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Twelve (12) boreholes will be drilled from nine (9) padsites for a total of 4.5 acres of pad <br />disturbance. The additional temporary road disturbance estimate is 12,000 linear feet or 4.2 acres <br />for a total combined disturbance of 8.7 acres of additional temporary disturbance. <br />Three of the boreholes (the "A" holes) will be directionally drilled. Each borehole will be drilled <br />12 1/4 inch diameter to approximately 20 feet above the coal. 9 5/8 inch steel casing is cemented <br />into the hole to approximately within 100' of the coal. 7 inch slotted steel casing will be installed <br />to within 10 feet above the coal. Approximately 60 - 100 feet of the slotted 7 inch pipe will be <br />extended up or overlap into the 9 5/8 inch casing. <br />The pad sites will be approximately 150 feet wide and 150 feet long or 0.50 acres. Any salvaged <br />topsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to the pad. Drill fluids will be collected in mud pits. <br />(Approximately, 8'D x 10' W x 40'L in size). <br />After the borehole casing has been completely set, a skid mounted methane fueled pump will be <br />installed over the borehole well head. The pump will be operated with the methane and other <br />gasses drawn from the mine, and any excess gas will be vented into the atmosphere. MSHA has <br />not presently allowed any other suitable alternatives for the vented mine gasses as potential <br />alternatives (such as flaring) could adversely impact miner safety. <br />Unless otherwise requested, the boreholes will be sealed and the new roads and borehole pads <br />reclaimed in accordance with the procedures further described in the PAP or in accordance with <br />the applicable regulations. Typically, a particular GVB site is reclaimed the year after a panel is <br />mined and sealed. <br />Threatened and Endangered Species Assessment and Cultural Resources Assessment <br />A block clearance cultural resource assessment titled "Class III Cultural Resources Inventory of <br />the Block Clearance Area Project" prepared August 26, 2005 by Grand River Institute has <br />previously been submitted to DMG. This proposed GVB project will not effect any areas of <br />concern noted in this report. <br />A "Block Biological Clearance Project" prepared in August 2005 by Monarch and Associates <br />covers the project area. A copy of the reports have previously been forwarded to the Division <br />and can be found in PAP Exhibit 2.04 -E7. This proposed GVB project will not present any <br />issues related to biolological clearance. <br />Drainage and Sediment Control <br />The drainage and sediment control system for these Elk Creek mine gob vent boreholes will be <br />consistent with the previously constructed Elk Creek Mine and Sanborn Creek Mine gob vent <br />boreholes. The drainage and sediment control for the Elk Creek Mine borehole sites will be <br />managed as a small area exemption with alternative sediment control provided by a combination <br />of perimeter sediment control berms /ditches and installation of straw bales, straw waddles, local <br />brush pile material, etc. and small sediment traps to reduce flow velocity and trap sediment. <br />Permit Map 2.05 -M4 (4th sheet) Drainage and Sediment Control Plan provides a typical example <br />• Page 2 <br />