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//~, Kennecott <br />~ .Energy <br />Colowyo Coai Mine <br />5731 State Highway 13 <br />Meeker, Colorado 81641 <br />Telephone: j9701 824-1 5 79 <br />Fax: (970)824-1548 <br />Tony Tennyson <br />Ertvtrortmental Engtrteer <br />January 30, 2006 <br />~.E~EIVED <br />Mr. Jim Stark <br />Environmental Protection Specialist <br />Colorado Division of Minerals & Geology <br />1313 Sherman Street -Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />FEB 012006 <br />Oivi,ion of fdinerlo cntl Gae1oCY <br />SUBJECT: Nofification of Brush Fire at Colowyo Mine Site, Permit No. C-81-019 <br />Dear Mr. Stark: <br />On September 27, 2005 a coal shot was executed at 4:00 pm in D Seam on the east side of West <br />Pit. A high flash detonation cord was utilized during the coal shot. This resulted in ignition of the coal <br />plume which drifted into the east pit reclamation due to windy conditions igniting a brush fire. Equipment <br />was immediately dispatched and the brush fire was contained and extinguished. The total acres impacted <br />from the fire and equipment that was utilized in extinguishing the fire was 38.44 acres. Due to the nature <br />of the fire being a flash burn, it is not perceived to have a detrimental effect to the reclamation and thus <br />reseeding should not be necessary. Please see the attached map for an illustration of the impacted area. <br />Colowyo is committed to reducing the number of brush fires associated with coal shots during the <br />extreme dry weather conditions. Several preventative operational measures are currently being utilized to <br />help prevent future fires. First, during the hot dry months of the year when fire danger is at a high, <br />Colowyo will use a low flash detonation cord. This detonation cord when ignited melts instead of <br />flashing, which in turn lowers the opportunity for the coal shot to ignite. Second, when possible, coal <br />shots will be water down prior to executing a coal shot. However, with current MSHA regulations do not <br />allow any equipment within 20 feet of a loaded hole, consequently, it is not always possible to water down <br />a coal shot with available equipment. When conditions allow, water will be applied to coal shots. Third, <br />coals shots on the west and east ends of the pit will have equipment assigned to the area when blasting <br />occurs to facilitate any problems that may arise. <br />Colowyo is committed to preventing future fires associated with coal shots, and will continue to be <br />proactive in taking the proper corrective measures to prevent future events of this type from occurring. If <br />you should have any questions or concerns regarding this matter please feel free to contact me at your <br />convenience. <br />Sincerely, <br />~~~'~~~ <br />Tony Tennyson <br />Environmental Engineer <br />Enclosures <br />Cc: file CF 17.20 2006 w\encl <br />Antalope Mine • Colo•.vyo Mine • Cordero Rojo Mine • Jacobs Ranch Mine • Sprang Creek Mine <br />member of the Rio Tinto Group <br />