GENERAL32617 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-32- Pursuant to Rvle 2.07.6(2)(n) and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed activities will not affect the continued exis- tence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats. With the acceptance of the above stipulation, the operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XIV. Prime Farmland - Rules 2.04.12, 2.06.6 and 4.25 The applicant has provided a discussion pertaining to the existence of prime farmland in the vicinity of Munger Canyon in Section 4.1.2.4 of the application. The Soil Conservation Service has issued a negative determination on the presence of prime farmland within the permit area (Appendix L). The applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that no prime farmland exists within the permit area. The Division finds the proposed operation in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(k). XV. Operations Description - Rules 2.05.2, 2.05,3_(1), 2.05.3(2) and _4.01 The general operations plan for the PSUnger Canyon operation is given in Section 2.0 of Volume I of the application. Anticipated production over the 30-year estimated life of the mine is 6I ,183,000 tons. The mine will produce 149,000 tons in the first year, increasing to 847,000 tons in the fifth year of operation. The requested permit term is five years. The Cameo coal seam will be developed using room and pillar mining methods to a point 2200 feet from the portal area. From this point, rock slopes will be driven upward to intersect the Upper Carbonera seam. Mining will then progress along both seams. Coal will be loaded onto a conveyor within the mine by shuttle cars. The coat will then be transported to a staging/crushing facility on the mine bench. Highway trucks will then be loaded at the bench and will transport the coal to the Ioadout facility near Loma, where it will be loaded onto trains. The Loma Ioadout facility will be permitted with the Munger Canyon operation. Further discussions of the Ioadout are contained in Sections SI (Land Use), V (Surface Water), VII (Alluvial Valley Floors), IX (Probable Hydrologic Consequences and Cumulative Impacts Assessment) and XIX (Mine Facilities, Coal Handling Facilities, Support Facilities) of this document. The U.S. Geological Survey has reviewed the Munger Canyon Mine Plan for compliance with the Mineral Leasing Act and the 30 CFR 211 regulations. The agency has found the mine plan to be in compliance with the Mineral Leasing Act (see Memo- randum to Assistant Secretary for Energy and Minerals). The operation is in compliance with the requirerr~nts of this section.