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4 <br />i <br />~ 1• <br />physical developments related to the underground mining of coal are <br />more extensive than at the Maxwell Mine. These include the east and <br />west mine portals with accompanying buildings and related activities; <br />and the refuse disposal areas resulting from nearly 30 years of mining. <br />These structures, activities and refuse areas occupy approximately <br />180 acres within a strip which straddles the Middle Fork fora distance <br />of nearly two miles. The Allen is about 3.5 miles upstream from the <br />Maxwell. The midpoint of mine activity is roughly 1.5 miles west of <br />the confluence of the Middle and North Forks at Vigil, Colorado. <br />Mining Activities <br />The assessment of existing and potential impact on fish and wild- <br />)• life resources requires consideration of human activities within, or . <br />proximate to the areas of concern. Potential far impact is quite <br />different for the two mines. <br />The Allen Mine began operation in 1952 and has operated continuously <br />since that time. At the present there are approximately 500 employees <br />working three 8-hour shifts five days per week. Future operations depend <br />on the economy and demands for steel products. It is anticipated that <br />the Allen will continue operations in excess of 10 years. At present, <br />activity is confined mostly to the east portal, where miners enter and <br />exit the mine, and coal is removed. Most of the activity at the west <br />portal involves entry and exit of mine safety inspectors and maintenance <br />personnel. No coal is removed from this portal. Air intake shafts <br />/ and exhaust portal fans operate at both portals. <br />• <br />