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I expected after viewing the blast area, but I recommended that Western Fuels revise its standard <br />blasting record by adding per hole language to the space for the eight-millisecond entry. This <br />language would be necessary to clarify the records if they are reviewed by someone who is <br />unfamiliar with the geology and topography or by someone that has not seen the blasting area. <br />Seismographic Measurements <br />Western Fuels is placing a seismograph in the required location prior to blasting. Western Fuels <br />exceeds the requirements by placing four seismographs in the field prior to blasting. Two <br />additional seismographs are on order and.Western Fuels expects to be using six seismographs per <br />blast when they amve. <br />Summary <br />In addition to the steps listed above, Western Fuels also video tapes all blasts. I was able to <br />observe the shot that triggered OSM's seismograph because of this precaution taken by Western <br />Fuels. Western Fuels also stated that it hopes to purchase a high speed camera next year for <br />filming blasts in an effort to b tter assess its blasting operations and to continue to maintain a <br />photo record of all blasts. As~nother lasting record, Western Fuels plots its individual blasts in <br />ArcInfo. Distances to any structure are readily available from this program along with much other <br />useful information. <br />I fully expected that if there were any blasting problems in Colorado, we would find them at this <br />mine. Most coal mining operations in~the country do not have to live with the liability of over <br />three hundred structures within one-half mile of blasting operations. Western Fuels is obviously <br />well aware of its liability and has not only met the blasting requirements of the Colorado program, <br />but in many cases has exceeded these requirements. <br />