2012-04-06_REVISION - C1981012 (3)

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J. E. STOVER & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2352 NORTH 7 STREET, UNIT B GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO 81501 PHONE: (970) 245 -4101, FAX 242 -7908 MINE ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING MINE RECLAMATION CONST. MANAGEMENT April 4, 2012 Janet Binns Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 Re: New Elk Mine Permit C- 1981 -012 Technical Revision Application No. 64 Shaft Installation Dear Ms. Binns: RECEIVED APR 0 6 7017 u'v''ui o, neciamation, Mining and Safety On behalf of New Elk Coal Company, (NECC) enclosed is an application for a technical revision to construct a 29 -foot diameter ventilation shaft. A 29 foot diameter shaft will be constructed during 2012. The shaft is located approximately 1,500 feet east of Pond 7. An open cut will be developed about 18 to 24 feet down to competent rock to begin the shaft construction. The excavated material will be temporarily stockpiled. An approximate 6 foot diameter pilot hole will be raise bored and then the shaft will be drilled and slashed. The material excavated from the shaft will be stored underground. An 18 to 24 foot long 29 foot diameter surface casing will be installed so the open cut excavated material can be replaced. A concrete collar will be constructed around the top of the surface casing. Construction activities require equipment and material lay down areas for, fuel storage, electrical generators, compressors, winches, crane(s), office and shop trailers, water tank, concrete shotcrete pump, light towers and explosive magazines. This list is not intended to be all inclusive. Permit page 2.05 -54 states the airshafts constructed at the New Elk Mine are cement lined to maintain the integrity of the shaft and prevent contamination of intercepted aquifers. The 29 -foot diameter shaft will be lined with shotcrete or concrete depending on the formations encountered. Any water bearing zones encountered will be grouted and sealed before the lining is installed. The 6 foot diameter pilot hole will allow NECC to determine where water bearing zones exist. Reclamation of the shaft will be in accordance with the plan shown on Figure 16, Typical Air Shaft Seal. The reclamation plan involves pouring a cast in place concrete cap over the air shaft. Exhibit 19(21) presents the sedimentation control plan A reclamation estimate is provided as Exhibit 28. The area where the shaft will be constructed is an industrial area previously disturbed by a rail corridor. There will be 5.9 acres of disturbed area brought into the permit by this revision. The access road to the shaft construction site and the shaft construction site will not be reclaimed.