Coal Diver Everything you wanted to know about coal, but were afraid to ask.

This is a text-only version of the document "Eastern Powder River Basin - Final Environmental Impact Statement - Vol 4 of 5 - 1973". To see the original version of the document click here.

CONTENTS This is Volume IV. It contains Parts IV, V and VI, the analyses of proposed mlnlng and reclamation by Carter Oil Company, Kerr-}fcGee Coal Corporation and Wyodak Resources Development Corp. SlnfrfARYTABLE OF CONTENTS This environmental Part
I:

statement

is presented

in six parts as follows:

Regional Analysis ~ A consieration of the Eastern Powder River Coal Basin, its environment, and projected development through 1990. Chapters I - IV. Introduction, Potential Development, Development and Distribution Models, and Description of the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapters V - XI. Probable Impacts, Mitigating Measures, Unavoidable Adverse Effects, Alternatives, Relationships Between Short and Long Term Uses, Irreversible Commitments and Coordination ....

Vol.

Part

II:

Proposed railroad construction by Burlington Northern, Inc. and the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. Proposed mining and reclamation by Atlantic Richfield Company • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proposed mining and reclamation by Carter Oil Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proposed mining and reclamation by Kerr-McGee Coal Corpora tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proposed mining and reclamation by Wyodak Resource Development Corp. . .......•.••..•.

Vol. III

Part III:

Vol. III

Part

IV:

Vol.

Part

Vol.

Part

VI:

Vol.

Appendices

. . . . . and by mail, .....

Vol.

Comments received at public hearings and responses . . . . . . ..

Vol.

A detailed

table of contents of this volume begins on the following

page.

T-11

PART IV.

VOLUHE IV ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED NINING AND RECLANATION BY CARTER OIL COHPANY

Chapter I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION Background and History . Stages of Implementation Hining Sequence .. Honi toring . . Transportation and Harketing
II.

IV-l IV-l IV-7 IV-33 IV-36 IV-38 IV-39 IV-39 IV-40 IV-42 IV-47 IV-63 IV-66 IV-70 IV-7l IV-72 IV-74 IV-82 IV-84 IV-88 IV-89 IV-9l IV-92 IV-95 IV-99 IV-102 IV-103 IV-107 IV-110 IV-lll IV-H2 IV-1l4 IV-1l9 IV-120 IV-122 IV-123

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONNENT. Air Quality. Topography . . Soils ..... Hineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions. PROBABLE IHPACTS OF TIlE PROPOSED ACTION. Air Quality. Topography . Soils .... Hineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values .• Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions.

III.

T-12

Chapter
IV.

MITIGATING MEASURES Air Quality. Topography . . . Soils. . . . . . . Water Resources. Vegetation . . . Archeological Preservation Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife. Recreation Agriculture. Transportation Networks.

IV-12S IV-12S IV-126 IV-127 IV-l30 IV-l31 IV-132 IV-l3S IV-l36 IV-137 IV-l39 IV-140 IV-143 IV-14S IV-14S IV-147 IV-148 IV-149 IV-ISO IV-lSI IV-IS2 IV-IS3 IV-IS4 IV-ISS IV-IS6 IV-IS7 IV-IS8 IV-IS9 IV-IS9 IV-160

PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIROID1ENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED. . . Air Quality. Topography . Soils .... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Aesthetics . Wildlife and FishL Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions .. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION . Reject the Hining Plan . . . . . Approve the Mining Plan After Modification

.~-i(

•

VI.

VII.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF }1AN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEHENT OF LONG-TERH PRODUCTIVITY . IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE CO}1}1IT}1ENTS RESOURCES OF

IV-167 IV-l7l

VIII.

T-13

PART V.

ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED MINING AND RECLAMATION BY KERR-MCGEE COAL CORPORATION

Chapter I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION . Background and History . Stages of Implementation . . . II. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT. Air Quality. Climate. . Topography . Soils .... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions. PROBABLE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION Air Quality. Topography . . Soils ..... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agricul ture . . Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions.

V-I
V-I
V-7

V-23 V-23 V-23 V-24 V-27
V-36 V-66

V-69 V-76 V-77 V-79 V-81 V-86 V-87 V-89 V-91 V-93 V-94 V-97 V-IOI V-I03 V-I04 V-I08 V-lll V-1l2 V-1l3 V-llS

III.

v-ri z
V-1l8 V-1l9 V-120

T-14

Chapter
IV.

MITIGATING MEASURES Air Quali ty . Topography . . . . Soils Water Resources. Vegetation ... Archeological Preservation Historical Values. Aesthetics Wildlife. Recreation Agriculture. Transportation PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED. . Air Quality. Topography . Soils .... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation..... . . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socia-Economic Conditions .. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION Reject the Mining Plan . Approve the Mining Plan After Modification THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY . IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES .

V-121 V-121 V-122 V-123 V-l2S V-126 V-129
V-132

V-l33 V-l34 V-l35 V-l35 V-l36 V-l37 V-l37 V-l39 V-140 V-141
V-l42

V-143 V-144 V-14s V-146 V-147 V-148 V-149 V-ISO V-lSI V-lSI V-ls2

VI.

VII.

V-ls9 V-163

VIII.

T-ls

PART VI.

ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED MINING AND RECLAl1ATION BY WYODAK RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Chapter I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION Background and History . Stages of Implementation . . . II. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT. Air Quality. Topography . . Soils ..... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions. PROBABLE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION. Air Quality. Topography . . Soils ..... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions.

VI-I VI-I VI-8 VI-19 VI-19 VI-21 VI-22 VI-27 VI-37 VI-4l VI-44 VI-45 VI-46 VI-47 VI-53 VI-54 VI-57 VI-58 VI-6l VI-61 VI-65 VI-68 VI-70 VI-71 VI-76 VI-79 VI-80 VI-81 VI-83 VI-88 VI-89 VI-91 VI-92

III.

T-16
(

Chapter
IV.

MITIGATING MEASURES Air Quality. Topography • . . Soils. . . . . . Water Resources. Vegetation . . . Archeological Preservation Historical Values. Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONHENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED. . Air Quality. Topography . Soils .... Mineral Resources. Water Resources .. Vegetation . . . . Archeological and Paleontological Values Aesthetics . Wildlife and Fish. Recreation . Agriculture. Transportation Networks. Socio-Economic Conditions .. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION . Reject Mining Plan . Approve the Hining Plan After Modification THE RELATIONSHIP BETVJEENLOCAL SHORT-TERJlI USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONHENT AND THE }1AINTENANCE OF LONG-TERJlI PRODUCTIVITY IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE CO}frIITMENTS RESOUCES .. OF

VI-93 VI-93 VI-94 VI-9S VI-9S VI-laO VI-IOl VI-I04 VI-lOS VI-I06 VI-lOS VI-I09 VI-1I3 VI-lIS VI-lIS VI-lIS VI-1I9 VI-l20 VI-121 VI-122 VI-123 VI-124 VI-12S VI-126 VI-127 VI-12S VI-129 VI-131 VI-131 VI-132 VI-137 VI-141

VI.

VII.

VIII.

T-17

PART IV

ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACTION

CARTER OIL COMPANY

CHAPTER I DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED and History of Exxon, proposes to mine coal ACTION

Background The Carter Oil Company, by strip mining methods Wyoming,

a subsidiary

from federal coal lease W-5036 (Figure 1).

located north of Gillette,

in the Powder River Basin Current projections

call for mining

to begin in 1976 and for producThe coal mined will plants in the Midwest

tion to reach five million be transported

tons of coal per year by 1978.

by unit trains to electric power generating Capacity

where it will be consumed. supply a possible Federal Company following mitted lease.

of the mine will be such that it can plant. to Humble Oil and Refining Humble sub-

coal gasification

coal lease W-5036 was awarded a competitive

lease sale held August

18, 1967.

the high bid of $165.86 per acre or $905,176.00 The lease was issued to Humble effective July 1, 1969.

for the 5,457.47-acre 1, 1967, and assigned

December

to Carter Oil Company

effective

Carter holds in fee simple title the federal lease area and 11 of the

the surface rights to 5,217 acres of land within 120 acres of land adjacent T5lN, R72W, are national to the lease. land.

Forty acres of land in section The remainder

resource

of the surface within All coal within the

lease is held in fee simple boundaries

title by private interests.

of the federal lease is owned by the United States Government, occurs in a 40-acre portion interests.

except

for that which

of section 6, T5lN, R72W, which is

leased by Carter from private

IV-l

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RANG E

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Figure 4 Mine Plan Showing Layout of Surface Facilities for North Rawhide Mine

IV-9

Overburden

from the second cut will be placed in the initial boxThis

cut and that from the third cut will be placed in the second cut.

sequence of mining will continue until mining reaches the facies change line which limits mining to the south. At that time, mining will start toward the In working

west and will continue until the reserves have been depleted. to the west, pits will be established

north and south of the main coal

haulage road so that the company will have two separate pits in which to conduct operations. The coal from the north and south pits will be blended

in order to meet EPA standards for utility use. Coal from the north mine, when mined separately, will not meet As a con-

EPA standards unless a portion of the upper bed is discarded. servation measure,

rather than discard any of the upper bed, it is planned that the product

to blend south coal with north coal in such proportions will qualify for utility sales.

(

When coal demands exceed the capacity of the preparation Carter proposes mine, adjacent to be purchased operations to construct additional plant facilities With additional

facilities,

east of the north equipment

to the main haul road.

excavation

at that time, the production to 22 million

capacity of the total mining tons of coal per year.

could be increased Once sufficient

coal has been removed from the initial boxcut in the pit, backfilling and concurrent re-

to enable equipment

to maneuver

clamation will begin.

As overburden material

is dumped on the spoil piles face of the spoil. Motor

it will be leveled and pushed over the advancing graders will be used to finish-grade redistribution

the surface of the spoils prior to Final highwalls will not be formed

of topsoil and planting.

IV-IO

until operations

have been underway

for many years.

The company proposes degree is re-

to reduce highwalls

to a slope of 2:1 or less or to whatever regulations in force at that time.

quired by the operating

All graded and topsoiled to planting erosion. Artists' concepts to aid in retaining

areas will be gouged or scarified and to help reduce wind

prior

precipitation

of the mining and reclamation north-south

activities

in the

initial pit and in the combined and 6, respectively.

pits are shown in Figures 5

Soil material

removal the initial boxcut, all topsoil from the boxcut area separately

Prior to mining

and from the initial spoil disposal adjacent

area will be removed and stockpiled area (Figure 4). Stockpiled

to the initial spoil disposal

topsoil Once

will be used to cover the initial boxcut mining has progressed boxcut,

spoil after it has been shaped.

to the point where spoil is being dumped into the initial area ahead of the highwall will be removed and over the

topsoil from the unmined

placed directly

on the graded spoil.

The topsoil will be distributed

graded spoil using a scraper. of the toposil and dressing University of Wyoming,

A large motor grader will complete

distribution

of the spoil area.

Studies are underway by the to determine whether or not a of vege-

Plant Sciences Division,

surface layer of topsoil is necessary tation. It is proposed

for the successful

establishment

that the initial spoil area from the boxcut be used for test plots to test vegetation growth with and without

a series of experimental toposil over the spoil.

IV-II

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IV-13

The Plant Sciences Division

is also carrying out a survey of They are preparing a map showing

surface soil types within the lease area. the distribution fertility of the soils

and are providing

data on the nature and

characteristics

of each soil type.

Overburden

removal After the topsoil is removed strata or overburden overlying the the

coalbed will be excavated

from the first cut and placed on land outside

mine area from which the topsoil has been removed, but which is otherwise undisturbed backfill (Figure 7). Overburden from subsequent cut. using electric powered cuts will be used to

the pit created by the previous Overburden

removal will be accomplished

crawler-mounted l75-ton capacity

shovels with 20-cubic yard capacity buckets off-road rear-dump trucks.

and 150- to

After sufficient carrying overburden

coal has been mined from the boxcut, the mined-out operations areas.

trucks

will begin filling the backfilling

Once this pro-

cedure is established, operations

will follow the mining 200 feet from the

at a regular distance,

allowing

approximately

toe of the spoil pile to the coal face. Based on exploration the coal consists mainly some clinker, mainly and alluvial deposits drilling by the company, overburden above with

of sands and clays of the Wasatch Formation, of the projected coal outcrop

in the vicinity

line, sediments in

in the valley floors.

The Wasatch Formation

consist of sands and clays-which,

unlike the coal seams, are lenticular over wide areas.

cross section and cannot be correlated

IV-14

NORTH

SPOIL

ROAD AROUND PIT ROAD TO SMITH

TO SPOIL~ SEAM \\'

FLOOR SMITH ,LEDGE

______ --------

--1-- --------

-----------------------

PARTING ROLAND

----------------------------

BERM

-- - -- ----------SOUTH PLAN VIEW OVERBURDEN

TO FACI~-S-C-HA-N-G-E------

J10'l40'
NORTH

40' 30'

'~I'I' .1·60'

OVERBURDEN ROLAND PARTING SMITH SOUTH

PROFILE

VIEW

Figure 7 Schematic of the Initial Box Cut Showing Layout of Pit for Truck-Shovel Operation

IV-IS

Overburden the lease area. burden thicknesses

materials

range in thickness

from 20 to 240 feet in the over-

Figure 8 consists throughout

of an isopach map showing

the lease area. that blasting will

At the present be necessary shovels

time it is not anticipated material

to loosen overburden for disposal proposes

prior to its being loaded by

into trucks

in the spoil area. approximtely 650,000 cubic yards

The company of overburden

to deposit

from the initial boxcut

in a ravine between Commencing

clinker hills at the 4,300-foot terrain. 2:1

to the east of the mineable elevation,

coal (Figure 4).

spoil will fill the ravine and blend

into the adjacent

The outslope

of the spoil will be graded to a slope not exceeding and will blend into the adjacent, undisturbed

(26.6 degrees)

terrain.

Any strata

that are particularly

suitable

for plant growth will materials which

be placed on top of the spoil area; any strata containing inhibit plant growth will be deeply buried within tests on core materials likely to be deleterious beds. material If further suggest

the spoils.

Preliminary is

that the only sedimentary

layer which

to plant growth now underway,

is the parting between confirms

the coal-

testing,

this, the parting the spoil and covered with

will be deposited

at a low level within

more desirable

spoil materials.

IV-16

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Carter plans to operate shifts per day, allowing a few overburden operation overburden

overburden

shovels

and trucks on two maintenance. Only

the third shift for preventative

trucks will be required

for the first three years of overburden. With increasing

due to the small tonnage and shallow thickness and production

requirements,

demand for overburden

trucks and shovels will increase

substantially.

Coal removal Once the north and south pits have been established, coal production

from each pit will begin near the main haul road in the center of the pit and advance outward. This is necessary in order to provide access for equip-

ment to operate After

on top of the Smith seam. the overburden has been removed from above the coalbed or motor grader. Any dirt

the top of the coal will be cleaned by bulldozer

or slack coal will be pushed off the coal to the floor of the pit and placed against the base of the spoil piles for burial by spoil material as mining

progresses. To provide necessary flexibility in coal production, benches 40 feet

in width will be offset between from on top of the Roland the two beds. Blasting

the coalbeds

to enable a dragline

to operate between

coalbed

to remove this coal and the parting

will be carried out on each bench using two staggered holes drilled on 22-foot centers. The rows will be

rows of 6-inch diameter located

15 feet and 35 feet from the free face. ammonium nitrate-fuel-oil mixture

Holes will be charged with (ANFO) packaged in poly

a high-density waterproof detonated

bags.

The holes will be connected blasting

with detonating

cord and The

using one electric

cap with a 20-pound

primer.

VI-1S

powder factor will vary, depending

on the thickness of coalbeds, but will All

typically range from 0.25 to 0.3 pounds of explosives per ton of coal. applicable safety regulations will be followed in blasting. After both beds have been shot, crawler-mounted 14- or l5-cubic yard bucket and minimum

dragline with a

operating radius of 100 feet will

remove the Roland bed from the parting and place it on top of the broken Smith bed. Both beds will then be loaded by electric crawler-mounted shovels

with 3l-cubic yard capacity buckets drop-bottom coal haulers.

into 150- to lSO-ton capacity off-road casting

The dragline will remove the exposed parting,

it to the highwall

side of the pit where it will be loaded by the overburden As an additional precaution to avoid

shovels and hauled to the spoil area.

the loading of parting with the Roland bed coal, a 30-foot-wide berm of parting will be retained to contain the shot Roland bed coal. This will

enable the drag line operator to see the surface of the parting at all times while loading the coal. The procedure for excavation of the coal and

parting is depicted in Figure 3. Loaded trucks will move out of the pit along an inclined ramp to the main haul road and thence to the materials handling system for crushing and unit train loading.

