Laserfiche WebLink
Fall 2015 Subsidence and Geologic Field Observations <br />South of Divide and Dry Fork Mininq Areas <br />Prior field observations and experience in the West Elk Mine area over the last twenty years 1(1996 <br />to 2015 inclusive) indicate that subsidence features (cracks and bulges) are most visible on roads <br />and trails, where the ground is more compact and free of brush. These areas are therefore targeted <br />for observation to most efficiently obtain subsidence information. Larger subsidence features like <br />rockfalls and landslides are generally observable from roads and trails or from overview locations <br />that have been, and continue to be, established for this purpose. <br />In keeping with the goal of a reduction in report size, this Fall 2015 Report focuses on the <br />identification and discussion of those observations that reflect an obvious change in the observed <br />conditions overlying the mine and on documenting baseline conditions in areas that have yet to be <br />mined. Observations from our fall 2015 field visit were focused solely on the South of Divide <br />(SOD) and Dry Fork mining areas. These areas involve mining of the underlying E -Seam using <br />the longwall mining process. <br />This report does not include a conclusions section. All conclusions associated with subsidence <br />observations are provided in the spring reports. <br />1 Annual subsidence and geologic hazard reports are kept at Mountain Coal Company, LLC, and at the Colorado <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, in addition to exhibits to the permit document (Exhibits 60, 60A, 60B, <br />60C, 60D, and 60E). <br />831-032.797 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 2 <br />March 2016 <br />