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After the borehole casing has been completely set, a skid mounted methane fueled pump will be
<br />installed over the well head. The pump will be operated with the methane and other gasses
<br />drawn from the mine, and any excess gas will be vented into the atmosphere. MSHA will not
<br />presently allow any other suitable alternatives for the vented mine gasses as alternatives (such as
<br />flaring) could adversely impact miner safety.
<br />Unless otherwise requested, the boreholes will be sealed and the new roads and borehole pads
<br />reclaimed in accordance with the procedures further described in the PAP or in accordance with
<br />the applicable regulations. Typically, a particular GVB site is reclaimed the year after a panel is
<br />mined and sealed.
<br />Threatened and Endangered Species Assessment, Cultural Resources Assessment
<br />A block clearance cultural resources assessment titled "Class III Cultural Resources Inventory of
<br />the Block Clearance Area Project" prepared August 26, 2005 by Grand River Institute has
<br />previously been submitted to DMG. This proposed GVB project will not effect any areas of
<br />concern noted in this report.
<br />A "Block Biological Clearance Project" prepared in August 2005 by Monarch and Associates
<br />covers the project area. A copy of the reports have previously been forwarded to the Division
<br />and can be found in PAP Exhibit 2.04-E7.
<br />Borehole Completion
<br />The boreholes in these two panels are to be drilled during the 2010 - 2011 field seasons. The
<br />Division should recall that during 2009, Oxbow drilled pilot holes at the four sites LW-18-01A,
<br />LW-18-03, LW-19-01A and LW-19-03 sites in order to determine the extent to which a possible
<br />rock split/ parting located in the NW corner of Panels 18 and 19 would affect panel design. One
<br />6 '/4" borehole were successfully drilled at each of the four sites. We are pleased to note that all
<br />four boreholes indicated recoverable coal and the extent of the panel layout can now be
<br />maximized. This TR-65 borehole plan considers the fact that these four pads and associated
<br />roads are already constructed and in place and the ventilation boreholes will be completed at
<br />each site. Also, the "01 A, 01 B and 01 C" boreholes in each panel are clustered and completed
<br />from the same pad and intended to maximize gob ventilation at the start of each panel during the
<br />initial caving of each panel.
<br />Longwall Panel 17,18 and 19 GVB Program
<br />Boreholes Drilled Total Borehole Total New Pad Total New road
<br /> Depth Disturbance Construction
<br />LW-17-01A, 01 B, 01 C, 2, 3, 4, 25,560 feet 4.5 acres 5,300 feet
<br />5,6,7,8,9.
<br />LW-18-01A, O1B, 01C, 2, 3, 4, 26,091 feet 3.5 acres 4,550 feet
<br />5,6,7,8,9.
<br />LW-19-01A, O1B, 01C, 2, 3, 4, 27,530 feet 3.5 acre 5,750 feet
<br />5,6,7,8,9.
<br />Total 79,181 feet 11.5 acres 15,600 feet (5.7ac.)
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