2012-07-11_REVISION - C1981012 ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1981012
• IBM Index Class Name: REVISION
• Doc Date: 7/11/2012
• Doc Name: Adequacy Response No. 1
• From: J.E. Stover & Associates, Inc
• To: DRMS
• Type & Sequence: TR64
• Email Name: ZTT
• Email Name: DIH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

MINE ENGINEERING
MINE RECLAMATION
July 9, 2012
Dear Mr. Trujillo:
Zach Trujillo
Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, CO 80203
Re:
J. E. STOVER & ASSOCIATES INC.
2352 NORTH 7t" STREET, UNIT B
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO 81501
PHONE: [phone], FAX [phone]
New Elk Mine Permit C- 1981 -012
Technical Revision Application No. 64
Shaft Installation, Adequacy Response No. 1
CIVIL ENGINEERING
CONST. MANAGEMENT
On behalf of New Elk Coal Company (NECC), the following responses have been prepared in
reply to the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS)' comments and concerns
regarding the above - referenced technical revision, stated in the letter dated June 1, 2012 .
1. Please provide a blasting plan for the proposed technical revision in accordance with Rule
2.05.3(6)(a). While the language of Rule 2.05.3(6)(a) suggests this blasting pertains to
surface mines, Rule 2.05.3(6)(a) is directly related to Rule 4.08 which has requirements
that relate to underground mines as well.
NECC - An updated blasting plan was submitted with TR -58. Please refer to Exhibit 26.
2. It is our understanding that a future railroad track or tracks will be constructed from
Trinidad to New Elk Mine within the next 12 to 18 months. According to the maps with the
proposed technical revision, it appears that the future railroad track(s) will run through the
ventilation shaft and/or the containment. Is this a map error? If this is not an error, how
does NECC plan to address this with the future railroad track(s)?
NECC - The railroad tracks will be located north of the shaft and south of the containment.
3. It is the Division's understanding that water collected in the containment area will be either
pumped or hauled to Pond 7. If the water is pumped from the containment area to Pond 7,
will the required piping system be permanent? If so, please provide an adjusted bond,
permit pages and maps to account for the permanent piping.
NECC - Any piping installed would be buried for freeze protection so no additional
bonding should be required. The DRMS does not typically require a bond for underground
pipe removal.