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I~g~ liiiiii iiiil United States Forest Paonia P.O. Box 1030 ~ ~iiii t of Service m d ir"li! Iiiifiliaui~ ce Agpicul PHONE NO. 970-527-4131 PaoniaGCO 81428 FAX 970-527-4151 RECEIVED Fiiecnde: 2820-2 Date: February 27, 2003 iRAR J 3 2003 Dear Interested Party, Division of Minerals and Geo ogv The Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forests is considering a proposal submitted by Mountain Coal Company (MCC) requesting authorization to drill an additional methane drainage well (MDW) for the West Elk Mine. Since July 2002, MCC has been implementing the approval to install MDWs over longwall panels 16 and 17. MCC made Panel 17 longer, extending it past the effective range of the MDWs installed aver the summer. The gas in place __ study MCC had pre~azed indicates a high concentration of gas in this area_ _^ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.__ MCC proposes to drill and insta112 MDWs from one pad location. Access to the location would be on the Minnesota Creek road to FR 711, out the Dry Fork to Deep Creek (FR711.A3), and then follow the road that was constructed last sununer to access MDW drill site 17-01. The access would use roads that were maintained and constructed by MCC last summer. Snow plowing would likely be needed. The proposed drill pad would be constructed on the existing road alignment. Pad size would be 100 by 100 feet. MCC proposes to do the work as soon as all necessary approvals are given. The attached map shows the location of the road access and drill pad location. The proposed activities would pass through an azea identified as lynx habitat. The FS will need to ptu•sue consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service for the proposed activities. It may be that because of the formal FWS consultation timeframes, that MCC will elect not to drill this hole. The FS will consider the effects of the surface disturbance associated with the new drilling location, project traffic, and will need to consider an exception to the timing limitation on big game winter range for the lease area (Dea l to Apri130) for the drilling activities. We are asking for your comments on this proposal. Fiease submit your written comments to Liane Mattson at the above address by March 11, 2003. You may also contact Liane with any questions you may have at (970) 527-4131. Sincerely, v~l ~~~~~~ ~, SUSAN J. SPEAR ~-_ District Ranger Caring for the Land and Serving People Pnrnea o~ a~r~iea aace.