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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration <br />P.O. Box 25367 <br />Denver, Colorado 80225-0367 <br />Coal Mine Safety and Health <br />JUN 0 3 2009 District 9 <br />Walter Scheller <br />Colorado Group Executive <br />Twentymile Coal Company <br />29515 Routt County Road #27 <br />Oak Creek, CO 80467 <br />ENT oF? o <br />O p <br />e r u <br />sT?TES Of <br />RECEIVED <br />JUN U 5 2009 <br />Division or ReclamaUon, <br />Mining and Safety <br />RE: Foidel Creek Mine <br />ID No. 05-03836 <br />Roof Control Plan Deficiency and <br />Information Request <br />Dear Mr. Scheller: <br />The roof control plan was originally approved on March 18, 2008. <br />It has come to our attention that the plan has not addressed the <br />proximity of flooded workings with projected development of the <br />West Mining District. The plan will require an amendment. <br />Development mining in the Western District in Panels 11 through 15 <br />will be located adjacent to the Southwestern District. The. <br />Southwestern District is worked-out, located up-dip and is <br />currently impounding a significant amount of water and slurry. <br />Impounded water can present hazards to miners during both <br />development and retreat mining operations. Communication of water <br />from flooded old workings is one of the possible accident <br />scenarios that should be avoided through engineered designs. <br />Please note the requirements of 30 CFR 975.1716-1 concerning <br />notification to the District Manager. When projections of mining <br />include mining near bodies of water, including flooded workings, <br />adequate notice and information should be given to the District <br />Manager so that a determination can be made whether or not a <br />permit is required in accordance with 30 CFR 975.1716-2. Although <br />it seems somewhat early to ask for such information, we understand <br />that adjustments to overall panel layout may impact your planning. <br />The roof control plan should be provided with the minimum barrier <br />pillar sizes for ground stability considerations and for a safety <br />buffer from the old, flooded area. The plan amendment should be <br />submitted with a supporting stability analysis report to <br />facilitate our review.