2009-12-28_REVISION - C1996083 (3)

Home Browse Search

Department of Energy Western Area Power Administration P.O. Box 281213 Lakewood, CO 80228-8213 .DEC 2 2 2009 Joseph J. Dudash Environmental Protection Specialist State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Bowie No. 2 Mine (Permit No. C-1996-083) Technical Revision Application No. 65 (TR-65) Amend the B-Seam Mine Plan and Drill One Geotech Hole Dear Mr. Dudash: UFC 2 02009 ?lbISlOrr o, iwinin9 and Sa eta °ry, ?200? wn,,,?? `?e?amat .> ":17c/ Safety/017, Western Area Power Administration (Western) has reviewed the notice concerning an application submitted by Bowie Resources, LLC, to revise coal mining operations at the Bowie No. 2 Mine. In Technical Review No. 65, Bowie is proposing to amend its B-Seam mining plan and also drill one geotechnical hole. The proponent is also proposing to construct new mains to connect the current Bowie No. 2 Mine workings with future longwall mining to the west of its current operations. The connecting mains will intersect Western's Curecanti-Rifle 230-kilovolt transmission line between structure numbers 38-4 and 38-5 located in sections 5 and 8, Township 13 South, Range 91 West, 6th Principal Meridian, Delta County, Colorado. Enclosed is a map showing the alignment of the proposed new mining activity and the location of Western's transmission line structures. We are offering the following comments based on the fact that the proposed direction of the connecting mains means that mining activity will occur beneath the overhead energized transmission line and adjacent to one or both of the structures. Bowie will need to ensure that all electrical safety clearances are maintained during the drilling activity. Guidance for these clearances can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 29 CFR 1910.333 (c)(3). These regulations provide the minimum approach distances for vehicles, tools and personnel beneath overhead transmission lines. In addition, all vehicles, equipment, and/or machinery or other materials near the right-of-way must be properly grounded. To avoid static and induced electrical hazards, no materials can be stored in the transmission line right-of-way. Bowie will also be required to have a structural review and acceptance by Western if the actual connecting mains or future longwall mining activities will come within 100 feet of any transmission line tower foundation itself. If any drill holes will occur within Western's right-of- way, Bowie Resources, LLC will need to enter into a license agreement with Western. Safety