2008-02-22_APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE - C2008086 (40)

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Appendix G Air Quality Analysis Modeling Report 1.0 Introduction This Report provides detailed emission estimates and air quality dispersion modeling to support the air quality impact assessments completed for the Red Cliff Mine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Construction activities will cause temporary criteria pollutant emission increases, while production activities following the start of mining activities will result in continuous criteria pollutant emission increases from the mine site. Criteria pollutants considered in this analysis include nitrogen dioxide (NOz), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SOz), and particulate matter less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns in diameter (PMIo and PMz.s). Both near-field (<1 kilometer from mine site) and far-field (<200 kilometers, or 124 miles from mine site) impacts were analyzed, using the AMS/EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD) and USEPA-approved CALPUFF models, respectively. The near-field analysis provides a comparison of modeled pollutant concentrations to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Colorado Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). The far-field analysis focuses on Air Quality Related Values (AQRVs), including comparison of modeled concentrations to significant impact levels (SILs) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) increments, assessment of visibility impacts, and a deposition evaluation. Air quality impacts were evaluated for the following areas: Utah • Arches National Park (Class I Area) • Canyonlands National Park (Class I Area) Cnl era do • Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness (Class I area) • Flat Tops Wilderness (Class I area). • Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness (Class I area) • Colorado National Park (sensitive Class II area) • Dinosaur National Monument (sensitive Class II area) 2.0 Project Description As described in Chapter 1 of the Red Cliff Mine EIS, CAM-Colorado, LLC (CAM) currently mines approximately 280,000 tons of coal per year from the underground McClane Mine in western Colorado. CAM is proposing to develop the Red Cliff Mine, approximately 3 miles south of the McClane Mine, to produce approximately 8 million tons per year of coal. CAM estimates that Red Cliff coal reserves exist to allow fora 20 to 30 year mine life. Once the Red Cliff Mine becomes operational, CAM plans to cease operations at the McClane Mine. The proposed Red Cliff Mine project area is located in western Colorado in Garfield and Mesa County, 11 miles north of the towns of Mack and Loma, Colorado, and 1.5 miles east of Colorado State Highway (SH) 139, approximately 32.5 kilometers northwest of the Grand Junction airport. The location of the Red Cliff Mine area is shown in Figure 2-1 of this report. G-1 DBMS 513