Reclamation Reclamation is the subject of comprehensive studies currently of

being conducted on behalf of the Carter Oil Company by the University Wyoming, Plant Sciences Division. The following reclamation

plans are pre-

liminary in nature, based on the results of these studies to date, and are subject to revision according to results from further studies. cipated that further revisions and changes in reclamation It is anti-

procedures will

IV-19

be developed when the results of the initial reclamation reviewed. All reclamation the stipulations applicable activities will be conducted

efforts have been

in accordance

with

and requirements

set forth in federal coal lease W-5036~ regulations~ and any applicable federal~

coal mining operating laws.

state or local reclamation

As more knowledge

is gained about reand

clamation of strip mines in the Powder River Basin~ the stipulations requirements will be modified and expanded to reflect

the latest laws~ tech-

nology changes~ and research results. require that the mine operator tection and restoration

In general~

federal lease stipulations steps for the pro-

" ...take all reasonable resources

of the non-mineral

that might be disturbed

as a result of his strip mining operation ..." and that "the lessee ...comp1y with all state laws and regulations ...pertaining clamation of surface resource and the protection to the protection and re-

of the air and water

environment." The land throughout grazing. Reclamation the leasehold is presently used for livestock

of mined lands will be directed

toward the restoration

of the surface to a condition consistent The University conducting extensive of Wyoming~

with this use. is currently of

Plant Sciences Division~ optimum methods

studies to determine

for reclamation

the mined areas. materials

These studies include laboratory of nutrients~

tests on overburden

to assess availability

soil texture~ and presence

of toxic elements. Thirteen holes were analyzed Colorado. typical samples of core materials by Agricultural Consultants from exploration drill

Laboratory

of Brighton~ Each sample

The results of these analyses are shown on Table 1.

IV-20

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IV-21

was obtained by blending

the material

from several linear feet of drill core. holes, and at different depths, and

Samples were selected from several different to represent parting. the different lithologic

types present in the overburden overburden materials,

Eleven of the samples represent

and two

samples are from the parting between The 11 overburden between 7.4 and 8.7.

the coal seams. having pH values

samples were basic in reaction,

The two samples of parting were acid in reaction; Most core but from a toxicity problem. it is proposed

one having a pH of 6.8, and the second having a pH of 4.9. samples appeared chemical to be low in both nitrogen and phosphorus;

standpoint,

they appear to present no particular

Because of the relatively to bury the material

acidic nature of the clay parting,

in the spoil. stability of the overburden materials to De-

In an attempt to determine under conditions alternate of weathering,

samples of each core were subjected and drying.

cycles of freezing and thawing, and wetting

composition

studies are still in progress but the results decomposition

so far have ranged no

from one-cycle

of a silty clay sample to practically cycles on hard sandstone samples.

change after three complete In addition,

representative

samples of overburden material

are

being subjected to biological of Wyoming to determine

testing in greenhouse

studies at the University For

their ability to support rangeland vegetation.

these studies, Nordan crested wheatgrass of 10 seeds per sample of overburden

and alfalfa were planted at a rate All samples studied to date and alfalfa. At

material.

have proven capable of growing Nordan crested wheatgrass the end of three weeks, the percentage germination

of Nordan crested wheat-

grass varied from 31.7 to 93.3 percent while alfalfa varied from 33.3 to

IV-22

88.3 percent.

Further

studies will be made to determine appropriate

kinds

and rates of fertilization. Because of inherent environmental conditions and actual field conditions, differences between greenhouse

the above studies will be supported The initial spoil area from Some

by experimental the boxcut

test plots at the mine site.

(Figure 4) will be used for a series of trial plots.

plots will be topdressed with topsoil while others will be seeded without topdressing. These study plots will also be used to experimentally should be applied. determine

optimum rates at which fertilizer periments

Design for these ex-

calls for one-acre plots with each test repeated four times.

Spoil reclamation Once sufficient to enable equipment coal has been extracted from the initial boxcut will proceed conin front

to maneuver

in the pit, backfilling

currently with mining. of the advancing spoil disposal

Shovels and trucks will remove overburden it via overburden

highwall and transport

haul roads to the

areas.

The spoil will be dumped on top of the spoil pile and face of spoil behind the shovel. of equipment, In

pushed by dozers over the advancing order to provide sufficient

room for the operation

the toe of

the spoil will be maintained

at least 200 feet behind the highwall.

Most of the shaping of spoil areas will be done by bulldozers moving the spoil into the pit. Any debris and slack coal left by the

mining operation will be moved to the base of the spoil piles to be buried beneath the graded spoil. Graders will be used to finish-grade and seeding. the surface

of the spoil prior to topsoil replacement

Topsoil, being removed in advance of mining, will be spread over the graded spoil using trucks or scrapers, bulldozers, and graders.

IV-23

The spoil material

must not be allowed

to remain in a smooth con-

dition at any time, since a smooth surface is subject to rapid wind and water erosion. Consequently, after the spoil material is shaped and the

topsoil spread, the area will be treated with a range pitter or some similar machine to create a rough surface. Such a pitting operation will greatly the to

reduce wind erosion and will allow water to accumulate surface material. establishment topsoil. weathering Moisture retained by this treatment of seedlings from native

and infiltrate will contribute

and maintenance

seed which is in the is

Maintaining

a rough surface condition need to stabilize

while spoil material the material

will also eliminate

by seeding of

annual plant species. of competition troduced.

The seeding of annuals

should be avoided because

with perennial

seedlings which are native or will be inconsequently, would reduce species. high in clay. If heavy the probability

Seeding of annuals,

for establishment

of the more desirable

perennial

Much of the spoil material machinery

is relatively

is used on the spoil piles, the clay will generally of vegetation is prohibited.

pack to such Consequently, near it

a degree that the establishment it is planned the surface.

to bury high clay spoil and place more sandy material If the spoil material should become of topsoil. the highwall severely

compacted,

will be ripped prior to application At the conclusion

of mining,

of the final cut will will be accomplished the highwall. Mat-

be reduced to a slope not greater than 2:1. by blasting the highwall and grading

Reduction

spoil back against

erial from the highwall

and the adjacent

spoil bank will cover the face of distribution highwall of topsoil on reclamation.

the coalbed and fill the cut. the spoil and highwall,

Final grading,

and seeding will complete

IV~24

These highwall

reclamation

procedures

are specified

to control generation spontaneous or

acid water from the coal and parting accidental construct ignition of the coalbeds.

clay and to prevent If possible,

the company would like to as being The

a lake in the final pit to the west which they visualize Creek and, if necessary, from Big Rawhide

fed by Little Rawhide

Creek.

Carter Oil Company will consult with officials Wyoming Department

of the Bureau of Land Management, Survey to

of State Lands, and with the U.S. Geological

determine

where further reclamation

of the final cut and other mined areas

will be needed. Drainage control To protect the initial mine area as it advances to the south, a at the

settling pond for surface runoff collection location shown on Figure 9.

will be constructed

Water from this collection

pond will move will

by diversion settle out. (Figure 9). of mining

ditch north to a settling pond where any suspended material Other settling ponds are proposed for other drainage areas

A series of coal dewatering

holes may be drilled

in advance

in an area to reduce water inflow into the pit. The dams to be built for runoff collection and settling ponds will from the of

be constructed

of compacted

earth and will be located down drainage the mine area during periods

mine to help prevent heavy runoff. Diversion given in Figure

silt from leaving

ditches and dams will be constructed III, Part I. to a gently rolling

to the specifications

11, Chapter

Spoil piles will be graded will be treated when necessary roughen the surface

configuration

and to

by a range pitter

or some similar machine and reduce runoff.

to improve water infiltration

IV-25

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IV-53

shale (Figure 4). sediments

An ancient erosion channel subsequently as an explanation

filled with of

has been suggested

for the abrupt termination

the coalbed in this area (U.S. Geological The thickness coalbed excluding

Survey 1973).

lines shown on Figure 3 are for the combined Wyodak shale. The thickest coal is along the and

the interbedded

south edge of the proposed mine area adjacent facies change in the coalbed.

to the abrupt thinning

Quality

of the coal The analyses supplied by Carter Oil Company show that the coal to C in rank. The proxi-

be produced

at the North Rawhide mine is subbituminous analyses

mate and ultimate oxide analysis

of coal, the fusion temperature

of the ash, and the of coal samples

of the ash shown in Table 2 are the averages

from 35 core holes drilled of the lease block.

in the area of the proposed mine in the eastern part taken to date in the western the quality part of of coal higher

The number of samples

the lease block are insufficient there but do indicate

to 'adequately characterize

the Btu and sulfur content of the coal are slightly The distribution

than in coal in the proposed mine area. ash content, respectively and Btu values

of sulfur content,

in the proposed

North Rawhide mine area are shown content is distribu-

on Figures 5, 6, and 7. The mining

The actual range in sulfur

0.28 to 0.52 percent. tion patterns

plan will be fitted to the natural

of the sulfur, ash, and Btu so that coal will be produced which meet the Environmental Protection Agency's requirements and

will consistently standards. of potential of analyses

Trace amounts of the toxic elements impact on the environment for selected trace elements

are significant

in the evaluatior Results

by coal burned in power plants.

in coal samples from five core holes

IV-54

Table 2 Average Analysis of 35 Coal Samples from the Proposed North Rawhide Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming (All values except Btu and Fusion temperature are in percent. Analyses by Commercial Testing and Engineering Company.) Proximate Analysis Moisture Free Moisture Carbon Hydrogen Ni trogen Chlorine Sulfur Ash Oxygen Ultimate Analysis Moisture Free

As Received HQisture Ash Volatile Matter Fixed carbon Btu Sulfur Alkalies as Na20 31.00 5.96 30.05 32.78 8063 0.38 0.13

As Received 31.00 46.81 3.25 0.66 0.38 5.96 11.94

8.64 43.55 47.51 11686 0.55 0.19

67.84 4.71 0.96 0.55 8.64 17.30

Fusion Temp. of Ash of Reducing Initial Deformation Softening (H=W) Softening (H=~W) Fluid Temp. Oxidizing

Oxide Analysis

of Ash

2147 2178 2192 2215

2212 2234 2249 2279

Phos pentoxide P205 Silica Si 02 Ferric oxide Fe203 Alumina A1203 Titanium Ti02 Lime CaO Magnesia MgO Sulfur trioxide 803 Potassium oxide K20 Sodium oxide Na20

0.52 34.93 6.02 16.64 1.02 20.68

4.62
14.65 0.51 1.11

IV-55

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IV-58

drilled

in the initial mining

area are shown in Table 3. as compared

The concentrations coals.

appear to be normal for values

to other western

Quantity

of the coal The general estimates of the amount of coal in the North Rawhide Coal.in the Wyodak bed within the lease

lease block

are given in Table 4.

area totals about 752.5 million

tons; the basal three feet of the bed will from the estimates. The mine block area tons can About

not be mined and so has been excluded contains about 393.5 million assuming

tons of coal of which about 354 million recoverability

be produced, 76 percent

90 percent

of coal in the ground. in the lower

of the coal in the mine block is contained in the upper (Roland) bed. schedule

(Smith) appear

bed and 24 percent to be adequate

The estimated of production.

reserves

to meet the proposed

The low stripping

ratios of overburden to surface mining.

per ton of coal shown in Table 4 make the coal amenable

Other minerals Occurrences block. Clinker adequate is abundantly distributed in the lease area and should be (Figure 8, Chapter I and Figure on the 3, of minerals other than coal are not known on the lease

to provide

road metal and ballast

this chapter). intermittent

Sand and gravel occur locally as lenses in alluvium

streams.

Oil and gas The Carter Oil Company's presently contains three plugged federal coal lease in T51 and 52N, R72W oil and gas test holes. No

and abandoned

other wells are known within

the lease area; other oil and gas tests to any

IV-59

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IV-60

Table 4 Available Coal, in Thousands of Short Tons, in the Wyodak Bed at the North Rawhide Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

Location MINE BLOCK AREA T. 51 N., R. 72 W. Section 3 Section 4 Section 9 Section 10 Section 11 Section 12 Section 13 Section 14 Section 15 Sub-total REMAINDER T. 51 N., R. 72 W. Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 9 Section 14 Section 15 T. 52 N., R. 72 W. Section 31 Section 33 Sub-total GRAND TOTAL

Lower (Smith) Bed!/ Coal in Place Acres

Upper (Roland) Bed Coal in Place Acres

Total Coal in P1ace2/

Recoverable Co all/

Stripping Rati04/

115 29 272 570 540 20 63 240

12,280 3,388 37,812 75,214 67,303 1,115 8.054 40,627

91 29 272 535 518 0 51 240

~
2,137 OF LEASE AREA

~
298,344

~
2,024

5,445 1,443 12,600 28,707 23,762 0 1,726 8,974 12,453 95,110

17,725 4,831 50,412 103,921 91,065 1,115 9,780 49,601 65,004 393,454

15,952 4,348 45,371 93,529 81,959 1,004 8,802 44,640

~
354,109

0.62 0.50 0.92 1. 34 1. 29 0.97 0.78 0.78 0.52

LOW

361 430 449 381 0 0 81

34,822 45,124 50,376 47,075 0 0 9,607

343 309 597 381 121 121 81

21,485 24,564 36,493 22,408 4,590 7,713

56,307 69,688 86,869 69,483 4,590 7,713 16,774 .47,657 359,081 752,535

50,676 62,719 78,182 62,535 4,131 6,942 15,096

1.14 1.19 1.46 1.23 2.29 1.38 1.36 0.87 1. 24.2/

~
1,997 4,134

~
217,585 515,929

~
2,196 4,220

-.lL.Q.I§.
141,496 236,606

7,167

~
323,172 677,281

1.1221

Basal 3 feet of bed, which will not be mined, are excluded Assuming 1,770 short tons of coal per acre foot. Assuming 90 percent recovery of coal in place. Cubic yards of overburden per ton of recoverable coal. Weighted average. Source: Carter Oil Company

from estimates.

IV-6l

formation abandoned

within wells 1)

the area could be applied in the lease area follow:

for at any time.

Data on the

During December

1955 through February

1956 a well was drilled

and abandoned

662 feet from south line and 661 feet from west line (C SW 1/4 ground eleva-

SW 1/4) sec. 4, T51N, R72W on public oil and gas lease W-012699; tion is 4,285 feet; 10 3/4-inch surface

casing was set at 930 feet; total

depth is 9,840 feet in the Minnelusa 2) During October

Formation. and abandoned 660 feet
1/4)

1968 a well was drilled

from north line and 3,437 feet from east line (on Lot 3 or NE 1/4 ~l sec. 6, T51N, R72W, on a private feet; 9 5/S-inch surface oil and gas lease; ground elevation

is 4,208

casing was set at 834 feet; total depth is 8,376

feet in the Morrison 3)

Formation. 1971 a well was drilled and abandoned 2,110 feet

During December

from north line and 1,840 feet from west line (SW 1/4 SE 1/4 NW 1/4) sec. 10, T51N, R72W, on public oil and gas lease W-18362; feet; 8 5/8-inch surface ground elevation is 4,336

casing was set at 339 feet; total depth is 8,000 feet Skull Creek Shale.

in the Lower Cretaceous

IV-62

Water Resources Ground water Formations seams to be mined, exposed on the Carter coal lease, above the two coal Formation comprising the uplands Thickness of the

are the Wasatch

area and the alluvium

in the valley of Rawhide Creek.

of alluvium

at the Carter coal lease is not known but probably based on a thickness Thickness

is 40 to 50 feet thick

of as much as 60 feet about three miles downstream. of the alluvium were determined downstream by a line

and character

of test holes drilled

in 1967 by the U.S. Geological

Survey across the valley Water level in

of Little Powder River below the junction

of Rawhide Creek.

the test holes augered was about 10 feet below land surface. Movement Movement of water of water in the alluvium in the Wasatch Formation is downstream as underflow.

that forms the coal overburden toward Rawhide

is northward

in most of the lease area with a strong component

Creek in most of the lease area. water movement is northeast

In the eastern part of the lease area,

toward the valley of Little Powder River.

Surface water The surface of the lease area is drained by tributaries Little Powder River. Two of these tributaries, of the

Rawhide Creek and Little Rawhide

Rawhide Creek, originate Creek is an intermittent mainly in an easterly

outside the lease area and flow through it. stream that originates

from the west and flows part of the leased area. the leased area. tributaries, The

direction

across the northern

About 4.5 miles of Rawhide Creek's channel lies within

leased area also has about 35.3 miles of minor ephemeral which drain into Rawhide Creek or Little Rawhide Creek.

most of

IV-63

The drainage absence of lithologic rainfall.

pattern within effects.

the area is dendritic, occurs mainly

indicating

Streamflow

from runoff or

The major portion of annual runoff occurs as a result of convecLong-time residents of the general area say that the highest

tive storms.

flows occur when rain is preceded by hail which beats the grass cover and soil so there is less retention Rawhide its intersection of runoff when the rain begins. area of 60.5 square miles upstream from

Creek has a drainage

with the lease boundary. it is estimated

Based upon its basin characteristics

and channel geometry, feet per second of 900 cfs.

to have a mean annual flow of 2 cubic per year) and a mean annual flood peak

(cfs) (1,450 acre-feet

Little Rawhide

Creek has a drainage with the boundary

area of 29.4 square miles upof the lease area. Its mean

stream from its intersection annual flow is estimated

to be one cfs (724 acre-feet

per year) and its mean

annual flood peak is 600 cfs. Nearby runoff values; widely. The average slopes of the streambeds of Rawhide Creek and Little gauged streams show there is a high variation in year-to-year to vary

thus annual runoff and flood peaks can be expected

Rawhide Creek are 15.6 feet per mile and 20.6 feet per mile, respectively. Minor tributaries however, area. have average slopes of as high as 250 feet per mile; of channels within the lease

there is very little head or downcutting are generally

The streambeds

grassed and have a stable appearance. of Rawhide Creek and Little Rawhide

The hydrologic

characteristics

Creek have been significantly associated activities

altered during the past five years due to the developments in their basins. activites. Numerous

of oil-field

areas have been cleared and leveled for oil drilling

IV-64

The main use of surface waters domestic and wild animals. reaches

in the area is for watering of hay meadows

Some irrigation

is done along

downstream

of the Little Powder River.

