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Bleeder Ventilation Facility • Due to the expected methane liberation .rates associated with mining coal at the depths occurring in the Box Canyon lease tract, it is anticipated chat small ventilation facilities would need to be constructed ac regular intervals along the eastern boundary of Che tract co provide adequate ventilation of the mine, These facilities would consist of a 4' to 6' diameter shaft extending into the "B" seam, a shaft rock stockpile site, a fan to exhaust air from the mine, an all weather access road, powerlines, and electrical switching facilities. Ic is anticipated that existing roads would be utilized wherever possible. The life of these facilities would be short (3-7 years), lasting only until the coal in that area of the mine was extracted and the underground workings abandoned. A maximum of four bleeder ventilation shafts are estimated to be needed. When abandoned they would be reclaimed to CDMG and Forest Service requirements, The surface disturbance at each site is estimated to be no more than five acres, with additional disturbances for access roads and powerlines. Whether the shafts will be required and their exact location is impossible co predict at this time, but it is likely the lessee would construct the facilities in areas of minimal overburden above the coal seam, This would minimize the size of the rock stockpile area needed. Exal.ration Drilling After the lease is issued, it is likely the lessee would need co further define the quality and structure of the coal reserve to provide for • adequate mine planning and support. It is anticipated that eight or more additional holes would would need to be drilled Some of these or other drill holes would be required for use as water monitoring wells co meet the • requirements of CDMG and would be in service for a long period of time, possibly exceeding the life of the mine. Access on a regular basis is required to collect data. Production Production is anticipated to commence on the tract by late 1995 if Mountain Coal Company is the successful bidder. The maximum production rate from the tract would be about 5 million cons per year, but could vary with market demand and/or production being satisfied in greater or smaller quantities from ocher federal leases. Mining on the tract could be completed in 10 years but may cake longer because mining would occur in conjunction with the adjacent lease tract. Production at the 4 million tons per year level would sustain a 32 year mine life for the West Elk Hine. Expected employment at the mine, at the full production level of 5 million tons per year is 210 persons. In 1993, 3 million tons were produced with 189 persons employed. Compliance With the Land Use Plan This application is in compliance with the existing BLK land use plan. The Uncompahgre Basin Resource Management Plan (RKP) was completed and approved in July, 1989. The land use plan determined that the anolicac?o~ =tea was to be managed for both existing and potential coal development. The area is acceptable for coal development and coal production could occur without conflicting ocher land uses with a minimum of multiple uge restrictions as described in the RMP. The one remaining land use standard to be applied is the Coal Unsuitability Criteria which 8