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r-• the C-seam to the B-seam was filled in by BCC. Mining in the C-seam then progressed until reserves were exhausted. BCC reported that at no time. were there any combustion problems or elevated cazbon monoxide (COl readings in the Beaz i1o. 3 Mine C-seam workings, although high CO readings were obtained by BCC behind the seals of the Edwazds (Clazk) Mine C-seam workings. BCC is of the opinion that these CO readings originated in the Edwazds (Clazk) Mine B-seam workings. Permanent seals were constructed by BCC in the Beaz No. 3 Mine C-seam workings, as shown on the Beaz No. 3 C-seam Progress Map (Map No. 9A). After the reserves in the C-seam were mined out, BCC then ramped down to the B-seam coal. The location of these ramps is shown on the Bear No. 3 B-seam Final Mine Map, the Beaz No. 3 C-seam Progress Map (Map No. 9) and the Beaz No. 3 B-seam Mine Plan (Map 9A). This ramp entered the B- seam at a point approximately 300 feet south of the southernmost extent of the Edwazds (Clazk) Mine B-seam workings. This meant that a barrier of 300 feet of coal was left in place between the Bear No. 3 Mine B-seam workings and the Edwards (Clazk).Mine B-seam workings. This coal barrier is depicted on the Beaz No. 3 B-seam Mine Plan (Map 9A). Mining then progressed in the B-seam, with panels essentially directly below the Beaz No. 3 Mine C-seam panels. With most of the B-seam coal reserves already mined, BCC decided to close the Beaz No. 3 Mine when a large cave-in made further mining uneconomical. Permanent seals were installed at various points in the Beaz No. 3 Mine B-seam mine workings, as shown on the Bear No. 3 B-seam Final Mine Map. BCC stated that there were no signs of combustion or elevated CO readings in the Beaz No. 3 Mine B-seam workings. Upon completion of mining at the Bear No. 3 Mine, the C-seam portals were sealed in accordance with MSHA and the Division's requirements. Pipes were installed through each of the portal seals so that water would not buildup behind the seals. The pipes lead to French drains that were installed on the hillslope. The locations of the three portal seal pipes aze shown on Drawing 17, "Disturbed Area", attached to this memo, although they aze difficult to fmd in the field. I have never seen any water in the general area of these French drains. In summary, BCC's contention is that the underground mine fire began in the B-seam of the old Edwazds (Clark) Mine. There is a documented history of spontaneous combustion problems in the Edwazds (Clazk) Mine B-seam workings that dates back to the 1950's. According to BCC, there were no spontaneous combustion problems in the Beaz No. 3 Mine B-seam or in the C-seam mine workings. BCC pointed out that some of the hot spots that you observed were in the slope below the outcropping C-seam but above the B-seam, suggesting that the fire is coming from the B-seam. For the surface hot spots neaz the C-seam, the underground fire could be going up the Edwazds (Clazk) Mine shaft that had been constructed between the B-seam and the C-seam and/or through faults and cracks in the earth. Attached aze the copies of maps, letters data and photographs that aze referenced in this memo. Based on this information, it appeazs the fire originates in the historic Edwards (Clazk) Mine. Do you think the mine fire would be eligible for funding through the Abandoned Mined Lands Program? Thanks for your assistance. Attachments cc: William A. Bear, Sr. (without attachments) Daniel Beaz (without attachments) William A. Beaz, Jr. (without attachments) Jim Stover (without attachments) Sandy Brown (without attachments) c:/word/beaz3/mine fire memol 2