2020-02-28_REVISION - C1981022 (2)

Home Browse Search

Section—2.05.4 2.05.6—MITIGATION OF THE IMPACTS OF MINING OPERATIONS The following subsections describe specific mitigation plans designed to prevent, control, or minimize potential adverse mining-related impacts on air,fish and wildlife,water, specially designated public lands, and lands and surface resources. These plans have been developed with consideration of both premining environmental conditions and constraints and practical operating conditions and plans. The detailed mitigation plans reflect application of the best technology and methods currently available and are designed to effect full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. OMI has specifically designed and conducts all mining, reclamation, and related operations and activities to minimize or effectively mitigate potential adverse environmental, health, and safety impacts. As discussed in Section 2.05.4, Reclamation Plan, under the sub-heading of Compliance With Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,and Other Applicable Air,Water,and Health and Safety Standards and Regulations,OMI maintains full compliance with all applicable permit requirements and standards. The following sections summarize and reiterate applicable control and mitigation measures for each of the major potential impact areas of concern. Air Pollution Control The only air emissions generated by OMI's ongoing and proposed operations are fugitive dust from coal handling, storage, and loadout operations and from ancillary surface operations and areas including construction activities, coal mine waste placement activities, roads and surface disturbance areas, and reclamation activities. OMI does not operate any point-source emission sources and does not generate any Hazardous Air Pollutants. All existing fugitive dust emission sources are covered under OMI's approved Fugitive Emissions Control Plan and incorporate Best Available Control Technology (BACT) controls to minimize dust emissions and are permitted and operate under current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — Air Pollution Control Division permit approvals. Generally, for surface areas and operations, BACT dust control involves periodic watering during dry periods to minimize dust generation and dispersion. For coal handling, storage, and loadout operations, BACT dust control involves periodic watering during dry periods to minimize dust generation and dispersion. For coal handling, storage, and loadout operations, BACT control focuses on partial or full enclosure of conveyors, crushers, screens, and other coal handling equipment to prevent dispersion of any dust generated by coal handling activities. Current Permits are listed in Section 2.03.10, Identification of Other Licenses and Permits, and copies of these permits are included in Exhibit 2.03-E4, Other Permits. A Fugitive Particulate Emissions Control Plan was prepared and implemented in 1991 for the Elk Creek Coal Handling, Support and Ancillary Facilities. This plan, dated March 27, 1991, and subsequently approved and amended the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is included with copies of the current air emissions permits in Exhibit 2.03-E4. The mine is currently permitted at a maximum annual coal production rate of 4.8 million tons relative to applicable air quality permit restrictions. TR-78 2.05-71 Revised Feb. 2020