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West Elk Mine <br />liberated methane after the longwall has passed the well and the B Seam roof strata has caved and <br />fractured within the area of influence for each well. The MDW's have provided additional methane <br />drainage capacity to allow for near normal mining practices for the B Seam. <br />The GIP for the E Seam, with shallower cover and closer proximity to outcrop, is more <br />characteristic of the western B Seam districts. A maximum of 8,000 SCF/A is projected for the <br />eastern fringes of E Seam mining. At approximately half the B Seam GIP, conditions are expected <br />to be better than current B Seam mining. MDW's are planned for the E Seam in case methane <br />levels or other operating criteria warrant their use. <br />A typical plan for methane drainage would include a spacing of approximately 750 feet on center. <br />However, MCC does not believe the aforementioned spacing will be required for E Seam South of <br />the Divide. A typical plan has been forwarded to the Forest Service for their review and <br />consideration under NEPA. A Final Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared by the <br />USFS for these activities. <br />MCC will submit an Annual Operating Plan (AOP) each year that describes the methane <br />drainage well roads, pads, and wells that are planned for construction in the coming drilling <br />season. The AOP submittal will include an incremental reclamation bond for the construction <br />planned for the year. <br />2.04-50 Revised November 2004 PR10; Rev. April 2006 PRIO; Sep. 2007 PR12, October, 2008 PR14