2009-05-12_PERMIT FILE - C1980007A ‎(11)‎

• Permit No: C1980007A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 5/12/2009
• Doc Name: MR353
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05.3 Operation Plan - Permit Area
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

West Elk Mine
Mine's main portals are in the F Seam at an elevation of approximately 6,450 feet AMSL in an area
of covered slope and semi-consolidated slump debris. Additionally, access :into the mine is
provided through the intake air shaft in Sylvester Gulch. Map 33 is a location snap of the portal
entries. Map 53 also shows the location of the portals. Sloped entries within the mine provide
access from the F Seam down to the E and B Seams.
Table 32
Projected Emplo ment Needs at West Elk Mine for the Life of Mine
Coal Production Total Em to ment
millions of tons er ear rounded number of ersons at ear-end
Year Actual Projected Actual Projected
1997 5.5 --- 292 ---
1998 5.9 --- 275 ---
1999 7.0 --- 324 ---
2000 3.4 --- 398 ---
2001 5.0 --- 359 ---
2002 6.6 --- 363 ---
2003 6.5 --- 375 ---
2004 6.6 --- 380 ---
2005 5.6 --- 425 ---
2006 6.0 --- 430 ---
2007 6.9 --- 433 ---
2008 5.9 --- 433 ---
2009 - 2010 --- 6.0 - 6.5 --- 430
2011 - 2018 --- 7.0 --- 430
In all portal excavations, the material removed before reaching the F Seam is colluvium consisting
of weathered debris, mainly sandstone blocks and clay. To assure stability in the main portal area,
these colluvial materials were excavated and a concrete retaining wall was installed (Map 33). Logs
of drill holes in the portal area are shown on the cross-sections shown in Exhibit 1 ~~.
The main surface facilities consist of sediment control structures, coal handling facilities, support
facilities for mine operations, and other related facilities. Support facilities for mine operations
include the offices, maintenance shops, warehouses, and bathhouse. Other related facilities include
coal refuse disposal sites, equipment and material storage areas, and the mine ventilation fans. The
surface facilities in Sylvester Gulch include but are not limited to mine ventilation shafts and fans, a
substation, powerlines, electric mine borehole, nitrogen supply and methane drainage facilities, rock
dust storage, mine water and sediment ponds and control structures, compressed air and other
support facilities. Sediment control structures and coal handling facilities are described below in
Sections 2.05.3(4) and 2.05.3(7), respectively. Waste handling facilities are discussed in Sections
2.05.3(6), 2.05.3(8), and 2.05.3(9). The main support facilities for mine operation are described in
this section.
General Construction Procedures
All work at West Elk Mine is conducted according to Federal and State water pollution laws, land
reclamation statutes and regulations, and construction safety standards. Construction activities are
planned and executed in a manner to protect the environment and minimize polh.~tion and erosion.
Three areas of primary concern during construction projects are safety, vegetation, and fires.
1.05-16 Rev. 06/05- PRIG; 01/06- PRIG; 03/06- PRIG; 0-1/06- PRIO, OS/06- PRIO; 01/09- MR-3.i0; 0=1/09- TR 116; 0-1/09- MR3.i3