2009-02-10_PERMIT FILE - C1981022 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981022
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 2/10/2009
• Section_Exhibit Name: Introduction
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Substations 2 and 3; and a mine water treatment pond. The remaining Sanborn Creek Mine
facilities are being utilized in conjunction with ongoing mining operations of the Elk Creek
Mine.
Historic OMLLC's phased Elk Creek mine expansion included three distinct phases; 1) Installation of
a longwall mining system and associated coal handling, waste handling, and support facility
modifications and upgrades; 2) Construction of the required infrastructure for the Elk Creek Mine in
the D Coal Seam and initial mine development; and 3) Development and longwall mining in the Elk
Creek Mine. The following summarizes those mining-related surface facilities and disturbance areas
within the mine permit area developed for the Elk Creek mine.
Sanborn Creek Mine and Elk Creek Coal Handling, Support, and Ancillary Facilities
Expansion - The initial mine expansion activities had included installation of a high-capacity
longwall mining system in the Sanborn Creek Mine; relocation of the existing storage
buildings, Substation No. 1 and a portion of the existing powerline; modification of the
existing overland conveyor, dump station, tipple, silo feed conveyor, silo, and loadout; and
construction of a new office, warehouse, sanitary leach field, two stacking tubes, a reclaim
system, a screening facility, a new batch weigh loadout, and a new coal mine waste pile and
associated haul road.
Elk Creek Mine Construction and Initial Development - Construction and initial mine
development for the Elk Creek Mine involved diversion of a portion of Elk Creek; relocation
and/or reconfiguration of the existing Elk Creek soil stockpile; upgrading of the existing Elk
Creek road; construction of mine portals, ventilation shafts, and associated surface facilities;
construction of a new conveyor connecting the portals to the existing coal stockpile;
installation of mine dewatering and water handling facilities; and initial development and
mining of private D Seam coal reserves.
Potential environmental considerations associated with ongoing mining operations, the phased
historic mine expansion activities, and construction, mine development, and mining for the Elk Creek
Mine include:
1) Direct surface disturbance with temporary loss of vegetation and utilization of these areas
during active operations. These areas will be reclaimed following completion of active
operations to their premining use as "undeveloped lands" with vegetative cover and
productivity comparable to that which existed prior to disturbance.
2) Indirect surface disturbance due to mining-related ground subsidence. Given the depth
of mining, surface subsidence effects are negligible and have not nor are they expected to
adversely impact any renewable resources.
3) Surface disturbance is generally in or adjacent to roads or other areas of human use and
activity so distinct wildlife impacts are minimal.
4) Surface water impacts are very localized and are effectively addressed through
compliance with applicable regulatory requirements for drainage and sediment control
and effluent standards.
5) Significant ground water resources have not been identified within the mine permit area
and no identified water users will be impacted
RN- 5 2 Revised October 2008