2020-10-27_PERMIT FILE - C1981035 ‎(23)‎

• Permit No: C1981035
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 10/27/2020
• Section_Exhibit Name: KII Appendix 15 E.A. Dunn Ranch LBA
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
(e.g., manufacture of cement). Methane is produced by livestock and other agricultural practices and by
the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. Methane is also emitted during the
production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and
industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Please refer to the TRR
(OSMRE and BLM 2019) Section 2.2.1 for further details.
3.4.1.2 Environmental Effects
Under the Proposed Action,the King II Mine would continue to produce and transport coal at levels below
the maximum allowable production limit of 1.3 million tpy (limit is per Colorado Department of Public
Health and the Environment (CDPHE) Air Quality Permit No. 09LP0202F, Final Approval — Modification 1,
Condition No. 2, dated 9/3/2013). Additionally, haul truck traffic is limited to about 1.1 million tpy in
accordance with the LPC LUP (Project # 2012-0089) and RIA. It ultimately limits the truck trips to a
maximum of 120 per day when all road improvements have been completed.
For this air analysis,direct annual emissions calculations are based on each of the three annual production
scenarios: producing an estimated 800,000 tons, 1.1 mt,and 1.3 mt. However,the total tonnage produced
estimated throughout the life of the mine (22 years) is 17 mt. These emissions are associated with
permitted and unpermitted sources, and both point and fugitive emissions. Another source of direct
emissions is the construction of the low-cover crossing. A total of approximately 20 acres would be
disturbed by the Project over the life of the mine.This would include 10 acres for construction of the low-
cover crossing at the outset of the Project and 10 acres cumulatively for all other dispersed surface
disturbances of variable sizes that would occur over the life of the mine. Other indirect emissions are
associated with downstream coal combustion and commuter traffic.
Effects of Alternative A—Proposed Action
Direct Effects
With the exception of airborne particulate matter,all the directly emitted criteria pollutants from the King
II Mine's operations are from fuel combustion sources,such as mobile mining equipment and haul trucks,
and from stationary sources such as emergency generators and heaters. Also, coal mine methane (CMM)
is directly emitted by the ventilation air handling system required by the MSHA to reduce the
combustion/explosion potential of the mine's underground atmosphere. Particulate emission sources
include stockpiles, crushers, screening, conveyors, and loadout sites. Lastly, construction emissions
associated with the construction of the proposed low-cover crossing and other dispersed surface
disturbing activities over the life of the mine is also considered an indirect effect of the Proposed Action.
Emission calculations are based on total volume removed (248,888 cubic yards), no off-site movement of
material,watering and chemical suppressant(magnesium chloride:85 percent control)on unpaved roads,
specific construction vehicle fleet and worker commuting travel. For a detailed discussion of emission
calculations refer to the Environmental Effects in the TRR (OSMRE and BLM 2019) (Section 2.2.2).
Table 3-2 provides a summary of projected direct emissions associated with the Proposed Action at the
permitted 1.3 mt per year. Direct emissions from the Proposed Action would produce a minor impact on
an annual basis because the overall change is not substantial but does have a measurable amount.
Dunn Ranch Area Coal Lease by Application COC-78825 and Mine Plan Modification EA 3-8