Erosion and sedimentation Erosion of the leased area appears to be low in relation to other

parts of the Eastern Powder River Coal Basin due to better

grass cover.

Water quality Water samples near the Wyoming-Montana taken from the Little Powder River near Weston state line had dissolved solids concentrations and ranging

from 17 to 55 parts per million. lesser concentration

Sodium and sulfate were the major ions with and bicarbonate. These samples

of calcium~ magnesium~

should be representative

of water quality upstream

in the lease area.

IV-65

Vegetation Vegetation on and adjacent to the Carter coal property is made up Plant communities on

mostly of short grasses intermixed with big sagebrush. and surrounding the property are in an intermediate

state of plant succession With continued live-

because of domestic stock grazing,

livestock grazing for many years.

little successional

change would be expected.

Plant communities area.

have not been completely mapped for the entire of Wyoming for Carter, map for the

(Vegetation is being mapped by the University

but is not yet complete.)

In absence of a detailed vegetation

entire coal property, some broad vegetation on Figure 8. numbers. Table 6. Approximately

communities have been delineated

These are described below and are keyed to Figure 8 with legend

A list of the common plants occurring on the Carter mine site is in

43 percent of the area (about 2,500 acres of a total wheatgrass-blue the grama

of 5,800 acres) is occupied by a big sagebrush-western

community which is found on the steep rough broken areas throughout property. The second largest community is a big sagebrush-blue and it occupies approximately 1,460 acres.

grama type (#5)

This community is found on clay to

loamy soils of gently rolling to rolling uplands. A bluebunch wheatgrass community (#1) occupies about 900 acres within

the area, and it is found on the shallow and stony soils of rolling to hilly scoria land. community About 660 acres of an inland saltgrass-western wheatgrass

(#2) are found in the stream bottoms and swales on clay to loamy soils. A few scattered areas of a big sagebrush-needleandthread-blue grama

community

(#3) make up about 280 acres on the rolling to gently rolling uplands

with loamy to clay loam soils.

IV-66

52
N.

T. 51

@
T. 51

LEGEND
Scale

!
mil •.•

CU
~ ~

Bluebunch Inland

Wheatgrass Sattgrass-Western Wheatgrass Grama Grama

Big Sagebrush/NeedieandThread-Blue Big Sagebrush/Western Big Sagebrush/Blue Boundary of Carter Wheatgrass-Blue Grama

GU
~

Cool Property
County,

Source:

After soi Is Data, USDA, SCS, Soi I Survey of Campbell Wyoming, July, 1955, Soil Map Sheet No.3 and 4.
Fig.8

Vegetation

Community

Boundaries

(Carter

Coal Property)

IV-67

Table 6 Some of the more common plants found on the Carter Mine Area: Symbol Agsm Agsp Ansc Bogr Cafi Calo Dist Hoju JUNC Kocr Orhy Popr Pose Stco ASTR LUPI Common Name western wheatgrass wheatgrass Scientific Agropyron Agropyron Andropogon Bouteloua sedge Name

smithii spicatum scoparius gracilis

bluebunch

little bluestem blue grama threadleaf prairie

Carex filifolia Calamovilfa Distichlis Hordeum longifolia stricta

sand reedgrass

inland saltgrass foxtail barley rushes prairie junegrass

jubatum

Juncus spp. Koeleria Oryzopsis cristata hymenoides

Indian ricegrass Kentucky bluegrass

Poa pratensis Poa sandbergii Stipa comata Astragalus Lupinus spp.

Sandberg bluegrass needleandthread milkvetches lupine skeleton phlox scurf pea silver sagebrush fringed sagebrush plant

spp. spp.

LYGO
PHLO PSOR Arca Arfr Artr Oppo Save

Lygodesmia Phlox spp. Psoralea Artemisia Artemisia Artemisia Opuntia

spp. cana frigida tridentata polyacantha vermiculatus

big sagebrush plains prickly pear greasewood IV-68

Sarcobatus

Vegetation

on and adjacent

to the property

is considered

to be in

fair to good range condition ground cover to 35 percent. semiarid

for all communities.

Estimated

live vegetation ranges from 10

(percent of ground covered with live vegetation) Such a sparse cover reflects

the short growing season and of about 14 inches. since there is Little vegeof

climate which has an average annual precipitation Aquatic vegetation in the area is not significant

limited water available. Rawhide and Rawhide

Two intermittent

streams cross the property,

Creeks, and a small amount of aquatic and riparian of year-long pools or pockets

tation exists in and along the shorelines water.

IV-69

Archeological Dr. May's inventory area of the Carter lease indicators of probable

and Paleontological

Values values exist in the are usually of the lease area, (Dr. May 1974).

report indicated

prehistoric

(Morton May 1974). Moyers

Water resources southeast

human use.

Springs,

is a prominent

site and was used in historic

times by Indians

In the nearby area teepee rings are in good condition. Powder River are excellent

Rawhide Creek and Little Dr. May lists

areas to look for Indian remains.

sites along the water courses and the ridges above the streams which fit a normal, logical pattern of use in prehistoric days. He also lists teepee ring These teepee rings lived in this area existed eleven to

sites, which he describes

as minor and in poor condition. of their age. Man probably

could be of great value because many, many years ago.

It is thought that today's resources

twelve thousand years ago--water, shelter.

game, and, in the area of the Carter lease, areas have been covered by air If man has been in the area the sediments.

The Carter lease and the surrounding for thousands

and water borne sediments for this long, evidence

of years.

of his existence

lies buried within

The Paleo-Indian to the altithermal period.

period extends back as much as twelve thousand years time of dryness that followed the last glacial period is

period--a

No information

on what man was doing during the altithermal

available.

IV-70

Historical A literature lease by a professional Research Company, indicates

Values was made of the Carter

review and site examination historian and resident

of the Powder River Basin. Fur

the westbound

party of John Jacob Astor's American

under the leadership

of Wilson Price Hunt, crossed north of the

Carter site in the summer of 1811. Over the next few decades, well acquainted the lease. trappers and traders became reasonably

with the region, but their major trails did not cross near their main operations in the western within

These traders tended to concentrate of the more hospitable

the territory region.

Crow Indians

part of the

This area was equally uninviting immigrants historic interested in developing

to surveyors,

explorers,

and

routes to the far west.

Most of this

activity

passed well to the south and southwest. events have occurred on the Carter site and no historic

No historic sites or structures

were found there.

IV-7l

Aesthetics The landform on the Carter lease is typical of the northern section of the study area; that is, it has sharper ridges, steeper slopes, and straighter, more narrow valley bottoms. lease has a gently sloping valley bottom. The southeastern portion of the

This valley bottom is surrounded cones. The central

on the south, east, and north by several high, flat-topped

portion of the lease is fairly rough with steep gullies, sharper ridges, and exposed soil. The extreme western edge of the lease is more gentle with

irrigated farmland.

Rawhide and Little Rawhide Creeks are wide meandering

streams cutting through the lease block. Texture on the lease area varies from a generally uniform grass and sagebrush texture of

in the valley on the eastern edge of the lease to the more

spotty, rugged textures of deeply incised gullies in the central portion of the lease. In the western portion, textures are a combination farmland. soft, gray-green muted and yellow earth of uniform

sagebrush with well defined patterns of irrigated Colors reflected

in the area are generally

colors of sage and grass in combination with the gray-browns tones of eroded soils. and extreme northern western The red clinker material prevalent

in both the southern the middle and

portions

of the lease are absent throughout

sections of the .Carter lease.

Red scoria does show through on ridge of high, evenly spaced

tops and exposed slopes.

Scale is well defined because

cones which extend to the south and east of the lease. The proposed railroad where it leaves the mainline. spur follows gently rolling terrain except Here, the Donkey Creek valley has well defined of grass and sage. Color is

bluffs and texture is a fairly even distribution soft gray-green winter. of summer vegetation

turning to light brown in the fall and

IV-72

Most of the lease area is presently intrusions. A few roads traverse outbuildings

undisturbed

with only a few

the area, and there are two small ranches in the northwestern portion of the lease. are half of that

with weathered Outside

located

{he lease, particularly fields.

to the south and closer to Gillette, oil site in the northeast

cultivated

There is one abandoned soil blowout. Highway

the lease and a nearby cross the lease--U.S.

There are two major highways

14 and 16 on the western

edge and State Highway

59 on the eastern edge. Compared to the Bighorn Mountains and the Black Hills, poor. the quality by the

of the scenery in the lease area is relatively cones, color of the clinker area, and roughness some of the more scenic land north of Gillette.

Relief provided

of the badlands

give the lease

Most of the lease area is hidden from view by the surrounding Even where the two highways limited by topography. cross the area, the view of mining will be spur and loading silos will be

hills.

Only the railroad 59.

exposed to view from Highway

IV-73

Wildlife Big game A more extensive the regional applicability Part I. suspected description

and Fish

of the existing wildlife IV, Part I.

resources

study area is found in Chapter

Aspects with broad in Chapter IV,

in the study area will generally

be discussed wildlife

Common and Latin names of vertebrate

species known or (and the lease area) are

to occur in the Eastern Powder River Basin 29 to 32, Appendix C.

found in Tables

Pronghorn

antelope Pronghorn antelope are the most common big game animals in the Gillette Antelope on this

lease area which

falls primarily

Hunt area (17) estabof six antelope basis.

lished by the Wyoming per section,

Game and Fish Department. is supported

An average

or 50 antelope,

by the lease area on a yearlong winter range.

About 100 acres of the area falls in crucial antelope concentrations occur.

Seasonal

of antelope well in excess of six antelope 15 antelope are harvested

per square mile may

An estimated

here each year. is preferred forage. habitat while

A sagebrush-rabbitbrush-forb skunkbush available sumac also provides important

combination antelope

Water is adequately River

in the lease area with major sources being the Little Powder Creek.

and the Dry Fork of Rawhide

Mule deer The lease area falls in the Wyoming Campbell Deer Management Area Game and Fish Department's an estimated average of three Management

(18) and supports

deer per section

or about 30 animals on a yearly basis. to be an excellent occupied deer producing

The Campbell

Area is considered proper is probably

area.

The lease area to support deer.

at or near the habitat's IV-74

capacity

On the lease area sagebrush must be considered Skunkbush sumac is also important.

the staple food item. during the

Grasses are utilized primarily

spring months at which

time succulent new growth is attractive.

Forbs reach

their peak of deer use during the summer months, but new growth by shrubs also becomes significant. In the lease area lack of moisture sometimes reduces the The

summer value of shrubs and some grasses due to curing and low succulence. usual transition by deer to shrubby vegetation occurs during the fall.

Crucial

winter range generally

falls outside of the subject lands. food availability rabbitbrush

For those who do the import-

winter in the lease area, restricted

intensifies and sumac.

ance of shrubby species such as sagebrush, Availability

of cover may represent

the most significant

limiting with

factor to deer on the lease area.

Where sagebrush

range intermingles are met.

rougher breaks and draws, quality cover requirements

Other mammals The presence of streamside habitats in addition to the rolling hillMany species

sides and draws complicates

the mammalian

picture

in the area.

from adjacent life zones are involved and 42 species of mammals are known or suspected to occur in the area with the possiblity of nine species of bats

being added at a later date (Carter Oil Company 1973a).

Predators Representative bobcat, red fox, badger, species which maybe and raccoon. in the lease area include coyote,

Coyote, bobcat, and red fox inhabit the although the red fox may are closely tied

entire lease at least seasonally but are not abundant be increasing. to waterways The badger is a yearlong resident.

Raccoons

providing

reliable water and are found along the Little Powder

River and Dry Fork of Rawhide Creek.

IV-75

Rabbits and hares The vast majority although numerous the mountain of cottontails present are the desert variety Cottontails are most

cottontail

may also be present.

along drainage topography

courses such as Rawhide and Little in association

Rawhide Creek.

Rocks, broken

with shrubs, forbs, and grasses Population densi-

fulfill habitat requirements ties of cottontails

for food, water, and cover. 148 per square mile. is cyclically

are an estimated jackrabbit

The white-tailed tailed variety grasslands mile.

abundant while

the black-

is far less common. with shrubs. harvest

Habitat

requirements densities

are met in open are 100 per square

interspersed

Estimated

Sport or commercial

of rabbits and hares is a minor impact at

present.

Rodents A variety least chipmunk, western of rodents occurs on the lease area. ground squirrel, northern Occurrence of the

thirteen-lined

pocket gopher, grasshopper

harvest mouse, Wyoming

pocket mouse, deer mouse, northern ardIs kangaroo

mouse, and meadow vole has been confirmed. and bushy-tailed

rat, the porcupine,

wood rat can also be expected

to occur here.

Results of small mammal that there was greater in the shrub-grass abundance

trapping studies on the lease area indicate of individuals and variety of species type. trapped Excep-

vegetative

type as compared ground squirrels

to the grassland and grasshopper

tions are that thirteen-lined abundant in the grassland

mice were more

type.

A brief summary of results

follows:

IV-76

Catch per 100 Trap Nights Species Deer mice Harvest mice l3-lined ground squirrel mice Shrub-Grass 6.2 1.5 .5 .07 .09 .06 .05 Type Grassland l.0 .5 .8 .35 none none none Type

Grasshopper

Least chipmunk Pocket mice Others

Furbearers The badger, area. beaver, and muskrat are believed to occur on the lease

Beaver and muskrat

are directly

dependent

upon reliable water and of ground squirrels, insects,

riparian vegetation. pocket gophers, lizards,

Badger's

prey consists

primarily

prairie

dogs, rabbits,

and mice along with occasional

and grouse.

Upland game birds Sage grouse The dependency of sage grouse upon sagebrush most critical in the lease area Wintering areas. An

varies with the season, becoming

during the winter. in sagebrush

birds tend to gather in large flocks and concentrate estimated

five to eight grouse per section make seasonal or yearlong Sport harvest is minimal. Specific strutting

use of

the lease area.

grounds have

not been documented.

IV-77

Sharp-tailed

grouse along Little Powder River, Rawhide sagebrush land, and limited treed

These grouse are found especially Creek, and Little Rawhide areas provide Creek. Thickets,

escape cover.

Food items are varied but foliage, buds, seeds, Dancing (mating) grounds are not

and fruits comprise specifically

the bulk of the diet. although

documented

they surely exist.

,I I

Hungarian

(gray) partridge This exotic is reasonably well established of brushy in the lease area. Cover habi-

requirements tats.

involve the availability

draws and semigrassland

Small amounts of animal

food used include insects and other invertebrates The Hungarian feeds primarily on seeds

found on low vegetation

in open places.

which are readily available

in the lease area.

Mourning

dove The dove is a wide-ranging seasonal resident primarily present during

the spring, summer, and early fall months. out of the lease area and Wyoming to winter

They are a migratory in the southern

species moving

states.

Waterfowl

and shorebirds Waterfowl and shorebird habitat is limited to previously mentioned

streams and numerous results

area stockwater resting,

ponds.

The major value of this habitat provided. Most

from the nesting,

and feeding opportunities gadwall, and green-wing

common species include the mallard, grebe, Wilson's Other probable phalarope, American

teal ducks, eared plover.

avocet, killdeer, C.

and mountain

species are listed in Appendix

IV-78

Other birds Raptors The most common rap tors on this lease area are the red-tailed Swainson's hawk, rough-legged hawk, and the American Kestrel. hawk,

All of these

species nest on or near the lease area and do at least part of their foraging there. During winter months, significant numbers of rough-legged hawks, bald

eagles, and golden eagles move into the general area from the north where winters are more severe. Other rap tors occurring falcon, great-horned include the ferruginous owl. and of

hawk, marsh hawk, prairie

owl, and short-eared rodents,

These raptors prey primarily jackrabbits. grasshoppers

on various taken.

cottontails, numbers

Small birds are occasionally

Significant

and other large insects are readily utilized by rap tors during

periods of availability.

Song birds The number of species of song birds present various times of the year may exceed 100. lark bunting, on this lease area at

Most common species are the western Common nighthawks, black-billed

meadowlark, magpies,

and the horned lark.

and red-winged

blackbirds

have been observed behavior,

on the lease area as well. characteristics

Food and nesting habits,

territorial

and vegetative

vary enough that a considerable the lease area.

diversity

of birds in this group can utilize

Fish Fish habitat within which retain water throughout flows of portions 13 to 15 species, the lease area is limited to a few deep pools the year such as in the otherwise intermittent From

of Little Powder River and Dry Fork of Rawhide Creek. including

rough fish, may be found in ponds and streams of

IV-79

the lease area (Carter Oil Co. 1973a, p.9). white suckers, mountain sturgeon northern suckers, northern

Species include goldeye, western plains flathead chubs,

redhorse,

chubs, plains longnose flathead minnows,

dace, brassy minnows,

northern bullheads,

plains minnows, and stonecats.

channel catfish, northern

Reptiles

and amphibians Thirteen species of reptiles and six species of amphibians Populations have been are

recorded sparse. Examples

on the lease area (Carter Oil Co. 1973a, p.8). Included are turtles, lizards,

snakes, frogs, toads, and salamanders. snake, prairie toad, Great

are the eastern short-horned

lizard, plains hognose

rattlesnake, Plains

pale milk snake, leopard frog, plains spadefoot Amphibians

toad, and the tiger salamander.

are tied to aquatic environ-

ments for at least portions

of their life cycles.

