State officials announced Monday that they plan to begin mitigation efforts on the Lewis Coal Mine fire, located in unincorporated Boulder County beneath two private properties northeast of the Marshall Road and Cherryvale Road intersection. The fire has burned for more than 50 years, however, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety, or DRMS, have discovered evidence that has them concerned.
DRMS has been monitoring the site and discovered increased surface substance, surface fracturing and cracking and surface temperatures of over 120F. They also observed increased venting and gas emissions along with stressed vegetation in the area.
“The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Lewis Coal Mine Fire Mitigation Project is a proactive effort to reduce the potential for surface ignition as a result of the increased underground coal mine fire activity. Additionally, the work will help protect the water supply ditch on site,” said Jeff Graves, director of the Inactive Mine Reclamation Program at DRMS. “Colorado has a long history of mining, and our program conducts coal fire mitigation work on sites throughout the state in cooperation with the property owners. Our first priority is always the safety of our staff, contractors, and the community. We are working with the county to ensure that residents understand why and how this project is taking place.”
The Lewis Cole Mine fire is partially located under the Davidson Ditch which is a water supply ditch. Officials say the fire has created conditions that are damaging to the ditch and could increase the risk of flooding in the area.
The mitigation plan is to remove approximately 30 feet of soil to reach just below the coal mine workings. The state plans to remove any burning or smoldering coal and blend it with rock and soil until the temperature reaches less than 100F. The materials will be returned to the area once the conditions are met.
DRMS said it will monitor the excavated piles to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Once the materials are returned it will grade the area to “match adjacent natural contours and revegetated with native vegetation. No excavated soils or materials will be removed from the Lewis site,” stated DRMS in a news release.
DRMS and Boulder County will host an online information session on the topic on Aug. 28 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
“Boulder County welcomes the state’s efforts to proactively address potential fire and flood risk caused by the underground coal mine fire at the Lewis Site,” said Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting Director Dale Case. “We invite any residents with questions about the project to attend our online information session to find out more about this important work.”
