GENERAL39710 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~~ • Using raisebore or blindbore methods to construct a 4 foot diameter 400 foot deep emergency escapeway. Constructing enclosure (20 foot X 30 foot steel-sided shed) for emergency escapeway and electrical generation equipment for emergency escape hoist. • Shaft and escapeway will use previously approved and constructed pad and access road southeast of Minnesota Creek. • Performing Operations and Maintenance. • Performing interim reclamation on pad and light-use road once shaft and emergency structures are constructed. • Sealing airshaft and escapeway and performing final reclamations when no longer needed at end of life of mine (mine life estimated at 13-15 years). The proposed methane drainage well development is located Sections 27-29 and 32-35, Township 13 South, Range 90 West and Sections 1-5 and 8-10, Township 14 South, Range 90 West, 6~h Principal Meridian, in Gunnison County, Colorado (approximately 7-10 miles east and northeast of Paonia, Colorado). These lands partially overlay Federal Coal Lease C-1362, and portions of this proposed activity overlay currently unleased federal coal reserves unleased federal land that are on the leasing schedule for early 2007. In order to perform a complete NEPA analysis, the GMUG is including methane drainage needs on these unleased reserves as part of the proposed action. E Seam Methane Drainage Wells (MDWI Proiect Pronosal Includes: • Drilling and casing of 160 MDWs located on 120 pads. Approximate total pad disturbance is 75 acres over 12 years. • Constructing/reconstructing roads between existing roads and new drill pads, estimated length 19 miles. Approximate access disturbance is 46 acres over 12 years. • Installing passive and/or active degassing equipment. • Operating and Maintaining wells for ventilation of mine. • Interim reclaiming of mud pits, seeding and mulching outslopes and cut-slopes. • Plugging drill holes and performing fmal reclamation on roads and pads when drill holes are no longer performing their intended purpose (estimated life of each MDW is 3 years; construction and reclamation would span 12 years). Responsible Official Charles S. Richmond, Forest Supervisor Nature of Decision Framework The Forest Supervisor must decide: • To authorize, and under what conditions, the surface use of NFS lands for the shaft, access roads and methane drainage wells in part or in entirety. • Select the proposed action or an alternative method for the shaft and escapeway construction. • Prescribe terms and/or conditions with respect to the use and protection of non-mineral interests. Preliminary Issues • Socioeconomic effects, including benefits of mining