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1998 GEOTECHNICAL DRILLING PROGRAM (MR#247) <br />SYLVESTER GULCH FACILITIES AREA <br />SCOPE OF WORK <br />Mountain Coal Company (MCC) proposes to drill additional boreholes in Sylvester <br />Gulch as part of MCC's 1998 Geotechnical Drilling Program. Twelve (12) holes have <br />been proposed in this minor revision. These 13 boreholes are in or require access through <br />designated wetlands. <br />Enclosed is a map that shows the location of the thirteen holes and the access to the holes. <br />MCC plans to drill these 12 holes in late summer or fall, during the drier part of the year <br />to minimize potential impacts. The drill rig to be utilized in drilling these boreholes is a <br />standard CME 75 rig mounted on an oversized chassis and oversized wheels, designed <br />specifically for low ground pressure and all-terrain access. The use of this type of rig <br />should further reduce impacts in the wetlands. <br />Due to the locations of the 12 wetland holes and the use of an all-terrain drill rig, only <br />"brush crushing" a path to the hole will be required to gain access. The method of brush <br />crushing breaks off the brush stems, but leaves the root system in place, allowing the <br />vegetation to recover and reestablish more quickly. MCC has used this method <br />previously and has found it to be very successful. Access to one of the holes, 98-44, will <br />require some minor cut and fill. The total amount of cut and fill is expected to be <br />approximately 50 CY. <br />There will be very little, if any, disturbance to access boreholes 98-55, 98-58, 98-59, 98- <br />60, and 98-61 because the holes are located in a fairly level meadow, no road <br />construction will be required, but some brush crushing may be needed. A low water <br />crossing will be utilized to access 98-60 and 98-61. As the boreholes will be drilled in <br />late summer or fall, Sylvester Gulch will be at low flow, minimizing the potential for <br />impacts. <br />All roads constructed will be temporary. Immediately following drilling, all roads will be <br />reclaimed. As indicated on the wetland drilling map, some holes will be completed as <br />piezometers, which require periodic monitoring. However, access to the piezometers will <br />be on foot, so no roads will be needed. <br />All drill holes not completed as piezometers will be abandoned immediately in <br />accordance with Rule 4.07.3(1) or (2), depending on whether water was encountered <br />during drilling. The piezometers will be part of a long-term monitoring program as MCC <br />continues to develop designs and plans for additional facilities in Sylvester Gulch. Upon <br />reclamation of the piezometers, they will be sealed in accordance with 4.07.3(2). <br />• <br />• <br />Exhibit 69 August 1998 <br />e<h69mr247.doc <br />