Laserfiche WebLink
//// MOUNTAIN COaI <br />Ie~ ~~ CO VL.L.C. <br />MPAN <br />A Subsidiary ofArch Western Aesou¢es, LLC <br />October 31, 2002 <br />Ms. Susan Spear <br />U.S. Forest Service <br />Paonia Ranger District <br />P.O. 1030 <br />Paonia, CO 81428 <br />RECEI~/E® <br />NOV 13 2002 <br />Uivisian of PAinerals and Geology <br />RE: GeoTechnical Drilling along SIy Gulch ATV Trail <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 />Dear Sue, <br />MCC respectfully requests USFS permission to conduct a geotechnical drilling program along <br />the Sly Gulch Trail for the purpose of evaluating soils and predicting slope stabilities along the route. <br />I have included a map of the proposed borehole sites. Twelve (12) boreholes would be required to <br />establish the needed soil parameters and slope stabilities. Given the number of holes it is estimated <br />that this work would take a maximum of five days, weather permitting. The boreholes are expected to <br />range from 25' to 50' in depth and would drilled using the auger method with no water required. <br />These holes wquld be drilled in the current trail alignment to minimize environmental impacts. No <br />pads would be required for this work. This work would commence immediately upon receipt of your <br />approval to take advantage of any good weather that remains between now and the winter snows. <br />Also, included are details of the proposed drill rigs that would be utilized for the drilling <br />program. Both of these rigs exert minimal ground pressure on the earth and occupy a relatively small <br />footprint for ease of maneuverability and minimal risk of environmental impacts. The drilling would be <br />done using the split spoon method with hollow augers and done to the point of refusal or bedrock. In <br />the event that early boulder refusal is indicated, we would offset the drill and drill an adjacent hole to <br />refusal to confirm the bedrock contact. Holes once completed would be abandoned by backfilling <br />with cuttings. <br />Drills would be steam cleaned prior to entry on the Forest and access to the drills would be <br />accomplished with ATV's (also cleaned prior to entry on the Forest). Any disturbed areas due to <br />drilling wil4 be immediately reseeded with certified weed-free Forest Service approved grass seed <br />mixture after the drilling is completed. <br />Also, Kim Kaal is very familiar with this type of drilling project. Kim would be able to answer <br />most, if not all, questions you may have. Please contact me if you have any questions for me. <br />Sincerely, <br />Mic ael<J Peaco cc: Henry Barbe <br />Project Engineer Doug Nolte <br />Mountain Coal Company Phil Schmidt <br />West Elk Mine Charlie Rehn-ESC <br />