 5 gallons of water per cubic yard. The cooled refuse will then be blended using onsite waste and backfilled, covering a zone expanding over 9.5 acres. To further ensure safety, a significant amount of water, approximately 20,000 gallons, will be readily available for any instances requiring fire suppression, and activities are to be halted immediately should wind speeds surpass the 25 miles per hour mark or if conditions appear to pose an immediate risk for wildfires. Public access remains prohibited, with the site being privately owned, and no anticipated effects on public roads or recreational areas.
DRMS will also undertake precautionary clearing of vegetation over 9.5 acres around the active area to buffer against any fire danger. Equipment for the mitigation includes a large tank with a 200 gallon-per-minute pump, fitted with National Standard Thread fittings to ensure compatibility with the Florence Fire Protection District's resources. During the earth-moving activities, there might be visual effects such as plumes of coal and ash; residents who notice unusual smoke are recommended to contact their local fire protection district for clarity.
The completion of this phase will be a precursor to Phase 2, set to begin upon the successful extinguishment of the coal refuse fire. Following the earth-moving efforts, the site will undergo grading using GPS-controlled equipment to conform to the surrounding terrain and reduce erosion. The final touch involves revegetation, using native plant species to restore the area. The transformative work, aiming to not only cease the fire but to renew the scarred landscape, reaffirms the commitment of DRMS to the region’s environmental health.