Invertebrates Information area is sparse. beetles, concerning invertebrate populations found on this lease of grasshoppers, of spiders is

Common insect groups include an abundance and moths.

ants, wasps, bees, butterflies,

A variety

also present. parasites, pollination.

These groups and others present

include plant eaters, scavengers,

and predators.

Many species of plants depend on insects for

Threatened Black-footed

species ferret

While this rare mammal has not been sighted on this lease area, its presence is possible. Ferrets have been reported principal in the Powder River Basin in habitat of ferrets, were disdogs or

recent years.

No prairie dog colonies,

covered during a field examination

of this lease area.

Where prairie

IV-80

other small mammals presence

are known or suspected

to occur in numbers,

the possible

of the black-footed

ferret cannot be discounted.

Peregrine

falcon The extremely rare peregrine falcon is believed to occur in the lease

area during periods

of migration.

Prairie

falcon The prairie falcon, not in the USDI "Red Book," is nevertheless The periodic rare

in Wyoming

and known to exist in the Powder River Basin.

presence

of this falcon in the lease area is highly likely.

IV-81

Recreation The primary recreational mule deer and antelope. value of the Carter lease is for hunting exists because of the sheltering cultivated nature lands,

Good habitat

of the ridges and trees on the northern and some perennial

edge of the block,

pools along Little Powder River and Rawhide Creek. (1971, 72, 73) 2,562 antelope hunter days and 6,190 deer the management units northwest and

An average

hunter days were annually recorded within northeast Department management

of Gillette which cover the Carter lease (Wyoming Game and Fish 1972a, 197~ forthcoming). However, less than one percent of the

areas listed here are occupied by the Carter lease with rather annual hunter days (100) expected on the lease.

insignificant

Upland game and small game could also be hunted on the lease; however, there are no recorded spot hunting records. No outstanding or unusual off-road

vehicle use was observed

on the Carter lease.

Some off-road vehicle use does to hunting or driving for

occur; however, much of this can be attributed pleasure. Local groups contacted collectable site. gemstones.

indicate no significant

concentrations

Some petrified wood is known to exist on the lease a legitimate

Some artifact resource

collecting may occur, but it is not considered use. Petrified wood and dried vegetation

recreation

may be found on

the lease, attracting

some collecting. pools along intermittent stream beds support nonthis lease would not be

Some perennial recreational fished. fish.

Without

some larger impoundment,

Some minor erosional heads provide interesting

features

on sandstone

caprock

and red clinker of the day.

contrasting

colors at different

periods

IV-82

These may be seen from State Highway 59.

The maximum

relief, however,

1S nc

more than 200 feet from valley floor to the crest of ridges. Frequent opportunities State Highway 59, a situation to view antelope exist both from on and off No rare or endangered

cornmon to the region.

species or wild horses are known to be indigenous outcrops, trees, and ridges,

to the site, but with rock to view birds of prey

there are some opportunities

and other wildlife.

IV-83

Agriculture Livestock Five ranching included ranching operations currently make use of the surface resources

in the Carter Oil Company North Rawhide Unit coal lease. uses include livestock grazing and associated cropping.

The Of the

5,800 acres included individuals

in the Carter unit, 5,760 acres were owned by six private owned and are administered by the Bureau

and 40 acres are federally

of Land Management. owners

Carter Oil has purchased by the mining surface

the lands of four of the private surface arrange-

to be most affected

and is negotiating The purchased

ments with the other private

owners.

lands have been use until mining

leased back to the former owners and/or operators operations commence.

for ranching

Ranch operation

A approximately 80 acres of the ranch

The Carter coal lease underlies that is west of State Highway less than one percent rates the carrying indicates highway 16-18.

This is native range land and makes up The Missouri River Basin Range Survey (AUM) which

of a large ranch.

capacity

at two acres per animal unit month site. No range improvements, on the site.

a highly productive

other than the Creek traverses water during part

right-of-way

fence, are located

Rawhide

the northern of the year.

half of this acreage

and does furnish livestock

Ranch operation

B about 360 acres of this ranch that is This land is rated at a carrying River Basin Range Survey and

The Carter coal lease underlies based mainly capacity east of Wyoming Highway 59.

of four acres per ADM by the Missouri

IV-84

makes up about six percent this land is the highway

of this operation. fence.

The only range improvement

right-of-way

No sources of water are located

on this land but the Dry Fork of the Little Powder River and a well are located one-half mile east in the same pasture.

Ranch operation

C is based on 6,260 acres of range and cropland; 1,080 acres of range and 40 acres

This total operation 1,120 acres are included of cropland. of 170 cows. highway ment.

in the Carter lease:

The rangeland The rangeland

is used to summer 70 cows and calves out of a herd is rated at approximately four acres per ADM. The manageand

right-of-way

fence and two division

fences are used for livestock

A water well on the coal lease area furnishes water for one pasture The 40 acres of cropland are alternately

is the only source. and cropped.

summer fallowed

Barley yields approximately per acre.

50 bushels

per acre and wheat yields and used to supplement

about 35 bushels winter feed.

Some of the grain is pelleted

Ranch operation

D contains 3,040 acres: 2,000 acres of

This entire ranch operation summer range and 1,040 of winter

range and cropland.

The summer range is Of the 1,040 acres

located about five miles northwest

of the Carter coal lease.

in the Carter lease area, 800 acres are over the coal lease, and of that amount, approximately operation. 250 acres are cropped. The rancher runs primarily October a yearling

About 75 calves are bought between

and March and are kept The operation in partner-

until they are two years old and sold as grass-fat supports 150 steers and some sheep. Four hundred

steers.

sheep are wintered

ship with a neighboring

ranch operation.

This ranch provides

about 30 percent

of the range, or enough to winter about 120 sheep.

IV-85

The ranching

operation

also produces a cash crop of barley or wheat per acre and the

from 250 acres of cropland. barley, 35 bushels per acre.

The wheat yields about 50 bushels

Little Rawhide Creek runs along the southeastern and there is a good water well located at headquarters. water well located in approximately fenced more or less on the ownership

edge of this property,

There is also another This unit is

the center of the property. boundary.

Ranch operation

E is made up of 6,000 acres of deeded land and 4,000

This operation acres of leased lands.

The Carter lease is under 3,280 acres of the deeded This ranch is operated in conjunction for winter

land and 240 acres of the leased land.

with another ranch located south of Gillette and is used primarily range. The native range land is rated at a carrying

capacity average of four

acres per animal unit month by the Missouri Approximately ranch. Four hundred ranch. 1,100 heifers

River Basin Range Survey. steers are wintered on this with

and yearling

sheep are also run on this ranch unit in conjunction This ranch provides 70 percent of the winter 35.2 percent is within

a neighboring head of sheep.

range for 280

Of this ranch operation,

the Carter lease.

About 400 acres of land are share cropped. none is retained meadows for use for livestock supplemental

All the grain is sold and feed. Several small hay is limited, and none of

provide hay during critical winter periods. less than one ton per acre.

Hay production

« )

averaging

About 65 acres of the hayland

the cropland is over the Carter lease. Rawhide Creek and Little Rawhide Creek are intermittent the land and are both on and off the lease area. at the headquarters on the coal lease. streams on

The one known well is located

IV-86

Farming Farming operations on the area included in the Carter Oil Company The area is

North Rawhide Unit coal lease are not of major significance. generally not known for its farming due to low rainfall. Of the five farming-ranching area, three have some acreage involved operations involved

in the Carter lease Of the 5,800

that is used for farming. (approximately

acres in the lease area less than three percent used for farming. Small grain yields are economical rotated. per acre.

160 acres) is

if summer fallow and cropping are 35 bushels

Barley yields about 50 bushels per acre and wheat yields Since there are no reliable

sources of stream water for irrigation, one

all of the crops are nonirrigated. ton per acre.

The hay crop yield is approximately

Of the 710 acres of farm land enumerated percent, or 160 acres, is on land included

by three operators,

22.5

in the Carter coal lease.

IV-87

Transportation

Networks six miles 59.

The site of the Carter coal lease is located approximately north of Gillette and overlaps both U.S. Highway

14 and 16 and State Highway carrying 1972). less than 800

Both of these routes are lightly used, individually vehicles per day (Wyoming State Highway Commission

Most of this

traffic is due to daily commuting by workers There are approximately the lease area that provide if maintained, not available,

in the oil fields north of Gillette. and graded dirt roads across These roads,

six unimproved

access to ranches and other operations. Traffic

are done so privately. but it can accurately

flow figures on these roads are as extremely light. No

be described

known county maintained

roads lie within

the lease area. them two of the pipelines transmission shown

The lease boundaries on Figure 82, Chapter

include within

IV, Part I.

Major electric IV, Part I.

lines in the

area are shown on Figure The proposed

83, Chapter

railroad

spur runs approximately

12 miles from the tieing into east of Gillette.

east end of the Carter lease area in a southeasterly the existing Burlington Northern line approximately

direction nine miles

This route crosses

8 to 10 unimproved

or graded dirt roads at least two of a very light amount of traffic. At

which are county maintained. least one pipeline right-of-way

All receive

will be crossed.

IV-88

Socio-Economic The existing proposed development, conditions are described

Conditions includes this

of the study area, which in Chapter IV, Part I.

IV-89

CHAPTER III PROBABLE Development mental components. IMPACTS OF PROPOSED ACTION environ-

of the Carter mine property will impact various Carter has control of 5,800 acres of subsurface coal. An estimated 80 percent

coal,

including

80 of private

of the total area approximately 100

(4,640 acres) will be mined. acres, will be located The impact analysis An estimated mine

Plant facilities,

occupying

on the lease area but outside the area to be mined. on the mine property.

covers the 4,740 acres to be disturbed

677.3 million

tons of coal will be mined over the life of the in this time span have been

(57 years -
2033).

The impacts occurring

analyzed

to the extent possible. Construction of a 12-mile railroad and relocation spur (including loading loop)

and 9 miles of powerline

of 2 miles of highway

will be required. the impact of

To the extent that information these actions was analyzed. For purposes will be exported

as to location was available,

of this analysis,

it is assumed

that all coal mined tentative plans to At such on

via railroad.

Carter Oil has indicated the area sometime

locate a gasification

plant within

in the future.

time a federal action is required, construction possible and operation

an impact statement

will be prepared

of this plant.

This analysis

did not consider

construction. The impact of transportation of the coal off the spur rail line is The impact of the offsite use of the

covered exported

in Part I of this statement. coal is beyond

the scope of this statement.

The impacts analyzed

IV-91

pertain analyzed

only to this mining in Part I.

operation.

Cumulative

regional

impacts are

Air Quality Mining an estimated 677.3 million tons of coal on 4,640 acres

(of a total coal property for the expected Mining

of 5,800 acres) will create an impact on air quality 57 years up to the year 2033. tons) which will result in

life of the mine, an estimated to begin in 1976 (one million

is expected

disturbance

of 60 acres for the initial boxcut

and spoils areas.

Production

per year will increase up to 12 million is assumed

tons per year in 1983, and then it of the mine life. At

that it will level off for the remainder production level, an estimated

the l2-million-ton million

88 surface per year.

acres and 16.1 Over the life will be

cubic yards of overburden an estimated

will be disturbed

of the mine, removed

828 million

cubic yards of overburden and disturbance

and handled.

Removal of vegetation

of topsoil and to wind action

overburden

will expose fine-grained quite strong.

soil and parent material Soil particles

which is frequently

will be lifted by the in air quality and

wind and carried into the atmosphere, reducing trucks, visibility coal piles, during periods

causing a reduction

of high wind.

Coal dust from crushers, the air during

and loading operations

will also pollute

windy periods. Construction of a l2-mile railroad spur, including creating loading loop,

to the mine site will disturb additional particulate matter. Spur railroad

acreages,

dust and wind-blown

construction will disturb

will involve soil disturbance 100 acres, causing dust conditions.

on 252 acres.

Plant construction

IV-92

Emissions

from machinery,

vehicles,

and trains will add particulate Emissions as a

matter and odor to the air on and adjacent to the mine site. result of train operations

over this spur line are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Train Emissions Resulting from Transporting Carter Coal Production Trains Per Year
455
1c

Year 1980 1985

Million Tons/Year 5 12

Fuel/Day 1,000 ~s. 1. a ";'c"J'coJe 2.5

Emissions - Tons Per Year CO NOx Particulates S02 4 11 10 26 67 167 24 59

HC 16 42

1,0911c1c

*455 loaded - 455 unloaded **1,091 loaded - 1,091 unloaded ***Uses one-sixth as much fuel as that required spur track versus 4.3 hours on new railroad) S02 - Sulfur dioxide NOx - Nitrogen oxides

for regional

(40 minutes

CO - Carbon monoxide HC - Hydrocarbons

Increased employees,

population

(2,100 by 1990) associated with the mine, its will generate increased vehicle traffic, in air are

and secondary

employment

adding additional quality. discussed

emissions

to the air and causing a further decrease

The cumulative

impacts of this type of increase of emissions

in Part I of this statement. With increased mining and coalbeds opened to the atmosphere, the

chance of accidental

coal fires will be increased. toxic emissions

These will add particulate The emissions any emission the

matter and other potential

to the atmosphere. power plant without

will be similar to those from a coal-fired controls. possibility Increased

train traffic and people on the area also increase occurrences. These would add to a temporary to the air.

of wildfire

lowering

of air quality with the addition of smoke and particles IV-93

During inversions, per year, emissions, people and vegetation

which could occur as many times as 15 2-day periods to the health of (9 miles

dust, and coal dust could be detrimental on site. When inversion

periods occur, Gillette periods,

south of the lease) could be affected. conditions could be aggravated,

During inversion irritated,

respiratory caused

asthmatics

and lung disease

or worsened. downwind population estimated Gillette.

During normal weather

conditions, dispersed,

these pollutants

will be carried reaching any

(to the east and southeast), centers. 30 percent However,

and diluted before

during periods of north winds which occur an could be carried into

of the time, these pollutants

Reduction maximum

in air quality is projected

to begin in 1975, rise to a until the end of the mine life in

in 1983, and then level off thereafter

year 2033.

IV-94

Topography Factors that make mining economically (thin overburden feasible in the coal basin change. Removal

and thick coal) also cause local topographic for backfill

of thick coalbeds with little overburden between

creates a discrepancy to the mined area.

the volume of coal removed and the spoils returned in the mining

Coalbed thicknesses Overburden altitude minimum

area range from 50 feet to about 120 feet. The decrease in

thickness ranges from a few feet to 240 feet.

over the lease area will range from a maximum of a few feet. The removal

of 105 feet to a

of 82 feet of coal and return of 100 feet The maximum decrease to thin

of broken spoil lowers the land surface about 62 feet.

in altitude will occur in the areas which have thick coal in relation overburden. The topography Figure 1.

at the North Rawhide mine before mining is shown in from the burnline. The topographic of the spoil relief. Any

The mining proceeds westward or decreased.

slope can be increased piles generally cliff-like eliminated. In analyzing

The smoothing

and rounding

tend to create a more subdued, rolling

topographic

or abrupt topographic

breaks now present on the area will be

the impact of mining coal that averages the following assumptions

82 feet thick, mining

based on 90 percent recovery, proceeded smoothed

were made:

east to west, overburden was expanded by 20 percent, along each panel. Relief is reduced by smoothing impounding

and spoil was The The of the

the spoil.

spoil is smoothed in such a way as to eliminate landscape has not been reshaped surface.

surface water. configuration

to conform to the original

IV-95

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r-l

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IV-96

The well-defined Creek can be smoothed its tributaries

drainage

on the eastern side of Little Rawhide (Figure 2). Little Rawhide Creek and The

as in the model

will have their channels

temporaily diverted straighter

and altered.

new creek channel may appear considerably At completion of mining,

upon completion

of mining.

remains of the highwall The highwalls

will be visible have not been

on the north side of the mined area. reduced but can easily be drained will create long, narrow, visible indication

illustrated

into Little Rawhide Creek. depressions

These mine pits

trough-like

and will probably be the most (Figure 2). fill the

that the topography

of the area has been altered

An artificial

lake that will not impede normal drainage will partially Figure 2a shows sections

final pit and haul roads. before and after mining. Topographic

through the mined area, both

impacts will occur slowly and may be noticeable time. Initially,

in a

small portion of the mined area at anyone mation model, reseeded including areas stripped,

the mining-reclaspoils, and to about

mined, rough and smoothed

area, will cover about 100 acres.

This area will increase tons of coal.

500 acres at the full annual rate of 12 million of mining, mine face.

