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Mr. Ross Gubka, P.E. <br />Western Fuels-Colorado <br />February 9, 2007 <br />Page - 6 - <br />hole and well reclamation costs using costs derived from contractor surveys, other <br />state regulatory programs, published equipment cost and supply costs data, and <br />actual costs incun•ed by the AML program at sites in Colorado. These costs aze <br />updated annually. We believe this method is accurate and provides a correct <br />estimate of drill hole reclamation costs in Colorado. As discussed above in Item 1 <br />under the January 30's meeting header, however, our estimated costs have been <br />revised to allow for gravity filling of some of the wells on site. <br />6. WFC suggests the use of the Wyoming Guideline for culvert removal. Again, the <br />Division's cost estimates aze based on published data (based on nationwide <br />contractor surveys) and actual costs incurred by the AML program, which we <br />believe to be accurate. <br />The Division is fully awaze that coal operators might be able to complete reclamation <br />costs for their own permitted sites at costs less than what the Division might estimate. <br />The cost estimate is an estimate of what the State would have to pay if a permit is <br />revoked and the bond is forfeited. The Division's costs are intended to reflect what the <br />Division would incur in hiring an independent contractor who is likely not familiaz with <br />the site, would not necessarily be inclined to curb production expenses, and who would <br />be subject to all of the contracting requirements of the state (bonding and insurance <br />requirements, no change orders, etc.). <br />Task #001 <br />1. The unadjusted drill rate is based on a rotary blast hole drill in medium density <br />rock. If WFC has site specific data from its blasting contractor, the Division will <br />review that data and apply it to our cost estimate if we believe it is acceptable. <br />2. The altitude correction factor (percent of flywheel horsepower available at given <br />altitudes) is different for each piece of equipment, depending on the engine type <br />and horsepower. For example, a D8R bulldozer operating at altitudes between <br />5000 and 7500 feet would provide 100 percent of flywheel horsepower, but a <br />966G loader would only provide 92 percent. The Caterpillaz Handbook illustrates <br />a range as low as 81 percent for some pieces of equipment at altitudes between <br />5000 and 7500 feet. A rotary blast hole rig will provide 97 percent flywheel <br />horsepower at 5700 feet. <br />3. The job efficiency factor of 0.67 was in error and has been revised to 0.83. <br />4. The Division will review any drilling production documentation provided by <br />WFC and revise this rate as necessary. <br />5. Ownership costs apply to all equipment hours, regazdless of whether it is idle. <br />Even if a machine is sitting idle, the costs of the operator and equipment <br />