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Comment: <br />2.04-36 and 37 <br />This discussion should acknowledge that the Forest Service has stipulations on Federal Leases <br />that state surface use is prohibited on slopes greater than 60% and that special evaluation is <br />needed for surface use on slopes between 40% and 60%. <br />Response: <br />The appropriate change has been made within the document recognizing stipulation for surface <br />occupancy or use on slopes greater than 40%. <br />Comment: <br />2.04-44 - 1St sentence <br />In some cases determining the cause. of rockfalls (either natural or mining induced) is quite easy <br />to make (e.g. Bowie's recent release in Hubbard Canyon). Please add a related comment that <br />states unless rockfalls occur in close temporal and spatial timing to a passing longwall (likely <br />induced by subsidence from mining) it is difficult to determine if it was natural or mining <br />induced... <br />Response: <br />The appropriate changes have been made. <br />Comment: <br />2.04-44 <br />This discussion should include that the active ground water zone includes water in near surface <br />fractures (especially along outcrops) that daylights along cliff faces in the form of springs or <br />seeps. <br />Response: <br />This comment is included in following sections of the document with respect to bedrock springs. <br />Comment: <br />2.04-49 &50 <br />Under the "Methane" section there is no mention about the quantity and surface impacts <br />associated with methane drainage wells. Please-include a number of wells drilled in previously - <br />mined areas as well as surface disturbance estimates, and if possible include an estimate for <br />MDWs needed for the South of Divide area. <br />Response: <br />References to Methane drainage wells, although not present in the "operations" section can be <br />found in Volume 11A of the permit document. <br />Comment: <br />Figure 15 (all) -- Please add surface ownership to maps. <br />Response: <br />Through our discussions, MCC and USFS have agreed not to include surface ownership on <br />these maps. <br />Comment: <br />2.05-15 Operation Plan section <br />There is no mention of the methane drainage wells in this section. It seems that MDWs (and <br />their associated surface disturbances [roads, pads]) are significant features of the West Elk <br />Mine's surface facilities. Please include a general write-up (similar to other topics in this <br />section) describing the purpose and need for MDWs, typical construction method, site layout, <br />and well life. <br />Response: <br />References to Methane drainage wells, although not present in the "operations" section can be <br />found in Volume 11A of the permit document.