Until completion or active working

the most severe impact will be that of the highwa11

IV-97

IV-98

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IV-9Sa

Soils Mining of the area will result in the destruction and mixing of This will destroy and climatic time span. soils

the topsoil on 4~640 acres of the 5~800-acre mining area. all of the soil characteristics~ relationships Approximately comprised properties~

micro-organisms~

which have been established 1~300 acres of medium

over a long~ geologic

to highly productive~

agricultural

of the Terry

(600 acres)~ Dlm (500 acres)~ Satanta

(120 acres)~ and of the

other (80 acres) soil types will be destroyed. remaining

The productivity

3~340 acres would be impacted slightly because and are low in vegetative productivity.

they are not suitable

for agriculture

In addition mately 828 million

to the topsoil acreage which will be disturbed~ or lower soil horizons

approxi-

cubic yards of overburden

will be

removed and disturbed destruction

during the life of the mine. parent material~

This will result in complete and soil characteristics.

of all soil horizons~

It could result in bringing toxic to plant growth. will be completely destroyed. These disturbances material

elements such as boron to the surface which may be of mining operations~ the soil structure could be

At completion

different

from what exists today and productivity

will result in fine-grained

soil and parent and infil-

being exposed to wind and water actions.

Soil permeability

tration rates will be reduced~ increasing tion.

runoff~ soil erosion~

and sedimenta-

Wind action~ which is almost constant over the area~ will cause fine to be lifted into the atmosphere~ reducing air

soil~ silt~ and clay particles

quality and adding to soil loss.

IV-99

Alteration

of Rawhide and Little Rawhide drainage patterns and adjoining

in the

area will impact the Little Powder River downstream Streamflow will be altered, increasing velocity erosion and sedimentation be deprived growth. Construction from productivity along the streambanks thereby affecting

land areas. soil

and causing increased and downstream. soil productivity

Some areas may and vegetative

of soil moisture,

of mine facilities will disturb and permanently 100 acres of soil. Road and powerline

remove construc-

an estimated

tion and highway relocation destroying particles

will disturb an additional and increasing

249 acres of soil,

topsoil characteristics to wind action. In addition

erosion and loss of soil

to losses and disturbances

associated with mining

activities,

construction

of a l2-mile spur rail line to serve the mine will Topsoil along the entire route will be mixed and and relationships. within the

disturb 252 acres of soil. disturbed, destroying

all of its present micro-organisms

An estimated right-of-way

116 acres will be permanently to track, ballast slopes, etc.

lost to productivity

Additional resulting

offsite soil impacts will result from increased Approximately

population and

from mining operations.

105 acres will be affected use, particularly

removed from production

by 1990, and increased recreation

increase in off-road vehicle use resulting create additional

from this population

increase, will

soil impacts such as compaction, necessary for mine operations

erosion, and sedimentation. and spur rail line consto compaction will impact

Equipment

truction crossing undisturbed soil permeability

soil areas susceptible rates.

and water infiltration

This will increase runoff,

erosion, and sedimentation.

IV-lOO

During the life of the mine (until 2033) approximately of soil will have been disturbed removed for mine facilities the isopach maps inundation (overburden

4,740 acres

on the mine property and 100 acres permanently shops). In analyzing

(office, silos, maintenance thickness) a permanent

loss of 500 acres to

by a lake which will be created by ground water seepage after Sufficient overburden will not be

mining is completed has been projected. available for complete reclamation. An estimated

606 acres will be disturbed increases.

offsite for powerlines, Two hundred forty-five acres

spur rail line, roads, and population (40 percent) housing.

of this will be permanently

lost to railroad beds, roads, and

IV-lOI

Mineral The most consumption the expected renewable to utility important impact

Resources The removal and

is the one on coal.

of an estimated 57-year

677.3 million

tons of coal from this area over in depletion of a non-

life of the mine will result The coal produced

energy plants

source.

from this area will be exported of electrical in the mining energy. process, mostly along and,

in the midwest

for production

Some coal will be lost from production due to dilution with waste material mining

near the top and bottom in areas where

of the bed,

the ends of a particular if necessary faces.

block,

the coal is burned, spoil piles

to do so, in fenders

of coal left to block

from working

IV-I02

Water Resources Ground water During mining and reclamation }tining of a total of 677.3 million project tons of coal over the life of the

(57 years -
2033) and removal of 828 million cubic yards of overburden, of approximately 4,640 acres will destroy aquifers located of aquifers would cause a cessation of flow Pumping for dewatering during mining

and disturbance

within the mined area. and a draining operations

Disruption

of water into the pit.

and for consumptive

use will lower water levels to the base of the

coal being dewatered.

Data in Carter Oil Company mining plans indicate that

the Roland and Smith coal seams are separate aquifers and that the coal seams are discontinuous in the coal lease area. Because the coal is limited in areal

extent and the Wasatch overburden

is not extensive or thick in parts of the is expected to be

lease area, the lowering of water levels from mine dewatering restricted to the general vicinity of mining opeerations.

Lowered water levels Because of the the effects of mine

will extend further toward the west than in other directions. discontinuity dewatering of aquifers, it will be difficult to determine

until more data are available.

Monitoring

of water levels in affected accurately the

aquifers will be necessary during mine dewatering effects of dewatering on nearby aquifers.

to determine

Water wells and springs that derive

water from shallow aquifers within the area of lowered water levels can be affected. Reduction in water levels could impact agricultural use and wildlife

populations. No significant result of mining upward movement coal. flow can be expected to occur between aquifers as a Reduced overburden could cause a slight increase in

in the mine area with consequent small increase into the mine pit. areas with movement away from

Recharge occurs in higher interstream

topographic highs and toward lower stream drainages. recharge in interstream permeable

As mining progresses,

areas could be reduced in backfill which will be less premining deposits. Discharge of water from aquifers

than undisturbed

at the mine sites near stream drainages

could be increased slightly because of

VI-I03

decreased

load with a consequent upward increase artesian aquifers.

in potentiometric

pressure

the underlying

After reclamation Aquifers affected will be local, restricted mostly to the mining by removal and replacecontour, thus

area where coal was removed and overburden disarranged ment as backfill. Topography

will be subdued from its original

runoff will be reduced,

leaving more time for infiltration However, the disturbed

of water downward

toward the zone of saturation. conducive to the downward

backfill will not be Thus, the probability Most

percolation

of precipitation.

of greater, or less, recharge

is speculative

at the mine site backfill.

recharge to the aquifer systems is in the higher interstream will not be affected by mining operations.

areas and, thus,

Surface water Mining activities will destroy existing drainage of the area. be diverted may decrease patterns in parts

The channels of Rawhide and Little Rawhide Creeks will have to around the mine pit to carry its natural flow. This channelizing Peak flow

annual and low flows due to seepage loss to the pit. affected unless protecting Characteristics

will not be significantly is diverted interrupted to the pit.

dikes breach and the flow will be

of the minor tributaries is complete.

by mining until reclamation

Channelizing resulting

stream courses may cause increased erosion of streambeds and banks.

flow velocities, In changing the

in accelerated

course of the stream, its base level may be lowered, resulting of tributaries. Release of production waters, possibly resulting

in headcutting

including mine drainage, would in accelerated erosion of

alter flow characteristics,

IV-I04

streambeds

and banks.

Depending

on the amount of release,

increased

erosion

and sedimentation

could extend several miles down the Little Powder River.

Water quality Ground water As the mined area is a point of discharge, reduction of quality of After

water in aquifers will not occur while mining is taking place. spoils have been returned to the pit, leaching

could occur which may reduce Leaching of mineral constit-

the chemical quality of water in the aquifers. uents and possible through

toxic trace elements will occur where water infiltrates In time, this ground water will be discharged at some

the backfill.

place either as seeps or springs along drainages into Rawhide Creek. recharge As water moves from recharge infiltration

or as ground water discharge to points of discharge, rocks will dilute of water

from additional

through undisturbed

the higher mineralized at discharge

water so that the increase in mineralization

areas could be insignificant.

Surface water Erosion and sedimentation operation of the mine as vegetation will be increased is removed. during construction and

High sediment yields will and a protective could lead to a grass

occur from spoil piles until they have been reclaimed cover established. Increased erosion and sedimentation

lowering of water quality in the streams. Dissolved site will increase solids concentration receiving streams. solids load in water downstream during mining and reclamation, from the proposed mining

but changes in dissolved of water in

will depend on the amount and concentration Dissolved solids concentration

in runoff from newly

IV-lOS

exposed loading degree

surfaces

will

increase. waters

Continuance

of increased

dissolved will

solids on the sur-

in downstream of success

after reclamation

is completed effort

depend exposed

achieved

in the reclamation

to protect

faces from leaching Increased water quality

and erosion. population associated with mine development could affect

through

recreational

use of the area and from adding

additional

untreated

sewage

to water

in the area.

IV-I06

Vegetation During on 4,740 acres removed affected the 57-year life of the mine, vegetation - 100 plant proceeds facilities). across 2. will be destroyed will be

(4,640 mined

Vegetation area.

progressively during

as mining

the leased

Vegetation

this period

is shown

in Table

Table Vegetation Vegetative Types Type

2 to be Disturbed Acres 2,038 1,185 758 522 237 4,740

and Amount

Big sagebrush/western wheatgrass-blue grama Big sagebrush/blue grama Bluebunch wheat grass Inland saltgrass-western wheatgrass Big sagebrush/needleandthread-blue grama Total

With

initiation

of coal production pit (boxcut),

in 1976, some 60 acres in initial topsoil

of vegetation areas, blue-

will be lost from the initial and in spoil waste bunch wheatgrass This will areas.

storage

Damage will be about equally

split between grama

and big sagebrush/western

wheatgrass-blue

communities. to 12 million remain

accelerate

up to 88 acres in 1983 when mining that vegetative destruction

increases

tons per year. constant

It is assumed

per year will

(88 acres per year) Construction

from that point until facilities

the end of mining

in 2033. an

of mine

and spur rail line will destroy (216 acres) permanently.

estimated of Highway destroy

352 acres of vegetation, 59 and construction

61 percent

Relocation temporarily (about

of a power line into the mine site will Vegetation communities

another

249 acres of vegetation.

affected

IV-107

equally)

include

bluebunch

wheatgrass,

big sagebrush/needleandthread-blue grama, and big sagebrush/blue grama.

grama,

big sagebrush/western An estimated area within

wheatgrass-blue

500 acres or about

10 percent

of the total vegetative of the lack of fill associated with

the property reclaim

will be lost permanently area. Population remove

because increase

to completely development by 1990.

the mined

of the mine will Increased

permanently

another

105 acres of vegetation will property.

recreation

use originating within

from this population and outside

cause additional

impact

on vegetation

of the mining

Haul road dust and fugitive transporting, vegetation processing, and loading

coal dust

from coal mining,

blasting, on

on unit trains will be deposited chemicals in the deposited Dust-covered

adjacent

to the mine.

Toxic

dust may and damaged and wildlife.

damage vegetation vegetation would

when wetted

by dew and light rain. and possibly

be less palatable

toxic to livestock

The use of herbicides rights-of-way damage would

for maintenance

of power line and rail spur as well as short-term

cause mortality species. These

of target species areas consist

to nontarget

of 343 acres in the bluegrama, and big sagebrush/ in additional

bunch wheatgrass, blue grama vegetative

big sagebrush/needleandthread-blue Drift off the target area

communities. damage. Suitable

could result

vegetation area. Toxic

may be difficult or nonproductive

or impossible material

to reestablish

some of the mined surface.

may be brought

to the with

Microclimate

will be changed. These effects

Soil structure

will be destroyed

loss of some topsoil. ation make revegetation of climate and existing

of mining may

individually

or in combinWith the type

difficult

or impossible

in some areas.

soil types in the area, prediction

of reclamation

IV-108

success

is sketchy. in Chapter Young

However,

an assumed

reclamation

success

in this area is

explained

III, Part I, Reclamation from reclamation This grazing areas.

of Mined Lands. attract wildlife inhibit early which like and

vegetation

will will

to graze

on new, young

shoots.

growth

revegetation

of the disturbed

IV-109

Archeological Archeological Wyoming

and Paleontological

Values by the University of

surveys are being conducted

on the Carter lease. the existence of sites.

The survey and report have not been completed However, there is surface evidence and the

indicating possibility

of sites.

With the unknown be significant impacts

archeological-paleontological

values,

there could

from strip mining.

There will be 4,640 acres involved 828 million cubic yards of over-

in strip mining on this lease.

Approximately

burden will be moved to mine the coal. occupied by facilities

Additional

area (240 acres) will be spurs, roads, offices, or establishing sites or

such as crushers, silos, railroad buildings. Moving overburden

and equipment-maintenance permanent

structures will either destroy potential for study and salvage.

archeological

make them unavailable

Besides the direct impact of mining, impacts associated construction with the population of the mine. acreage increase

there will be some indirect expected to be generated by will permanently

and operation

Increased

population

remove and disturb

additional values.

(105 acres by 1990) which could possibly

contain archeological Recreational

use associated with this population will impact known sites throughout the study area. Arrowhead

as well as unknown archeological hunters, rock collectors,

pot hunters,

and off-road vehicle users will all evidence which could provide

disturb additional information

surface acreage, destroying sites.

on archeological

IV-110

Historical No historical

Values by this action.

values will be impacted

IV-Ill

Aesthetics Mine texture which of vegetation, change operations combine removal will impact the elements of form, line, color, and

to make up the resource of overburden,

termed aesthetics.

Disturbance cause a

and creation

of new landforms

in the appearance Contrasts

of the landscape. by stripping away the vegetative color tones now create colors of

in color will be created the soil material.

cover and overturning

The predominant Mining will

seen on the area are light browns yellows area, and light grays which contrasts. as created Smoothing and softer will

and grays. differ

from the color of the surrounding

creating

Texture will be changed. create a smoother

by vegetative of spoil piles texture.

patterns

and degree with

of erosion grasses will

and reclamation

The new texture and broken

created

on the lease on the and

area will surrounding natural

contrast with areas.

the roughened

texture

present

The change

in texture will

result

in less variety

configuration

in the landscape.

It will

create monotonous

scenery,

at least on the area that is mined. Development and transmission of the access corridor which includes the rail spur line These lines may areas.

line will natural

add new lines to the landscape. lines such as pipelines could develop

cut across existing Creation unnatural

and cultivated a jumbled,

of new lines on the landscape landscape which

disorganized,

could be displeasing such as powerlines, Housing

to the viewer. mine buildings, and loading to meet the silos

New intrusions

will be added to the landscape. demands of expanding population

which will be needed with mine

associated area.

employment

could add

other intrusions

to the study

IV-liZ

Landform the mined area will

will be altered. take place.

A general breaks

lowering

of the elevation in topographic

Abrupt

and changes

relief will be smoothed the remains

out at completion at completion

of mining. of mining

The major activities.

change will be This will before. of add

of the highwall break

a new topographic Impact time. Intrusions

and depression will

where

none have appeared gradually prior

on aesthetics will be added Other

take place

over a period

to the landscape take place

to and at the beginof 57 years, the

ning of mining. projected mine

changes will The changes

over a period

life.

to take place

on this one site are not study area. However, the

significant impact against

when

compared

to the 4.9-million-acre

of mining

on this specific

site could be very significant natural landscape.

when viewed

the backdrop

of surrounding,

IV-113

Wildlife All wildlife The smaller wildlife burrowing

and Fish from the area as mining invertebrates, progresses. and other

will be displaced (reptiles,

amphibians,

rodents,

animals) which

are not able to flee will be destroyed. such as the estimated

The popu17 mule

lations which are displaced

50 to 60 antelope,

deer, 40 sage grouse, 20 sharptail mammals will have to relocate surrounding

grouse, plus numerous sites.

birds and small

on adjacent

It is assumed that the in balance with the may exist for awhile, in balance with the Part if not all of associ-

areas are already supporting Therefore,

populations

available habitat. but the populations available habitat the displaced

the displaced wildlife

will eventually unless mitigating

be lowered to remain measures are taken.

population

may eventually

be lost.

The aquatic habitat

ated with Rawhide and Little them. Loss of wildlife mined property.

Rawhide Creeks will be lost as mining reaches

habitat will be a constant progression of 12 million

across the

Once full production

tons per year is reached annually. By

by 1983, an estimated

88 acres of vegetation

will be destroyed

the end of the mine life, a total of 4,740 acres of habitat will have been destroyed acitivity on the mine property. and noise associated In all probability, with mining operations the increased human will disturb and cause of the habitat. and for sage

major wildlife

species to leave the area prior to destruction for the big game species (deer and antelope)

Habitat

grouse will be lost for a long period of time even though the area will be reclaimed. habitat The projected time periods for return of the area to suitable shown in Figure 7, with a grass

for various wildlife

species groups is graphically especially

Chapter V, Part I.

Some animals,

those associated

IV-1l4

habitat

(Richardson's

and thirteen-lined

ground squirrels,

prairie dogs, and

mice and other small rodents) will return to the area as it is reclaimed vegetation reestablished. No satisfactory evidence is presently

available revegetated

which would suggest

that strip mined areas can be satisfactorily

with plant communities Permanent and includes

that will satisfy needs of deer and antelope. habitat loss will total an estimated 845 acres of the

terrestrial

that associated

with relocation

of Highway 59; construction increased

spur rail line, transmission and creation of a lake. animal species. habitat

lines and mine buildings;

populations;

This will involve an indeterminable recreation

loss of various acres of and dis-

Increased

use will remove additional populations

and increase

pressure

on wildlife

by disturbance

placement. rights-of-way sagebrush

The use of herbicides

for maintenance

of powerline

and rail spur upon the

will remove 343 acres of habitat type. vehicular

for animals dependent

vegetative

With increased animal road mortality traffic. reclaimed Construction

use of the area and on surrounding Mortality

roads,

will increase. of right-of-way

will also occur from train the

fences and fences to protect to be established

area to allow for revegetation movement and migration.

may cause some impact

on wildlife

Threatened

species No significant impact on peregrine or prairie falcons or on prairie

dog colonies

is anticipated.

