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Chapter IV <br /> In the preceding permit term Mid-Continent installed a baghouse dust collection system <br /> on the clean coal blending bins for the purpose of controlling dust emissions. <br /> In addition, Mid-Continent installed a system to allow us the use of methane gas from <br /> the mine in the thermal dryers. In general, the methane is a cleaner burning fuel, and its <br /> use is intended as a measure to protect air quality. The system extends from the No. 1 <br /> Entry to the the dryers, and the methane source is the workings accessed through that <br /> entry. The use of the methane is dependent on availability, which is subject to active <br /> production from the B-bed, as the methane is liberated during the mining process. <br /> During the preceding permit term (1983 - 1988), constrained demand for B-bed coal did <br /> hamper the supply of methane for the dryers, and it was not always used. However, <br /> Mid-Continent does use the methane as it is available. <br /> 2. Fugitive Dust Control Monitoring Plan. <br /> Mid-Continent is not required to monitor air quality on a continual basis. The existing <br /> Coal Basin mining complex is in compliance with all air quality regulatory requirements <br /> (permit and inspections by State Department of Health). Existing control measures will <br /> be maintained to minimize fugitive dust emissions. Procedures being followed to <br /> ensure the adequacy of fugitive dust control measures are: <br /> — Periodic inspections during road maintenance. <br /> — Periodic inspections by MSHA to ensure roads watered <br /> adequately. <br /> — Revegetation maintenance, as necessary. <br /> B. FISH AND WILDLIFE PLAN <br /> 1 . Introduction. <br /> Mid-Continent has developed operating and post mining land use plans, in compliance <br /> with federal and state regulatory requirements, and using the best technology currently <br /> available, which attempt to improve fish and wildlife habitats in Coal Basin. The <br /> proposed operating and post-mine land uses have been coordinated with the Colorado <br /> Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources; the Colorado Mined Land <br /> Reclamation Board; the Office of Surface Mining, the U.S. Forest Service, and Pitkin <br /> and Gunnison Land Use Commissions. <br /> In general, the modernization program offers substantial benefits for wildlife by <br /> reduction of surface activity from mining operations at portal benches and over haul <br /> roads. <br /> 3 <br />