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Coal Methane Drainage Project - PaneG 76-24 Wat E!k Mine • Page 1-2 <br />Methane typically collects in the "gob" area where overlying rock collapses into the void left as <br />mining advances. Standard industry practice when in-mine horizontal drilling isn't fully effective; is to <br />drill vent holes from the surface into the gob or just above the coal seam to be mined. As the coal <br />seam(s) is mined, methane gas is liberated from the coal seams and assouated rock layers, and collects <br />in the gob area. Surface vent holes drain the collected methane from the gob to the surface where it <br />is released to the atmosphere. MCC initiated a program in 2001 of surface drilling to install large- <br />diameter methane drainage wells (MDIX%s) in the active longwall panels (Panels 14 and IS) to drain the <br />methane gas collecting in the gob as mining advanced. The use of MDWs has proven and continues <br />to prove very successful in reducing and maintaining methane levels within an acceptable range. <br />Vertical or near-vertical MDWs are the most effective means of draining excess methane from the <br />underground workings. <br />Approval for the initial MDW activities in 2001 in Panel 14 and part of Panel 15 was documented in <br />Decision Memos by the USFS and Minor or Technical permit revision approvals by the Colorado <br />Division of Minerals & Geology (CDMG) due to imminent safety concerns. The environmental <br />effects of subsequent MDW activities in Panel 15 were evaluated and documented in the <br />Environmental Assessment -Gob Ventilation Borehole Drilling for East Side of Panel 15. Project <br />plans were approved with conditions and an exception to a lease stipulation by the Paonia District <br />Ranger of the GMUG. <br />In order to address continuing methane degasificaion requirements to fully develop Federal Coal <br />Leases COC-56447 and C-1362, MCC submitted their proposal, "Request for Authorization of <br />Methane Drainage Project Plan (Additional Drill Pads) and Access (Roads) on USFS Lands" to the <br />USFS on November 1, 2001. This Environmental Assessment (EA) discloses the environmental <br />effects of the proposed project and identifies alternatives for public lands and resources within the <br />National Forest System, including lands designated as Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRA), in <br />compliance with NEPA. Concurrently, MCC is proceeding with prepazation of a project permit <br />revision to the existing approved Mining and Reclamation Plan with CDMG. <br />1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED <br />MCC cannot develop their federal coal leases and implement their mine plan without degasificaion of <br />the excessive methane gas from within the mine. Rights and responsibilities conveyed in three <br />sections of MCC's federal coal leases are applicable in this situation. <br />1) The right to construct such works, buildings, plants, structures, equipment, and appliances <br />and the right to use such on-lease rights-of-way which may be necessary and convenient in <br />the exercise of the rights and privileges granted (Lease C-1362, and COC-56447, Section 2) <br />2) Lessee shall carry on all operations in accordance with approved methods and practices as <br />provided in the operating regulations, having due regard for the prevention of injury to life, <br />health, or property, and prevention of waste, damage, or degradation to any land, air, water, <br />cultural, biological, visual, and other resources, including the mineral deposits and formations <br />of mineral deposits not leased, and to other land uses or users (Lease C-1362, and COC- <br />56447, Section '~ <br />3) Lessee shall ....maintain a safe working environment in accordance with standard industry <br />practices (Lease C-1362, and COC-56447, Section 8) <br />When the federal coal lease was granted, MCC as the lessee, was granted the right to mine and <br />develop the coal resource. They were also given the right to construct roads and other facilities <br />needed to mine and develop the coal, subject to the restrictions stated in the lease stipulations. MCC <br />is required to prevent injury or damage to life, health, or property and prevent waste of the coal or <br />other resources. MCC is also required to maintain a safe working environment For their employees. <br />Y':VT/Nuruan GJGIILUOrgn )1g01E/ USW <br />JlS/01 Jv <br />