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,, <br />MOUNTAIN COAL <br />~~ COMPANYL.L.c. <br />A Subsidiary of Arch Wes[em Resources, LLC <br />November 5, 2002 <br />~~~0 <br />~~~ <br />RECEIVED <br />NOV 13 2002 <br />Division of Minerals and Geology <br />Mr. James Burnell <br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (CDMG) <br />Office of Mined Land Reclamation <br />1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />West Elk Mine <br />P.O. Box 591 <br />5174 Highway 133 <br />Somerset, CO 81434 <br />(970) 929-5015 <br />Fax (970) 929-5595 <br />Re: Mountain Coal Company LLC (MCC), West Elk Mine; Permit No. C-80-007; Minor <br />Revision No. 289, Geotechnical Drilling in Sylvester Gulch. <br />Deaz Mr. Burnell: <br />MCC is requesting this minor revision to the mining and reclamation permit to drill up to twelve (12) <br />geotechnical boreholes in Sylvester Gulch. The boreholes are proposed to be drilled along the existing <br />All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trail in Sylvester Gulch. The revision is necessary and prudent for <br />evaluating soils and predicting slope stabilities along the route. The United States Forest Service <br />(USFS) may approve the route for alight-use road in the future and the drilling will be beneficial for a.. <br />road design if the USFS and the Division approves of the route. MCC is requesting this minor <br />revision to conduct geotechnical drilling in anticipation of a technical revision that will be completed <br />for the alignment and designs of a light-use road in the very neaz future depending on the outcome of <br />this soils and stability evaluation. Attached aze the proposed locations of the boreholes on a map along <br />with a letter sent to the USFS requesting the proposed geotechnical drilling. <br />The boreholes would be drilled by either an ATV-mounted or small track-mounted auger drill. Either <br />of these rigs selected will exert minimal ground pressure and occupy a small azea, minimizing <br />environmental impact. The holes will be drilled in the current ATV trail alignment to minimize <br />environmental impacts. No pads or water will be required to conduct the drilling. The boreholes will <br />be drilled approximately 25' to 50' deep or to refusal. If boulder refusal is indicated, then the drill will <br />be offset and another hole drilled to confirm bedrock contact. It is anticipated that the split-spoon <br />method of soil sampling will be conducted. Boreholes, when completed, will be abandoned by back- <br />filling the holes with the drill cuttings. No holes will be used for piezometers or inclinometers. <br />It is expected that drilling could be completed in a week following the Division's approval of this <br />minor revision. <br />