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Prior to blasting, a pre-blast survey will be available to all residences and dwellings <br />within one-half mile of the mine permit boundary. The survey is performed by an <br />outside consultant and paid for by Western Fuels. The survey will determine the <br />condition of the dwelling or structure and document any pre-blast damage and other <br />physical factors that could reasonably be affected by the blasting. Special attention is <br />given to the pre-blast condition of wells and water systems. Written reports are provided <br />to the owner of the dwelling, to DRMS and the Mine. Nearby residents may also request <br />that portable seismic recording instruments be used to monitor blast effects on a specific <br />residences or structures. <br />Blasting will be done between sunrise and sunset and according to schedules published in <br />the San Miguel Basin Forum, the local newspaper. The schedule is also mailed to <br />residents within one-half mile of the blast area and to local utilities. These residents also <br />have an option to be notified 24 hours before each blast. <br />Blasting will be performed by an independent contractor under the direction of a State <br />certified blaster. The independent contractor will store all explosives at their own <br />facilities. Extensive planning goes into each blast to account for geologic conditions, <br />proximity to structures, and blasting efficiency. Possible variations include hole spacing, <br />hole patterns, number of holes, volume of explosives, type of explosives, explosive <br />delays and other factors. The Mine monitors each blast and modifies the blast design as <br />needed to achieve the necessary fragmentation at the lowest cost and at the lowest <br />vibration level possible. <br />Noise <br />The Mine currently operates 2 - 8 hour shifts 5 days/week but has operated 24 hours/day, <br />6 days/week. It is unlikely, but the Mine may go to a 24/7 schedule in the future. All of <br />the mining and transportation equipment generate noise. Federal MSHA regulations limit <br />the noise exposure of mine employees. Compliance with the regulations includes <br />minimizing noise generated by equipment, hearing protection and limiting exposure. <br />Limiting equipment noise is a special consideration in ordering and maintaining the <br />mining equipment. <br />For the general public, quieter equipment translates into lower noise levels off the mine <br />site. Blasting patterns are designed to minimize noise level, but a high noise level will <br />occur during a blast. The current mining activity involves blasting 2-3 times a week and <br />the blasts are scheduled mid-day. The stripping ratios will be similar for the North Mine, <br />therefore, the blasting schedule will be similar. <br />Dust <br />The size of this operation will require an Emissions Permit issued by the Colorado <br />Department of Public Health and Environment. This permit regulates fugitive emissions <br />from roads, equipment and blasting. The permit control measures include requirements <br />that active mining areas and coal stockpiles be watered on a regular basis, that haul roads <br />will be chemically treated and watered to reduce emissions and that revegetation of <br />Page 10