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<br />J.E. Stover & Associates -33- May 31, 1996 <br />Bowie No. 2 Mine <br />beneath one of the permit area's most geotechnically fragile <br />areas. <br />The second point chosen for a rudimentary SEH subsidence <br />projection is located on the panel long axial centerline <br />approximately 975 feet north of the southern panel extremity. <br />This point, with an overburden depth of approximately 550 feet <br />(168 meters) is close to the overall center of Panel 36. Using <br />the same SEH graphical subsidence projection methodology for this <br />point results in a Subsidence Factor, Smax ~ 0.69 and a <br />Subsidence Correction Factor, s/S ~ 0.56. Multiplying these <br />factors times one another and the extracted thickness of 12 feet <br />results in a projected maximum vertical subsidence of 0.69 x 0.56 <br />x 12.0 feet ~ 4.6 feet, which is also significantly larger than <br />the 3.5 feet maximum vertical subsidence projected by the <br />preparer of Exhibit 15. The subsidence projections of Exhibit 15 <br />and the appropriate maps will have to be revised accordingly. <br />The preparer relates a selection of local observations in <br />projecting an anticipated angle of draw for delineating areas to <br />be effected by subsidence. The conclusion reached is the <br />assumption of a 25° angle of draw for projection of subsidence <br />boundaries. Experience at mines such as the York Canyon has <br />concluded that draw angles can be effected by overlying surface <br />slope. In general the angle of draw increases in the direction <br />down topography slope, resulting in larger angles of draw <br />downslope. However, experience at mines such as the Mt. Gunnison <br />No. 1 and the Bear No. 3 suggest that 25° should be appropriate <br />at the Bowie No. 2 mine. Subsequent inspection in the shallow <br />overburden, near subcrop areas of the mine should verify the <br />propriety of this assumption. <br />1.5 BREAK ANGLES <br />The preparer states that the break angle "approximately <br />corresponds to the cracks and fractures present at the ground <br />surface due to subsidence." It would be more appropriate, when <br />generalizing, to assume that the break angle corresponds to the <br />location of maximum residual cracking and fracturing present at <br />the ground surface. It is not the only location in which <br />cracking and fracturing would be expected to occur. Transient <br />cracking will be expected throughout the panel and adjacent areas <br />as the strain wave propagates behind the retreat line. <br />The preparer further assumed a vertical break line for this <br />study. Particularly in the case of the near subcrop, steep <br />surface gradient areas, this assumption may be unfounded. A <br />broad area should be thoroughly inspected for the development of <br />surface cracking following the initiation of mining. <br />