PERMFILE109386

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/4/2002
• Doc Name: Responses to USFS Comments on MCC Request
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 80 Drilling Activities - MR273
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Doc Date:12/11/2001
MAR 0 4 2002

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MOUNTAIN COAL
:~~COMPANYL.L.c.
A Subsidiary al Arch Wesiem Resourccs, LLC
Mazch 30, 2001
Ms. Susan Spear, District Ranger
United States Forest Service (USFS)
P.O. Box 1030
Paonia, Colorado 81428
III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
RECEIVED
~IVISIOn of Minerals and Geelegy
West Elk Mine
P O Box 591
5174 Highway 133
Somerset, CO 81434
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Re: Mountain Coal Company L.L.C. (MCC), West Elk Mine, Responses to USFS Comments on
MCC's Proposal and Request for Authorization to Install Gob Vent / De-Gas Boreholes on USFS
Lands.
Dear Ms. Speaz:
MCC is submitting these responses to the USFS questions regazding the proposed project to drill
gob/vent de-gas bore holes on USFS lands.
1. The USFS requested additional information regarding the surface apparatus for the gob vent de-gas
bore holes, specifically what quantities of gas will be produced, what happens to the methane as it is
extracted, specifications for the system, size of equipment, and photographs of the system.
MCC believes the quantities of gas to be produced are dependent on the size of the
vacuum pump (blower), and bore hole, however, it is anticipated that a minimum of 3,000 cfm
can be achieved due to similar systems and experience in the industry. The quantity of gas will
also depend on the type bf gas being liberated and de-gassed.
The gas will be vented to the ambient atmosphere as depicted on the schematic submitted
in the project plan.
The-relative size of the equipment can be seen in the enclosed photographs of the trailer-
mounted equipment and a site location at another mining operation. Atypical specification of
the equipment is also enclosed as per the USFS request.
2. The USFS requested the locations of staging azeas for the project.
MCC believes it's earthwork contractor will park equipment along USFS road 711.2B
(Apache Rocks) or the West Flatiron drill road. Other equipment would be stored on MCC and
other private property in Section 31, T13S, R90W, 6'b PI~I. The drilling equipment would likely