Big game Almost mine development 100 percent of the total disturbed is important antelope range. area related to the Carter

The Carter lease lies adjacent

VI-115

to crucial antelope winter ranges and may impact total antelope populations a large degree. The direct impact of development from base population

will result in an estimated

loss of 50 to 60 antelope antelope habitat.

and loss of 5,300 acres of

Mule deer (about 3 per section) will deteriorate 3,700 acres of deer habitat.

with the loss of

Other mammals Predators and furbearers Increased human activity will eliminate most use of the area by coyotes, red foxes, badgers, and badgers are less mobile a decline in these species. and bobcats. and flexible. Species such as raccoons, Direct habitat skunks,

removal will initiate impact the

Loss of prey species will especially Beaver and muskrats in association

less mobile species such as badger. vegetarians. will eliminate Loss of aquatic habitat or drastically

are essentially

with riparian vegetation of these animals.

reduce the occurrence

Rabbits and hares Long-term 300 acres. within effects will be limited to actual habitat removal, perhaps recovery

Stress tolerances

are high in these species, and population capacity may be relatively

their established rehabilitation

habitat's efforts.

rapid following

successful

Rodents and bats Substantial losses of rodents will occur through direct mortality and spur line construction and and

loss of habitat with initial mine operations development. Remaining

animals will likely move to adjacent areas where

IV-116

abnormally

high densities

might temporarily

result.

Mortality

rates then would to

increase until population remaining habitat. Where shrub-grass land types, the variety eventually be reduced. Potential effective relocation

densities were again stabilized

in relation

vegetative

types are replaced by perennial

grasswill

of rodent species and the abundance

of individuals

Certain species may become more abundant. although presumably

impacts to bats are not well understood will occur.

Upland game birds Destruction or conversion of vegetation (roads, spur line, flooding, 5,000 acres of sage losses will result provides

mining) will reduce total game bird habitat. grouse habitat will be lost. for at least the duration seasonal or yearlong Where sagebrush

An estimated is destroyed,

of the study period. for a minimum

This amount of habitat Sharptail Eventual

habitat

of 40 birds.

grouse

habitat will be lost for an estimated of game birds, including Hungarian on individual tolerances

20 individuals.

"rediscovery"

partridge

and mourning

doves, will depend of forage

to disturbance

and degree of reestablishment

or prey species.

Other birds Impacts and results will be similar to those described game birds. raptorial to occur. Powerline construction for upland to large

will result in a specific hazard

species of birds.

Both inflight and electrocution

losses are likely

IV-Ill

Fish Drastic modification facility construction available habitat. of drainages, rechannelization of habitat, and

all will combine to eliminate

or severely

change presently

Existing habitat

is fragile and incapable If as projected

of sustaining a lake is and

fish in the face of extensive modification. created at the completion increased. of mining,

aquatic habitat may be enhanced

IV-lIB

Recreation Coal strip mining and attendant resource values. to 2033. Useable activities will diminish hunting

Nearly 4,640 acres will be mined during the life of the mine terrain, habitat, and esthetic qualities associated with this

acreage, while hunting, will be lost on the lease. are estimated lost by mining this lease; however,

Less than 100 hunter days due to the disturbance of all

related activities, the lease.

nearly 900 hunter days will be lost around the area near particularly where public land is very scarce, of 2,070 by 1990.

Access restrictions,

will be imposed because

of increased population

Mining five to ten miles from Gillette will impose an inconvenience for those who hunt close to the city. affect some access to private Mining activity will disturb wildlife, hunted, and generally require On the

land previously

residents of the area to travel 30 to 40 miles farther for hunting. Carter lease, some federal land (40 acres) will become physically isolated by mining, Gillette. reducing the recreation base within

and legally of

the vicinity

IV-119

Agriculture Livestock forage Grazing on the 4,640 acres to be mined will be disrupted by the end of

of the mine life in 2033. annual production Throughout acreages winter

A total of 1,160 AUMs (animal unit months) The disruption

will be affected.

will occur over time. The

the life of the mine, critical pastures will be destroyed. and types of pastures The remaining are: 864 acres summer pasture

and 3,256 acres

pasture.

acreage of the area is used for grazing but is

not as critical

as the above named areas. of Highway 59 and construction of the rail spur and trans-

Relocation mission

line will affect a total of 501 acres and 125 AUMs of annual production. of mine plant facilities will disturb an additional 100 acres and

Construction

25 AUMs of annual production. Of the total acreage disturbed, manently removed from production. an estimated 240 acres will be per-

This area will be utilized by mine facilities, A total of 60 AUMs of annual producthis will involve loss of

road relocation,

and spur rail line bed. lost.

tion will be permanently an additional

If a lake is created,

500 acres (125 AUMs). which will be destroyed consist of four wells, one spring,

Facilities

and six small reservoirs. Ranchers extent. affected begin. presently using this area will be impacted four of the privately to an unknown to be most operations

Carter has purchased

owned ranches

and leased them back to the owners for use until mining

IV-120

Farming The mine property these acres are utilized grain production. of small includes 355 acres of cropland. Sixty-five of

for hay production produces

and 290 acres are used for small 65 tons of hay and 6,160 bushels in the permanent loss of this

This cropland

grain annually. crops.

Mining will

result

land for growing

IV-12l

Transportation If the total surface disturbed, intends approximately

Networks the Carter lease boundaries is Carter 14

area within

2.5 miles

of paved highway

will be destroyed.

to relocate

State Highway

59 east of the lease area. west

U.S. Highway

and 16 combined operations ways reach

will have

to be relocated

of the lease area when mining of each of these highuse of the

that portion

of the lease. upsetting

Relocation traffic

can be accomplished highway until

without

flow by allowing

existing

the new route is completed. 10 to 15 miles operation. of lesser, Alternate graded routes and dirt roads will be are available around the

An estimated obliterated

by the mining

lease area, or they can be provided becomes distance traffic isolated. Inconvenience impact.

if a ranching

or oil well farther

operation traveling disrupt

to users

and possible

is the main across

The railroad

spur line will

temporarily

some lesser

and lightly

traveled

dirt roads during The railroad

line concompany cross

struction. estimates

Impact

is minimal

and of short duration. will be provided. is completed.

that 10 grade 1-90 when

crossings

The spur line will No interruption

under Highway traffic

the highway

to highway

is expected. Relocation of pipelines with minimal which have to be moved outside the mine area

can be accomplished

interruption powerlines

to the user. to the mine site can be transportation commuting facilities. from Gillette to

Construction accomplished without

of necessary disturbance

to existing

Increased the mine site will subsequently the increase occassional higher

traffic

created by employees rapid deterioration costs.

induce more maintenance

of State Highway can probably

59 with

This highway

accommodate

in traffic without but slight

significant

modification. employee

There may be traffic flow.

congestion

due to increased

IV-122

Socio-Economic The primary socio-economic increases in capital expenditures, Estimated dollars. Construction for one to two years.

Conditions

impacts will be those associated with employment, population, and income.

capital expenditure

at the mine will be 35 to 40 million

of the mine site will employ from 150 to 200 people

The following table shows estimates of employment, wages induced by the mine. expected. 1976 Mine employment Other employment Total population Wages from mine employment only 100 200 700 1980 300 600 2,100

population,

and

An average annual income of $14,500 in 1976 is

1985 300 600 2,100

1990 300 600 2,100

~.~$1,450,000

$5,220,000

$6,525,000

$8,156,250

*Assume inflation = 5 percent per year.

The mine operation will continue until about the year 2033. Increases in population will increase the demand for services, protection, water supplies, sewage disposal facilities, associated with more dense populations unemployment may increase. and housing. Problems

such as crime, mental illness, and

These impacts are discussed in Chapter V, Part I.

IV-123

CHAPTER IV HITIGATING MEASURES

Air Quality All activities having an adverse effect on air quality must comply (Part I, Chapter VI). Stipula-

with state and federal air quality standards

tions will be included in the approved mining plan requiring Watering incorporated

such compliance. measures and

of haul roads in the mining area, dust-control

in the design of crushing, in the secondary

storage and loading facilities,

enclosed conveyors

crushing plant will be used to reduce be used on vehicles and equipment

coal dust emissions.

Control devices~will

to reduce gaseous and particulate Coal fire occurrence piles of loose coal. frequency of fires. Immediate

emissions. the area free of the

will be reduced by keeping

Use of fire prevention Firefighting revegetation

campaigns will minimize

equipment will be required on the site. (topsoiling, seeding and fertilizing) air pollution from with of

spoils will be used and this will reduce short-term blowing dust.

Storing of initial topsoil and initial boxcut overburden dust.

rough and uneven surfaces will reduce the amount of windblown

IV-125

Topography The mining in conjunction requires and reclamation plan filed with the Federal Government, state laws, and the coal lease terms, effects of surface mining. than

with federal regulations,

actions to mitigate

adverse topographic

Spoils will be graded to a rolling 3:1. Highwalls will be reduced.

topography with no slopes greater

The final pits will be filled with material The spoil banks, highwalls, and

from adjacent

spoil banks and highwalls.

final cuts will then be covered with a layer of soil material revegetation.

to facilitate

All exposed coalbeds will also be covered by at least three

feet of soil material. The restored landform shall be determined by consultations among

the lessee, the appropriate and the U.S. Geological

land management

agency, the State Lands Commission, will be frequent enough

Survey.

Such consultations

so as not to impede the progress sideration

of the mining or reclamation.

Prime conof any

in grading and shaping shall be the catching and holding

waters falling on the area to improve sediment mentation. in such a manner

the water table and catch and hold areas from excessive sedi-

as to protect downstream

During the shaping of the spoil into the final landform, to form.

no closed

interior ponds should be permitted

IV-126

Soils Impacts to soils can be minimized protective stipulations Application by including and enforcing

in the federal authorizations.

of certain land treatment practices will minimize disruption of physical, chemical and and compaction.

loss of topsoil and productivity; biological Mitigating properties;

soil loss by wind and water erosion; stockpiling

measures will include:

of topsoil for later replaceequipment such as

ment on disturbed

areas, cuts and fills.

Mechanized

scrapers will be used to minimize Ripping and cultivating minimize vehicle soil compaction use by equipment effects. operators

soil mixing. the soil surface prior to seeding will Restriction of unnecessary off-road soil compaction. and developcontour

and employees will minimize by mulching,

Soil erosion will be minimized ment of water erosion structures

revegetation

including water bars, terraces, ditches

furrows, grassed water ways and interceptor away from unprotected disturbed areas.

to divert running water by

Wind erosion will be minimized

roughing up smooth exposed soil surfaces with a disc, harrow or similar equipment immediately after clearing is completed. Seeding or revegetation

will be accomplished Detailed

within one year after clearing of vegetation. soil inventories will be provided by Carter Oil Company.

The inventories will be conducted the Bureau of Land Management within the lease area.

in accordance with standards designated by

to map and identify each soil series situated to a depth of 60 inches tests will include

Soil samples will be collected

or bedrock for physical and chemical analysis. organic matter, pH, exchangeable

Chemical

sodium percentage,

boron, sodium, chloride,

IV-127

calcium,

selenium,

nitrogen,

phosphorous,

potash,

sulfur, base saturation, tests will include standard Soil mineralogy and

cation exchange soil mechanical moisture

capacity, analysis

and conductivity. and engineering

Physical

properties. Additional

relationships

will be determined.

soils information seeding to deter-

will be collected mine profile, inches.

after topsoil has been replaced and mineralogy

and before

chemical, mechanical

changes in the upper 60

Samples from overburden lected for chemical undesirable elements

formations

down to the coalbed will be color absence of toxic or

tests to determine or material.

presence

Results

from current or past research areas will be applied

studies on revegetation in treating

and reclamation

of disturbed

the disturbed

onsite and off site areas. treatment practices onsite to control to reduce

Construction

designs will include mechanical terraces and mulching

such as contour furrows, benefit measures sediment waters. revegetation

to retain moisture

and reduce

soil loss.

Design will include

such as diversion

ditches,

water ways and water

spreaders

yield and runoff from compacted Studies and investigations

areas or concentration to identify desirable

of runoff productive vegetative

are necessary

downstream communities

soil units that are presently from being deprived

sustaining

of soil moisture.

Disposal

areas for solid and liquid wastes will be located upon effects upon the environment and in

sites that will not have detrimental accordance

with state and federal regulations. campsites;

Service haul roads; material storage areas will condition material and sites

sites for sand, gravel ballast; be cleaned up, scarified, revegetated.

and equipment

rehabilitated

to near natural

The edges or vertical

sides of all excavated

IV-128

and borrow

areas will be sloped to a minimum Contingency

3:1 slope to minimize

sloughing to cleanup oils,

and enable revegetation. accidental spillage

plans must include measures

of detrimental

or toxic materials

such as gasoline, condition.

and chemicals

and to restore

damaged soil to a near natural

Service and haul roads that are susceptible sediment will be surfaced surfacing materials or treated with a binder

to producing

dust and

of water.

Chemical binders,

and use of herbicides

must meet state and federal approval.

IV-129

Water Resources Availability of water from deeper aquifers supplies affected by lowered water levels in the radius for mining could be replaced by deeper wells. is similar or of The

Water-well influenced

by dewatering

chemical quality of water in the Fort Union Formation better quality than water in the overlying

Wasatch Formation.

Monitoring

programs Monitoring programs are being established programs by companies planning are being planned in

to mine coal. consultation Survey.

A number of the monitoring with the Water Resources

Division

of the U.S. Geological observation wells to deteroverburden.

The programs

consist of establishing

mine water-level

fluctuations

in the coal and the overlying to determine

Water samples will be collected water for detecting ing progresses, monitor

the chemical quality of the As minareas to

changes in water quality after mining begins. wells will be established of toxic materials. in backfill

observation

for leaching and movement

IV-130

Vegetation The loss of vegetation activities will be mitigated on land disturbed by coal mining and related revegetation. Initial measures

by satisfactory

will be started within one year following of topsoil. vegetation Revegetation is established

reshaping

of the land and replacing stand of

efforts will continue until a satisfactory that will grow without disturbed irrigation.

Plans to revegetate tering agency. Stipulations

land will be approved by the adminis- ~
and included in the mining that will

will be developed objectives.

plan to meet the revegetation be considered

Additional

stipulations

are listed below. will be minimized by maintaining the

Damage to native vegetation acreage of disturbed way, roadways,

areas (powerline right-of-way, and transporting

railroad

spur right-ofbuildings, etc.),

coal processing

facilities,

to an absolute minimum. Depositon reduced by watering on mining, of dust and harmful chemicals on vegetation will be controls

haul roads and installation processing

of dust suppression

transporting, Completion

and loading equipment. survey (currently being conducted

of a detailed vegetation from the University

for Carter by personnel

of Wyoming) will provide proto the coal property

tection for important plant communities area.

on or adjacent

IV-13l

Archeological Legislative federal commonly 431-433); license authorities

Preservation which guide issuance of

and obligations

to develop

the Powder River coal resources

are the statute

referred Wyoming

to as Antiquities statutes relating

Act of 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. to archeological and paleontological Environ-

sites (sections 36-11 to 56-13 and 18-330.7 W.S. 1957); Wyoming mental Quality Act of 1973 (Section 35-502.l2(a)(v)); sites (74 Stat. 220; 16 U.S.C. 469-469c);

an act for salvage at an act for historic Environmental Policy

reservoir

preservation

(80 Stat. 915, 16 U.S.C. 470-47Om);

National

Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 852, 42 U.S.C. May 13, 1971 (36 F.R.-892l).

4321 et seq); and Executive

Order 11593,

Both federal and state antiquities vation and collections, They provide The Wyoming unique,

acts regulate values

antiquities

exca-

and both protect historical imprisonment

on public lands.

for fine and/or Environmental

for violators

of their provisions.

Quality Act protects archeological,

areas of the state designated scenic or natural. The

irreplacable,

historical,

reservoir

salvage act provides

for recovery

of historical

and archeological as a result of

data from areas to be inundated federal action. historic The Historic

by certain water impoundment Act established

Preservation

a system of

preservation

in the nation and requires for review by the National

that certain federal underAdvisory ,Council on Historic that one objective cultural possible, choice." of national

takings be submitted Preservation. environmental

NEPA states in Section 101(b)(4) policy is to 'preserve important heritage and maintain,

historic, wherever

and natural an environFinally,

aspects of our national ment which supports Executive

diversity

and variety

of individual

Order 11593 affects federal agencies most intimately to cooperate with the nonfederal agencies,

in that they

are instructed viduals

groups, and indito the

and to insure that federal plans and programs and enhancement of nonfederally

contribute

preservation

owned historic

and cultural

IV-132

values.

