2010-06-18_REVISION - C1980007 (2)

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There is no discrepancy. This application removes two MDWs from the approved polygon that was shown to contain projected MDW numbers E3-71, E3-72 and E3-73. In this application, this polygon would only have one pad and one MDW drilled in it rather than three. As we are not certain of the MDW number at this time, the MDW was simply labeled on the map as "EX The table showed MDWs E3-72 and E3-73 as being removed, but was merely a selection of two of the three MDWs currently approved, leaving one. 6) DRMS is researching the need to update the E-seam underground mine plan (Map E 51) prior to approving MDWs E3-75, 76, and 78 whose proposed bottomhole locations are outside the currently approved mine plan. When does Mountain Coal Company anticipate Map E 51 will be updated in the vicinity of these MDWs? As we'd discussed after last month's mine site inspection and as recently approved per MR 365, MCC management has not made the decision to change the E-seam mine plan to extend the E3 longwall panel to the east and as such, the recently approved E-seam projected operations map (Map 51) is current and accurate. Although the three E3 exploratory entries have shown that coal of sufficient mining height exists to the east in these entries, mining of the E31E4 gateroad entries later this year needs to be completed to confirm that the minable coal height and condition is consistent with the height identified in the exploratory entries. Should this be confirmed, a revision application will be provided to locate the projected E3 longwall panel setup rooms further east. To reiterate, at this time, MCC does not have sufficient data to warrant a change of the E-seam projected operations plan shown on approved Map 51. As MCC's decision and revision to extend the E3 panel further to the east will not be until later this year, longwall mining of the panel would not begin until next spring and would be before MCC could access and drill the necessary MDWs needed for safe mining. To avoid this risk to the safety of our miners and business loss of having to delay the start of longwall mining in this panel until MDWs could be permitted and drilled next summer, MCC has had to assume that the panel will be extended and incur the costs of permitting, drilling and installing MDWs this summer. In addition, the data obtained from drilling these MDWs might also be of use in the decision on the extending the panel. Please feel free to contact me should you have further comments or questions regarding this submittal. Sincerely, Kathleen G. Welt Environmental Engineer III cc: Carl Johnston- OSM Doug Nolte -MCC Ryan Taylor - USFS