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were initially produced. Some additional concrete was poured on and around this shaft after <br />reclamation was completed but prior to gas production. <br />DMG no longer has any authority to regulate any of the sites converted and bond released <br />for gas extraction. All bond money associated with this site and the others included in Bond <br />Release No. 2 (SL-02) has been returned to Basin Resources. I would agree that there may <br />be some hazard to the public due to these leaks, especially now since the land is a State <br />Wildlife Area. This particular site is also include in the hydrologic monitoring plan for the <br />Golden Eagle mine and is used to measure the level of the water that is presently flooding <br />the mine workings. When the gas was being produced from the mine, pressure was typically <br />negative in the shaft and the workings. Now that the gas is not being produced, I assume <br />that there is some pressure building and gas leaks around the shaft are occurring. <br />For your information, there are many other areas in the immediate vicinity that methane is <br />leaking from the ground. DMG has been actively inspecting and researching these areas <br />since 1996 to determine any connection with the mining activity. BRI has also conducted <br />monitoring of these areas. Recent changes (decreasing trend) in soil methane levels have <br />been noted and continued flooding of the mine workings may play a role in this reduction. <br />Please feel free to call me to discuss this issue. I inspect the mines in the area on a monthly <br />basis and can arrange an onsite meeting if necessary. <br />Sincer y, <br />'l~i~^^" <br />Ke .Gorham <br />Environmental Protection Specialist II <br />CC: Ron Thompson, Peak Project Management <br />