Agencies

are directed

to inventory,

evaluate

and nominate Places.

properties

in their jurisdiction

to the National

of Historic

Under the mandate that until inventories caution

of the Executive

Order, federal

agencies must insure

and evaluations

are completed,

the agencies will use for

to assure that federally to the National

owned properties of Historic

which might qualify

nomination transferred,

Places are not inadvertently altered and that federal plans of nonfederally

sold, demolished, contribute

or substantially

and programs owned sites.

to the preservation

and enhancement

The Antiquities and animal antiquities The Wyoming archeological lands statutes

Act of 1906 prohibits lands without

damage or excavation a permit

of plant

on federal require

(see 43 CFR Part 3). excavation of any

that permits deposits

be obtained

before

or paleontological

on either state or federal public

(sec. 36-11 W.S. 1957). Archeological and paleontological excavations. values on federal The Wyoming lands will be Act

protected similarly permission

by surveys requires

and salvage

Antiquities

a permit

for excavation

of antiquities

on public lands,

to be granted by the State Board of Land Commissioners. The Wyoming Environmental Quality Act requires approval of any appli(g)(iv) of harm,

cation for a mining permit under the provisions this Act to assure that " ...the proposed destroy, or materially

of Section

35-502.24

operation

will not irreparably

impair any area that has been designated historical, archaeological,

by the Council scenic or

to be of a unique or irreplaceable, natural value." Surface surveys are fundamental Therefore

for evidence

of archeological stipulations

values

in the alluvium

to establishing

responsible

for their protection. that require surprotection.

those stipulations

in the mining plan and/or permit

veys will be followed

to insure archeological

and paleontological

IV-133

No mining

plan~ permits

or rights-of-way

will be approved

until the State to

company has coordinated Historic Preservation

its archeological Company

surveys with the Wyoming

Officer.

survey reports will be submitted approving

the State Historic plans and permits. '~ and forwarded been conducted for additional These additional further evaluation to require

Preservation

Officer with a copy to agencies

The report will be certifled by the Preservation agencies with a statement archeologists

Officer

to the approving by competent,

that surveys have and a recommendation

professional

surveys to be required

before plans and permits are approved. if surface evidence approvals indicates

surveys may be necessary is necessary.

In addition,

will be conditioned and

notification

to the Area Mining

Supervisor

of all archeological

paleontological

sites discovered officer

during mining prior to disturbance of the surface administrating prior to disturbance.

and notifi-

cation to the appropriate discovered ~

agency of sites The Antiqsites

during right-of-way

construction

uities Act of 1906 and Wyoming which are discovered Furthermore, during the mining the Wyoming inventories, without

statutes make it unlawful

to excavate

a permit. that the alluvium to be displaced with

it will be required be surveyed Preservation

operation

and that all surveys be coordinated Officer to insure competent,

State Historic salvage,

professional data.

and preservation

of archeological

and paleontological

It is recommended cost of establishing supervision archeologist advance

that all present resident

and future applicants

share in the under the The basin

a full-time

basin paleo-archeologist Preservation Officer.

of the Wyoming

State Historic

will aid in reducing

lead time and development educating

delays by performing employees, sampling

surveys for support facilities, to company discoveries,

construction

soils, responding

and conducting

salvage work.

IV-134

Historical According possibility place always to the Wyoming exists

Values Preservation Officer, the

State Historic

that new information unimportant sites.

may be discovered If this occurs,

that could the appropriate

a value

on previously

acts shall be used having jurisdiction

to determine on the land.

the course

of action

to be taken by the agency

IV-135

Aesthetics The Carter mining ments of Interior plan will contain stipulations guided by DepartPlant silos

and Agriculture

visual

resource

standards.

and power lines will be designed extent possible. Probably lineal project the landscape. occur, following the most

to blend with natural

landscape

to the

critical

factor

in reducing to naturally

the impact occurring

of a lines in already

is its location Lineal projects

in relation

will be located where and avoiding

natural

lines

contours,

depressions

a crossing

at the crest

of a hill. Topsoil forms. natural seeded be kept Native will be stripped off and replaced over reshaped natural to land

grasses

and shrubs will be seeded in the vegetation.

to hasten

the return

unbroken to break

patterns

Plantings

will be irregularly areas will Non-

the unnatural

lines of construction. back sloped

Disturbed

to a minimum materials

and highwalls

to a maximum lines,

of 3:1.

reflective

will be used on transmission e.g., unpainted

towers, buildings, on the silos.

silos, conveyors

and crushers,

concrete

IV-136

Wildlife Measures species which will result

and Fish on some wildlife to Carter

in mitif.ation of impacts come about as result

are primarily grasslands

those which

will

of attempts

reestablist Oil Company ment area. mined

for livestock

forage and watershed of the surface

protection. lands

has purchased

over 90 percent

in their developbusiness after

They have stated

that they may go into the ranching The existence

lands have been reclaimed. landowners to restore

of legal authority or specific

to require amounts be of

private

specific

types of habitat existing

key or crucial interpreted

habitat

is doubtful.

Should

laws and regulations

as imparting

some authority would be equally

to require

the above,

their effectiveIn short,

ness and enforceability existing specific private legal authority losses where landowners.

open to serious

question.

cannot be expected

to insure mitigation with

of most of

the mitigation Existing state

may conflict and federal

the interests

air, water broad

and land quality requirements of re-

laws will vegetation, lution.

insure some mitigation non-degredation

of impacts quality

through

of water

and reduction

of gross air polreduce total

These

legal authorities, impacts on animals They

if enforced,

may significantly

and long-term rodents effects

such as fish, waterfowl, can be expected

and some birds,

and invertebrates. on total impacts Opportunities

to have only slight mitigating

on other species. for mitigation of wildlife losses, as opposed to legal a

requirements variety aquatic

for mitigating

are more available.

Serious

attempts

to provide

of topography, habitats

reestablish

shrub and riparian to meet with

land ecosystems success

and expand

could be expected

sufficient

to mitigate Due to the

at least part of total long-term nature of mining operations

impacts

on a variety

of species. required

and the long time period

to reestablish

IV-13?

these vegetative

types their mitigation (1990).

would be little realized before the

end of the study period

A variety of native species representing groups should be well represented. rabbitbrush mitigate

shrub, forb, and grass of big sagebrush and

Palatable varieties

as well as skunkbush sumac, chokecherry,

and juniper would help and non-game species.

losses of deer, antelope,

sage grouse, sharptails

Varied topography would increase habitat diversity and result in greater variety and abundance Right-of-way and antelope movement of wildlife. fencing and other fencing barriers and hazards to deer

could be reduced by using less fencing, using fences These

passable to antelope and deer and using various crossing structures. measures

should be planned and located on the f,round with the State Game and as the development proceeds. should have irregular Some shore-

Fish Department

Ponds or lakes created as a "by-product" shorelines

and islands to create the maximum amount of shoreline.

lines should slope gradually emergent vegetation emergent vegetation,

to provide shallow, marshy areas and encourage to discourage

while others should have steeper shorelines thus increasing diversity.

Shallow ponds would have the

greatest value for waterfowl Reestablished

and deeper ponds the greater value for fish. along drainage courses and around of many animals

riparian vegetation

aquatic habitats would eventually

result in reestablishment

associated with thi~ habitat type (Table 11, Potential

Chapter V, Part I).

also exists to enhance offsite habitat which would offset

losses created by mine development.

IV-l38

Recreation If any requests lease covering recreation authority for water impoundments are made on the Carter cultural and

federal lands or minerals impact assessment

in areas of important

values,

and protection

can be given through the

granted by the Reservoir Policy Act of 1969. planned

Salvage Act of 1960 and the National

Environmental

If a reservoir mineral project,

for construction

covers federal surface or approved Environ-

and has for its use, water designated it will be assessed

for another federally of the National

under the requirements

mental Policy Act and salvage requirements If cultural values of the National are located

under the Reservoir

Salvage Act.

the "criteria

for effect" under Section 106,

Historic

Preservation

Act and Section 2b of E.G. 11593 will be in the project. values are impacted, that agencies either

initiated by any federal agency joined Where scenic, historic, on or adjacent

and recreation

to federal land, it will be required study locations

constructing these

new federal aid highways resources

and alignments

that complement

as stated in the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973. The Carter mining plan, in conjunction with land reclamation, will for

insure enhancement shorelines

of any planned

lakes or ponds by providing

stipulations

and slopes that improve fishing and waterfowl and hunting opportunities

nesting.

These will

improve sightseeing

for area residents.

IV-139

Agriculture Livestock grazing Measures livestock grazing procedure. Coal to be produced will require between out of forage production the areas actively available annually. Temporary 70 and 150 acres be taken that may be taken to minimize the affects of mining on stages of the mining

should be initiated at the appropriate

fences should be erected around of the area will be and mining equipment

involved in mining so the remainder

for livestock use and hazards from highwa11s

to livestock will be minimized. Topsoil will be stockpiled placement in sufficient amount to provide for This will

on spoil piles at a depth not less than six inches. and growth during reclamation.

enhance plant establishment Where operations

could result in acid or saline drainage

or sedimentawill

tion in streams, provisions will be made for impoundments. not affect adjacent landowners or contribute

Impoundments Water

to water pollution.

capable of supporting impoundment.

fish and other aquatic life should be the goal of any erosion control and flood control structures

When feasible,

should be built prior to excavation. Open burning practices of all materials will be in accordance with suitable

for fire prevention Abandoned

and control, and state regulations. to slopes no steeper than 30 top-

highwalls will be reduced

percent.

Spoil piles will be reduced to slopes no steeper than 30 percent, as

soil spread at a depth not less than six inches in depth, and revegetated soon as practical. If it is considered to be a desirable practice,

denuded

areas will be mulched

and disked on the contour to reduce runoff, erosion and

IV-140

sedimentation. prescribed

Desirable

surface maniuplation site conditions.

practices will also be

when considering Prepared

spoil areas will be revegetated Revegetation

within one year following by a prescribed

topsoiling acceptable

and reshaping. method.

will be accomplished

Revegetation

shall be attempted

until a satsfactory

stand and cover of perennial

vegetation

is achieved and maintained. to a point

Water wells to be breached will be plugged with concrete not less than 20 feet below the final mine floor level. itation is complete, new wells will be drilled Metal and all other nonmineral disposed of. Noxious material to replace

After spoil rehabilthose destroyed.

waste will be buried or removed and

and toxic species of invader plants will be controlled The owner will be reimbursed destroyed by mining at the appraised

by using approved herbicides.

price for the loss of all facilities

activity.

Farming Measures that will minimize timed. the affect of mining activity on

farming must be adequately minimal

The following measures

will be considered

in an adequate mining plan. Acreages to be prepared to prevent for mining economic should be posted one year prior loss due to unnecessary crops. Written summer to

to anticipated

activity

fallow operations operator

or destruction

of growing

notification

of cropland will be sufficient. No less than one access route will be maintained to each cropped

field.

Temporary

fencing will be installed

to protect

crops from destruction by mining activity.

by drifting

livestock when permanent

fencing is destroyed

IV-14l

Active highwall highwalls

areas will be posted with hazard warning

signs.

Abandoned Abandoned erosion

will be sloped to a grade not exceeding areas will be mulched

30 percent.

spoil piles and denuded and sedimentation surface. Active

to reduce accelerated

due to wind or water.

The mulch shall be .disked into the

areas, such as haul roads, will be treated to reduce wind-

borne mineral

particles.

IV-142

Transportation To mitigate will be necessary impacts on traffic

Networks relocation, it road

flow due to highway

to allow traffic is completed.

to travel undisturbed It will be necessary

over the existing to provide

until the realignment

alternate

routes of access to any ranching isolated due to obliteration

or other local operations the mining

that will be

of roads within

lease.

IV-143

CHAPTER PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL

V WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED

EFFECTS

Air Quality Adverse impacts on air quality resulting from development of the

carter mine property mining mined 677.3 million and facilities

cannot be avoided.

Some coal and soil dust created by a total of 5,241 acres (4,740

tons of coal, disturbing - 252 rail and access

road construction

- 42 highway occur.

relocation About

- 207 power line construction) acres will be disturbed time. emission

over the 57-year in anyone

period will

88 surface

year and 300 to 500 acres

may be bare at anyone Even with ment and accidental

proper

controls, causing

emissions

from vehicles,

equipon

fires will occur,

a reduction emission

in air quality exist for

the lease site and downwind. diesel locomotives, emissions

As no effective

controls

from train operations

cannot be avoided. fairly

These

emissions

are expected Table

to reach

a peak by 1985 and remain unavoidable

constant with

thereafter.

1 compares

the projected

train emissions Control

the 1970 quantities

for the Wyoming

Intrastate

Air Quality

Region.

IV-145

Table 1 Unavoidable Train Emissions Versus 1970 Total Emission Wyoming Intrastate Air Quality Region (tons/year) 1970 Type Particulates Sulfur Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Base 26~510 38,202 28,647 122,428 21,635 Increase 26,514 38,212 28,714 122,452 21,651 1980
,,'~
cr/

for

-----1985
'it::

Increase 0.01% 0.03% 0.20% 0.02% 0.07%

Increase 26,521 38,228 28,814 122,487 21,677

% Increase 0.04% 0.07% 0.60% 0.05% 0.20%

Carbon Honoxide Hydrocarbons

*Base

plus train emissions

IV-146

Topography A reduction thin overburden in altitude caused by mining The decrease thick beds of coal with over the lease The

cannot be avoided.

in altitude

area will range from a maximum

of 105 feet to a minimum

of a few feet.

average drop will be about 62 feet. Alteration able. of some natural features of the landscape is unavoidat a

Even though the general

topography

of the area can be restored presently

lower altitude,

cliffs and abrupt breaks,

a part of the topographic topography are

scene, cannot be restored. only partially restorable.

The slope and angle of the present

Temporary and its tributaries

change in the drainage cannot be avoided.

channel of Little Rawhide

Creek

IV-147

Soils Disturbance mine facilities of topsoil on a total of 5,241 acres (4,640 mined - 100 relocation - 207 power-

- 252 rail and access road - 42 highway cannot be avoided.

line construction)

Loss from productivity - housing)

of 345 acres of and of 500 acres

soil (access road - railroad bed - mine facilities from inundation by a lake is unavoidable.

The disturbance

of topsoil will

lower to some degree the natural soil productivity mixing natural soils, and causing accelerated On the 4,640 acres to be mined, horizons, parent material of geologic

of the area by compaction,

soil erosion. of all soil over

complete destruction

and soil characteristics time cannot be avoided.

which have developed

long periods

The present soil biota and and the

soil forming processes area reclaimed,

will be terminated.

Once mining is completed

soil development

will have to start again.

As an end result,

new soils will be formed with characteristics existing prior to mining. Reduction rates is unavoidable. of soil productivity

totally unlike the ones

and permeability

and infiltration rates will occur,

Increase in erosion and sedimentation

but amount of soil loss through time cannot be determined.

IV-148

Mineral The mining and proposals. effect and removal

resources under present plans

of coal cannot be avoided activity

The proposed

mining

will have an unavoidable

adverse of

on the coalbeds, mineral

coal resources, commodity

and coal reserves

in that deposits

a nonrenewable

will have been mined. recoverable

By 2033 this comprises strippable coal reserves of coal

5.1 percent of the estimated
identified in mining, in Campbell loading,

economically

and Converse

Counties.

Loss of minor

amounts

and transportation

operations

is unavoidable.

IV-149

Water The amount lost. The amount lost. of water

Resources in mine operations removed will be unavoidably by mining will be

consumed

cannot be quantified. However, the effect

Aquifers

permanently

of this loss will be of local extent. it may deplete streamflows for

If a lake is left as has been projected, and will add to evaporational (agriculture A reduction will loss of water which

then is not available

other uses

- stream habitat). quality from increased erosion and sedimentation

in water

occur to some degree.

The amount or degree

cannot be estimated.

IV-1SO

Vegetation Vegetation removed on 845 acres. will be temporarily These losses destroyed on 5,241 acres and permanently rail spur

associated

with mine

operations,

construction

and increased

population

and creation

of a lake cannot be avoided. will occur shortly

Reclamation after disturbance. mined

of areas However,

disturbed

by rights-of-way

success

of revegetating

the severely

disturbed

area is unknown All plant

at this time. is unavoidably destroyed at the time of disturfor these areas

succession or more

bance.

Fifty years

of plant

succession

will be required

to return have been

to their present changed

state as existing

soil structure

and microclimate

and altered. that are successfully reclaimed, a 50 percent loss in

Even on areas productivity

has been projected.

IV-15l

Archeological Subsurface most responsible face activities material

and Paleontological

Values or destroyed under the

and sites will be damaged with much more

mining

program,

lost to indifference

from sur-

of population removal

expansion. of 104 acres evidence, to regional expansion, will be to

Some losses, expected conduct

from lack of surface regional surveys.

time, money,

and trained personnel

An appreciation for preservation

for archeological

values

and a sense of responsibility information.

will be hampered

by a lack of educational

IV-152

Aesthetics The added structures, discordant scape intrusions added roads, rail lines, and power lines will landscape. The natural be

to the natural

landthis

(shape - texture

- color) will be changed of the natural

unavoidably.

