Laserfiche WebLink
ventilation (i.e. fans) could not be used; (2) certain of the openings which had been <br /> created from underground could no longer be accessed from underground, and access <br /> from the surface is very difficult. MSHA requirements for the order of sealing [which <br /> relates to the sealing of the rock tunnel portals] identified in the October 19, 1992 letter <br /> from William Holgate, MSHA district manager include: <br /> 2. ... At least two of the portals are reportedly accessible only by technical rock <br /> climbers. Provide an explanation of how these and other portals are to be <br /> accessed(including winter access) during construction. <br /> 3. ... The use of explosives is not acceptable unless a mechanical means is <br /> provided to ventilate the area during blasting. <br /> 4. ... The last two or three seals for each mine should be sealed simultaneously. <br /> This is to provide a ventilation circuit(even if natural ventilation is used) until the <br /> last blocks are installed in the seals. ... <br /> 6. ... Many of the portals may be able to have the seals constructed using <br /> natural ventilation. However, several of the seals may require mechanical <br /> means to-veritilate the area during construction. Provide information_ on the type <br /> of mechanical•ventilation which wilibe used when necessary <br /> John Reeves' letter of November 4, 1992 notes, in part: <br /> 2. We are attempting to fence all readily accessible mine portals before winter <br /> sets in. However, there is presently in excess of 36 inches of snow at the mine <br /> portals following the snow storm last weekend. Sealing work will commence as <br /> soon as the enclosed, revised seal plan is approved, subject to approval by the <br /> bankruptcy court, the weather permitting and, potentially, approval of the <br /> Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division. <br /> In the meantime, all portal access roads have been signed. All portals are <br /> behind a locked gate, and are not easily accessible to the public especially after <br /> snow doses'the access roads. <br /> 3. In numbered sections 4 and 6 of your plan rejection letter of October 19, <br /> 199Z you refer to mechanical ventilation. I must reiterate that electrical and <br /> other equipment has been removed from the mines and ventilation by existing <br /> fans is impossible. Additionally, Public Service Company of Colorado has cut off <br /> all electrical service to the mine site. <br /> Jim Holden, as bankruptcy counsel to MCR , wrote a letter to MSHA, dated November <br /> 11, 1992 concerning the financial constraints on the company: <br /> Resources agrees that it now needs to proceed to seal its mine portals, and to <br /> act diligently in this matter subject to weather conditions. The current problem is <br /> Portal Sealing <br />