GENERAL35991

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 5/5/2004
• Doc Name: Methane Drainage Well ‎(Memo)‎
• From: Mike Boulay
• To: Jim Burnell
• Permit Index Doc Type: Exploration
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

STATE OF COLORADO
DIVISION OF MINERALS AND GEOLOGY
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Jim Burnell
FROM: Mike Boulay ~~g'
DATE: May 5, 2004
COLORADO
DIVISION OF
MIN SRALS
GEOLOGY
RECLAMATION•M WING
SAFETY•SCIENCE
Bill Owens
Governor
Russell George
Executive Director
Ronald W. Canany
Division Director
Natural Resource Trustee
SUBJECT: West Elk Mine C-80-007, Methane Drainage Well (MDW} Drilling Project Plan
I have reviewed MCC's annual operating plan for MDW drilling in 2004. I am very pleased with the
plan that MCC has submitted for the drilling and abandonment of 12 MDW holes in 2004. As
submitted, the drill hole plugging method is in compliance with DMG Rule 4.07.3 and our recent
guidance document: Installation, Operation, and Abandonment of Coal Mine Methane
Drainage/Monitoring Wells in Colorado, MCC submitted both a Typical MDW Well Design and a
Proposed Drill Hole Plugging diagram for our review prior to initiating the drilling program. MCC's
plan is absolutely compliant with our specific closure recommendation presented in the guidance
document (fifry feet of cement plug be placed at the lowest point inside the solid casing, above the
perforated interval of the well). MCC is also proposing to fill the remainder of the hole with a
suitable media.
I have a couple of minor comments regarding the submittal, which you may or may not choose to
forward to the operator.
1. Under the drill hole plugging methods page 13, it appears that MCC has misquoted our Rule
4.07.3. MCC indicates that rule 4.07.3 states "that each open hole will be plugged with cement from
bottom to within 50 feet above the uppermost thick coal seam and from 50 feet below to 50 feet
above any aquifers". Our rule makes no mention of the uppermost thick coal seam and our rule
actually requires 20 feet of sealant above and below the water bearing zone.
Office of Office of Colorado
Mined Land Reclamation Active and Inactive Mines Geological Survey