ACCRUED CLOSURE COSTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (ARO) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

ACCRUED CLOSURE COSTS AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (ARO) [Abstract]

Changes to reported closure liabilities

Changes to reported closure liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:

Amounts in thousands
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	11,937
Accretion expense		185
Payments		(773	)
Adjustment to closure liability		―
Balance as of December 31, 2012		11,349
Accretion expense		272
Adjustment to closure liability		(6,399	)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	5,222

Reported closure asset (ARO)

The reported closure asset or ARO, is reported as a component of “Net Property and equipment” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as follows:

Amounts in thousands
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	9,370
Adjustment to closure and post-closure asset		―
Amortization of closure and post-closure asset		(290	)
Balance as of December 31, 2012		9,080
Adjustment to closure and post-closure asset		(5,830	)
Amortization of closure and post-closure asset		(289	)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	2,961