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Coal Methane Drainage Pmjert - Panek 16-24 Wer! E!k Mine • Poge 1-2 Methane typically collects in the "gob" area where overlying rock collapses into the void left as mining advances. Standard industry practice when in-mine horizontal drilling isn't fully effective; is to drill vent holes from the surface into the gob or just above the coal seam to be mined. As the coal seam(s) is mined, methane gas is hberated from the coal seams and associated rock layers, and collects in the gob azea. Surface vent holes drain the collected methane from the gob to the surface where it is released to the atmosphere. MCC initiated a program in 2001 of surface drilling to install large- diameter methane drainage wells (MDWs) in the active longwall panels (Panels 14 and 15) to drain the methane gas collecting in the gob as mining advanced. The use of MDWs has proven and continues to prove very successful in reducing and maintaining methane levels within an acceptable range. Vertical or near-vertical MDWs are the most effective means of draining excess methane from the underground workings. Approval for the initial MDW activities in 2001 in Panel 14 and pazt of Panel 15 was documented in Decision Memos by the USFS and Minor or Technical permit revision approvals by the Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology (CDMG) due to imminent safety concerns. The environmental effects of subsequent MDW activities in Panel 15 were evaluated and documented in the Environmental Assessment -Gob Ventilation Borehole Drilling for East Side of Panel 15. Project plans were approved with conditions and an exception to a lease stipulation by the Paonia Disuict Ranger of the GMUG. In order to address continuing methane degasification requirements to fully develop Federal Coal Leases COC-56447 and C-1362, MCC submitted then proposal, "Request for Authorization of Methane Drainage Project Plan (Additional Drill Pads) and Access (Roads) on USFS Lands" to the USFS on November 1, 2001. This Envtronmenta] Assessment (EA) discloses the environmental effects of the proposed project and identifies alternatives for public lands and resources within the National Forest System, including lands designated as Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRA), in compliance with NEPA. Concurrently, MCC is proceeding with preparation of a project permit revision to the existing approved Mining and Reclamation Plan with CDMG. 1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED MCC cannot develop their federal coal leases and implement their mine plan without degasification of the excessive methane gas from within the mine. Rights and responsibilities conveyed in three sections of MCC's federal coal leases are applicable in this situation. 1) The right to construct such works, buildings, plants, structures, equipment, and appliances and the right to use such on-lease rights-of--way which may be necessary and convenient in the exercise of the rights and privileges granted (Lease C-1362, and COC-56447, Section 2) 2) Lessee shall carry on all operations in accordance with approved methods and practices as provided in the operating regulations, having due regard for the prevention of injury to life, health, or property, and prevention of waste, damage, or degradation to any land, air, water, cultural, biological, visual, and other resources, including the mineral deposits and formations of mineral deposits not leased, and to other land uses or users (Lease C-1362, and COC- 56447, Section ~ 3) Lessee shall ....maintain a safe working environment in accordance with standazd industry practices (Lease C-1362, and COC-56447, Section 8) When the federal coal lease was granted, MCC as the lessee, was granted the right to mine and develop the coal resource. They were also given the right to construct roads and other facilities needed to mine and develop the coal, subject to the restrictions stated in the lease stipulations. MCC is required to prevent injury or damage to life, health, or property and prevent waste of the coal or other resources. MCC is also required to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. En+uronmentalArrerrsnent IO:IVP/Nuni. CaY (</Fil/O~ )IJIOSEI U3F2 l/J/OSeF