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subsequent analysis of critical gasses. Each of these boreholes will be 6 1/4" diameter boreholes with <br />41/2" steel casing. <br />One of the boreholes will serve as a mine dewater borehole (DEWATER) intersecting the low point <br />in the mine at the north end of the North Main entries. We know that there is mine water inflow, but <br />we do not know the current level of the water. We anticipate the water level could be flooding the <br />5B Gateroad and prevent ventilation of that area of the mine during the early phase of the recovery <br />efforts. Upon entering the sealed areas, we first plan to evaluate the extent of mine flooding. There <br />is a possibility that pumping of the water can be effectively handled by moving and advancing <br />pumps into the mine workings rather than a borehole. <br />Should the completion of a surface dewater borehole be necessary, we plan to drill a 12'/4" borehole <br />and install a 9 5/8" steel casing. A water pump will be installed into the flooded mine workings and <br />pump the water via a pipeline to Elk Creek. Oxbow's NPDES Permit contains Outfall #015 <br />specifically for the pumping of mine water and Oxbow will treat the pumped water as such, but in <br />an alternate location. The pumped water will be sampled in accordance with the Permit <br />requirements. <br />We have also included revised Exhibit 2.04 -E3, Item 9- Methane Drainage Well Information <br />containing information on these proposed boreholes. <br />Site construction, pad construction, drilling activities and later reclamation will be consistent with <br />current practices employed at the Elk Creek Mine. <br />Due to the urgent nature of the mine recovery activities, we also ask that the Division approve this <br />MR as quickly as possible. <br />Please contact me at (970) 929 -5806 should you have questions or require further information. <br />Sincerely, <br />James A. Kiger <br />Environmental Manager <br />Attachments <br />Xc: BLM <br />USFS <br />Delta County and Gunnison County Planning Departments <br />Paonia Library <br />Mike Ludlow (OMLLC) <br />Files <br />