Laserfiche WebLink
<br />The Division has been concerned about reactivation of these features by <br />subsidence of the land surface resulting from coal extraction. An extensive <br />study by Rocky Mountain Geotechnical was completed in 1986 that addressed <br />the relationship between subsidence and the potential reactivation of slide <br />bodies above the Bear No. 3 Mine. The study concluded that the general mass <br />movement mechanism was small, shallow slope failures rather than large, deep <br />failures. The report concluded that the landslide features above the Bear No. 3 <br />Mine are currently unstable and that failures will occur regardless of subsidence <br />effects. No subsidence effects are expected to occur in the critical toe area of <br />any of the slide bodies. Subsidence in these areas will be controlled by split <br />pillar removal. <br />In 1986 a debris flow at the site displaced the Bear Mine fan. In 1993 the area <br />of the access road immediately below the fan slid, dropping the upper road <br />approximately six feet. It is not known if the debris flows were reactivated by <br />mining activity. Bear Coal Company will perform subsidence monitoring <br />quarterly and will submit reports semi-annually. One of these reports will be <br />the Annual Subsidence Report and will be submitted by March 15 of each year. <br />The study by Rocky Mountain Geotechnical indicates that mining of the C-Seam <br />will result in propagation of fractures upward through the geologic section for <br />approximately 360 feet. Strata between the C-Seam and the massive <br />sandstone at the top of the lower coal bearing member will be rubblized to <br />some degree. No rubblization of the overlying E- and F-Seams is expected to <br />occur. Subsidence of the land surface is expected to a maximum of six to eight <br />feet in the northwestern part of the mine. <br />The permit application describes mining within the B- and C-Seams. Bear Coal <br />Company has obtained the mineral rights to the overlying E and F coal seams, <br />which occur from 180 feet to 410 feet above the C-Seam. Mining in these <br />seams may significantly affect the surface and could have more significant <br />subsidence impacts upon the existing landslide deposits. Significant <br />consideration should be given to subsidence issues when mining of other coal <br />seam in the area is proposed. <br />The mining operation is in compliance with the provisions of this section with <br />the stipulations. <br />XVI. Concurrent Surface and Underground Mining <br />A. This section does not apply to the Bear Coal Company permit. <br />XVII. Operations on Alluvial Valley Floors <br />A. Information describing alluvial valley floors (AVFs) in the study area is located in <br />Section 2.06.8 of the Bear No. 3 permit revision application. The alluvial valley <br />floor findings made by the Division for the Mountain Coal Company, West Elk <br />29 <br />