To some,

will be an adverse

alteration

landscape. areas will be discernible for

Even after reclamation, a long period of time.

the disturbed

IV-lS3

Wildlife Loss of habitat wildlife (reptiles, and reduction

and Fish in population will occur. The smaller animals) 17 mule

amphibians,

invertebrates,

and other burrowing

which cannot flee will be destroyed. deer, 40 sage grouse, lost. Destruction city of wildlife

An estimated

50 to 60 antelope,

and 20 sharp-tailed

grouSe will be displaced

and probably

of 5,241 acres of habitat will reduce the carrying in this area. Successful return of wildlife

capa-

habitat

for most animals will require Chapter V, Part I). will be unavoidable. Increased This will adversely population

a period of from 20 to 50 years

(Figure 7, habitat

The permanent

removal of 845 acres of terrestrial

will intensify

recreational

use of the area. than that actually

impact a larger area of wildlife

habitat

disturbed by mine activities. tat, the overall unavoidable than projected. The aquatic habitat Creek will be unavoidably

As much of this area is critical antelope habiimpact may be loss of a larger number of antelope

and fish life associated

with Little Rawhide

lost.

IV-154

Recreation Loss of an estimated hunter 100 hunter days of use on the site and 900

days per year in the immediate Reduction of wildlife Increased

area cannot be avoided. population, will and quality will lessen use, of

habitat,

hunter which

opportunities.

population

intensify quality

recreational

could cause adverse

reduction

of recreation

and deterioration to the Town of

facilities. Gillette

Loss of recreation

land base in close proximity

is unavoidable.

This loss will span the 57-year

life of the mine.

IV-ISS

Agriculture Livestock forage Permanent Destruction However, water loss of 740 acres of forage and 185 AUMs one spring, cannot be avoided. is unavoidable. of livestock

of four wells,

and six small reservoirs locations.

the wells will be replaced

at other

Reduction

will result

in a loss of grazing

capacity. mining operations capacity cannot be avoided.

Temporary Reduction

loss of forage during 50 percent

of an estimated

in carrying

after reclamation loss of 518 AUMs,

cannot be avoided. assuming the entire Destruction the rancher having

This will

cause an annual

overall

yearly

area will be successfully of critical pastures

revegetated. and the necessity Added of

(4,120 acres)

to provide having

pasture

elsewhere new water

is unavoidable. sources

economic

cost of the rancher cannot be avoided.

to provide

for his livestock

Farming Serious doubt exists about the success of rehabilitating the mined

lands for crop production. to be grown

It is very probable surface.

that crops will not be able in the permanent

on the rehabilitated

This will result

loss of the use of 355 acres Hay production of small

for cropping. 6,160 bushels

will be 65 tons less, and approximately annually. Since much

grain will not be produced

of this production

was sold as a cash crop, from these crops.

farmers will not realize where

the net cash gain realized feed,

In instances

the crops were used for livestock purchase.

it will now be necessary

to replace

them through

IV-156

Transportation Increased

Networks cannot be avoided. The

traffic on all existing facilities Road maintenance

increase will begin in 1975.

costs and frequency will increase

and these costs cannot be avoided. Temporary inconvenience and poor travel conditions caused during con-

struction of such facilities transmission

as the rail line, relocation

of highway 59, and

line are unavoidable.

These impacts will be minor and occur only to predict the possible increase in

over a short time span. train/car accidents.

It is impossible

With the number of trains required of these accidents occurring

per day (6 by 1985),

the increased probability

cannot be avoided.

IV-157

Socio-Economic Unavoidable level. The cumulative adverse impacts effects

Conditions cannot be quantified VII, Part I. at this

of this mine

are anlyzed

in Chapter

IV-lS8

CHAPTER ALTERNATIVES

VI ACTION

TO THE PROPOSED Plan mining

Reject Mining Rejection environmental present of the Carter Oil Company

plan would continue

result

in no

impact on the leased or be modified

lands and they would owner plan,

in their

condition

by the surface a new mining

to meet other uses as may challenge the rejection, the mining

be determined. or abandon--at

Carter least

could submit

temporarily--development of alternate

of the lease. sources

Should

plan be rejected, of energy

the development

of energy

or a reduction

consumption The Carter

could be required. Oil Company may also begin mining portion operations on its 40 acres lease with of both at prothe

of privately same primary federal posed

owned

coal within

the western

of its federal

and secondary coal.

impacts

as those evolving

from the mining production

and private

This private

coal could sustain result

levels

for about

2 1/2 years.

This would

in a small mine on and would (1) increase if and (3)

privately extraction following result

owned

lands leaving (2) result

the federal in increased

coal untouched mining problems

costs;

and costs,

reclamation,

the federally

owned coal were

later extracted;

in a loss to the state and county of a long-term share of federal royalty revenue distributed

tax base and a loss of in accordance with the

the state's Mineral

Leasing

Act. reclamation and enforcement requirements under state

In addition,

laws could be either more or less stringent Government thereby affecting the restoration

than those required of mined areas.

by the Federal

In the event Carter consequence power plants of rejection

chose not to mine on privately plan on the federal have to be obtained

owned land as a coal for the source.

of a mining would

leasehold,

they are supplying

from another

IV-159

Approve

the Mining

Plan After Modification and discussed to require in Chapter VII could be

Some of the impacts avoided if the mining below.

identified

plan were modified special

use of one or more alternatives could be added Such conditions to the plan must be

discussed

In addition,

stipulations

to mitigate reasonable developing

some secondary

effects

of the mining.

and, if unacceptable the area with of Coal"

to the lessee, impacts

could result discussed

in the lessee not the heading "No

the resultant

under

New Development

in Part I, Chapter

VIII.

Different

rate of production Carter Oil Company has existing contracts to supply Electric 3.6 million Company, tons

of coal per year in 1977 to the Indiana lating to 5 million tons in 1978,

and Michigan

esca-

and projected

further

escalation

to 12 million

tons in 1983. Any change the rate or intensity statement. create result in production rate, either upward impacts or downward, would alter

of the environmental in proposed

discussed

previously

in this it would and

If a reduction

production

rate were required,

a shortage

of fuel at the power plants power production of supply were

in the area of consumption is increasing would

in decreased sources

when consumption

unless

substitute mining

obtained. prolong

A requction

also prolong is at any

activity

on the leasehold,

the time until restoration lessen the acreage

completed,

lessen employment annual

at the mine,

disturbed

one time, and lessen this lease.

tax and royalty

returns

to the state and county from

If the company were proposed, elsewhere mation, it would increase

required

to increase

production

above the level described

the intensity

and severity

of the impacts

in the stateulent, decrease annual

the length of time for nining returns

and recla-

and increase

tax and royalty

from this lease.

IV-160

Different Underground

methods mining

of mining

Substitution disturbance would

of this method

of mining

would

result

in less initial pillars

of the land surface, collapse because

however,

unsupported

mine roofs between strength

ultimately

of the lack of structural subsided land surface

in the thin

overburden depressions costly

resulting

in a partly greater

degraded

by numerous would be more

and openings;

costs because

underground

mining

than surface rates

mining;

a decrease

in mine safety tons mined and higher

as indicated underground incidence

by the fatal compared to

accident

in 1972 of 0.42 per million tons for surface mining;

0.07 per million accidents

of nonfatal related to

due to roof and coal falls, (black lung disease). Oil Company's Assuming

fires,

explosions,

and problems

dust inhalation

On Carter

federal

leasehold,

the two coa1beds

average

107 feet in thickness. mined

that a 10-foot

section

in each bed could be of coal in the mined of surface

safely by underground left in place

methods

and that 50 percent and lessen

area was

to provide would

support represent

the probability

subsidence,

coal extracted

about nine percent recovery

of the available

coal in place. of the available

This rate compares coal in place
$

to an expected surface

of 90 to 95 percent

using

mining

methods.

In-situ

production Techniques for the economical burning of coal in-situ stages. and the capture Present are low

of the released knowledge

volatile

gases are still in experimental recovery levels

indicates

that energy

of in-situ

production

and the amount unpredictable. possibility

of surface Impacts

subsidence

in areas

of thin overburden production pollution would

is highly include the and

associated

with

in-situ

of destruction from escaping

of coalbed gases.

aquifers,

of ground water,

air pollution

IV-16l

For in-situ production for increased

to be a viable alternative gases must be developed.

technique, methods Such increases

recovery of volatile

could then allow in-situ production of coal by surface mining methods.

to compare favorably with the high recovery

Auger mining Auger mining should probably viable alternative specific not be ·~onsidered as a realistic or it is not used except under of The

to surface mining because Auger mining

conditions.

is used to ,:ecover coal along a highwall overburden limits.

an existing effective diameter recovery 107-foot leasehold

surface mine which has reached its maximum

penetration is presently

depth is limited to less than 200 feet, and the auger limited to 84 inches. In beds thinner than seven feet, less for Carter's on Carter's

is less than 40 percent, total coal thickness. to sufficiently

and it would be considerably

Auger mining is not applicable

supply the quantities

of coal demanded.

Different

reclamation

objectives of alternate land uses and reclamation methods for the in Chapter VIII,

A description disturbed Part I.

areas along with their attendent

impacts are discussed

Different

utilization

Onsite power generation Transportation would be minimal, transportation electrical and fuel costs for onsite electric power generation than during

and there would be less chance for coal spilling plants. However,

to offsite power generation

a coal-burning transmission

power generation

plant would have to be constructed,

lines would have to be built, and the generating

plant would have to be

IV-162

connected plant,

into the existing

power distribution and water built

network.

For a water-cooled and

large volumes and storage

of water

rights would

have to be obtained

pipelines plant. supply another

facilities stations

to supply an onsite

steam generating would lose the from Mine.

The electrical

in the area of consumption designed unless

of coal for which mine

they were

coal of like quality

in the area was substituted environmental be degradation impacts

for coal from the North Rawhide result from onsite power

Local generation problems would

that would

of air quality noise

by stack emissions;

land-use diversion by

to ash disposal; of water

from the generating

station;

of the large quantity the generating

needed

from other uses; lines, and support

degradation facilities;

of scenery

station,

transmission

dust related

to coal handling, generating employment reclamation station

processing, and support

and ash disposal; facilities benefits.

loss of land used by the and increased with mining and

from other uses; Impacts

and related would

economic

associated

remain

the same.

Other

offsite

markets coal to other offsite of transferring electrical power generating end-use plants impacts The

To supply would have

the effect These

transportation

and other

elsewhere. impacts proposed duration

impacts

have been described and reclamation

heretofore would

in the statement. the same if the the severity and

associated production

with mining

remain

rate was not increased. also be increased.

If increased,

of these would

Nonenergy

uses for the coal Coal is used by the chemical industry in the manufacture which, of synthetic top-

materials soil,

and has been used as a soil conditioner the soil, absorbs heat,

when mixed with growth.

darkens

and stimulates

plant

Some types

IV-163

of lignite stains.

have been used in oil drilling Rawhide Mine

muds,

in water

treatment,

and in wood for

Coal at the North

is subbituminous

and is not suitable indus-

the latter tries, impacts

uses but could be used by the chemical on its properties. and reclamation

and soil conditioner

depending of mining

If coal production remain the same.

were not increased,

the

would

If the coal were used the power plants of fuel.

exclusively dependent

by the chemical on the coal would

and soil conditioner have

industries, sources

to locate substitute

Different Pipeline

methods

of coal transport

transportation Transporting coal in a pipeline An advantage as a slurry could be required pollution as a

possible blown

alternative.

would be less surface cars.

by windcost of

coal or coal spilled and constructing railroad

from railroad a pipeline

The time and capital Mine

planning mainline

from the North Rawhide

to the proposed however, the

is unknown.

Based on the Black Mesa pipeline, per mile would (Love 1969). be: surface

cost would

be in excess of $128,000 Impacts

of this alternative

disturbance

due to

construction

of the pipelines railroad;

and in-line

support

facilities

along the right-ofassociated with

way to the proposed the construction facilities de-watering to construct munities

the additional storage

surface

disturbance

of water

and slurry

facilities,

additional

processing

at the mine facilities

to prepare

the coal for transmission railroad;

as a slurry and the necessary

at the proposed

the influx of workers effects

the pipeline

and the resultant

socio-economic

on com-

along the right-of-way;

the loss of a large tonnage required to construct

of steel pipe to

other uses;

the loss of the energy to other uses;

and run such a coal spillage and rupture

slurry pipeline

the possibility

of pipeline

IV-164

which could degrade local areas; and the construction, sumption, of facilities

at the point of concars.

to remove wet or frozen coal from railroad

Highway

transportation Substitution of truck haulage for railroad haulage would not cause of a

additional

surface disturbance

at the proposed mine except in the vicinity

truck loading facility. would be limited.

The load size of coal trucks for highway

transportation

The maximum

gross load limit for trucks on Wyoming highways

is 79,900 pounds or 39.95 tons so truck size would have to be in the range of 30 to 35 tons. Above 79,900 pounds a special overload permit is required and a

special use tax is assessed. Existing withstand county roads would have to be redesigned coal-loaded truck traffic. and rebuilt to

the stress of constant

The large number of trucks needed would create increased noise, air pollution increased from truck emissions, dust and spillage Assuming transportation increased safety hazards coal. would require truck about 166,500 (595 for the public, and

of transported

that all proposed

coal production

from the mines to loading points on the railroad, (695 per working day) or about 143,000 to transport

30-ton truckloads per working

35-ton truckloads 5-million-ton

day) would be necessary by 1978.

the projected

annual production truckloads

This requirement

would increase

to 343,000 35-ton the projected

(about 1,430 per working of 12 million

day) necessary

to transport

annual production

tons per year in 1983.

These larger trucks projected

would haul not more than about 500 loads per working production. Consumption

day at maximum

of diesel fuel would be considerably

greater by truck If 100-ton

than the 0.002 gallons per ton-mile attainable trucks were used, the two tonnages tonnage) or 120,000 loads

by rail haulage.

could be hauled in 50,000 loads (1978

(1983 tonnage). IV-165

CHAPTER VII THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY Mining will result in the introduction trackage, powerlines, from its natural and heavy equipment of new roads, buildings, changed

into an area not appreciably 59, an oil pipeline,

state except by Highway structures

and transportation

routes and attendant

associated with grazing and farming activities. to coal production levels. and for a period of

The lease area will be committed about 57 years based on anticipated As coal is mined,

production

the overlying

soil and rocks will be removed, recreation

the affected acreage will be lost to grazing and rangeland period of five or six years. Impacts arising from the short-term minimized to the greatest extent practicable practices.

for a

use of the environment

will be

consistent with modern mining to a rolling areas. Re-

and reclamation topography placement

Grading of spoils will reduce ridges undisturbed

aesthetically

consistent with surrounding and establishment

of soil material

of vegetative

cover will return of the coal. Ground

mined land to grazing as soon as possible Mining will temporarily disrupt

following

extraction

the flow of surface water.

water levels may be lowered locally because of the removal of parts of aquifers in unconsolidated material, sandstone, and coalbeds. Rainwater and water flowinto the

ing into the mined area will probably be retained by infiltration spoils, creating perched water tables. The preceding indicates that short-term

use of parts of the lease-

hold for mining will be accompanied

and followed by a period of reclamation

IV-167

and revegetation. its attractiveness

Although

the land's appearance

will be permanently Other potential

changed, long-

should not be adversely

affected.

term land uses may be impaired by introduction developments, and development

of heavy industry, In addition,

housing

of other resources.

coal used for

power generation

will not be available production,

for other uses or for future use. by mining each At any

At maximum

88 acres will be disturbed

year with an equal number

of acres undergoing

grading and planting.

one time, the total area disturbed reclamation of a particular

will be about 500 acres.

Since final

area is estimated

to lag about five years behind for at least that period of

mining, wildlife time.

and livestock

will be displaced

In summary, grazing and wildlife

the land will be used for mining habitat

coal rather

than for

for a period of five to ten years at which time to its former or other designated of heavy equipment, uses.

the land should be restored Disturbed facilities, duration.

land, presence noise,

other mine-related

and associated After mining,

dust, and solid waste will be only of short and revegetation are completed, the princi-

reclamation.

pal long-term drainage

changes will be local modification and loss or reduction

of the topography capacity.

and surface

systems

of productive

It is estimated be reduced Reclamation 50 percent techniques

that total productive

capacity

of the land will is successful.

over present

levels even if revegetation

in this semiarid

climate have to be tested before any

final predictions Wildlife

can be made as to success ratios. habitat for those animals which depend on a sagebrush type

(antelope -
sage grouse) will be destroyed

for a period of 20 to 50 years.

IV-168

Figure 7 in Chapter V of Part I shows the time span from point of disturbance which is required for replacement groups. If a lake is created as projected and provided sufficient that water quality is of the site of adequate habitat for various animal

to sustain fish life, the long term aquatic production

will be improved. Mining of this area will involve a long-term loss in productivity. Under the climatic conditions which prevail for this area, the area may never regain its present productive capacity.

IV-169

CHAPTER VIII IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE CO}~ITMENTS OF RESOURCES of

The major commitment 677.3 million

of resources

is the mining and consumption

tons of coal over the 57-year life of the mine. of the economically strippable reserves

This loss repreof the Eastern

sents about 5.1 percent Powder River Coal Basin.

Use of an indeterminable aggregate in the construction

amount of sand and gravel and clinker for railroad spur and access road and

of mine facilities,

will occur.

Clinker, sand, and gravel deposits mined with the overburden lost.

moved with other spoil will be irretrievably The only ground water aquifers are those aquifers

that will be irreversibly removed during mining. operations

committed Adjacent but water The chem-

that will be physically

parts of these aquifers will be affected during mining levels are expected

to return to normal after mine dewatering

stops.

ical quality of water in the aquifers will not be changed. The extraction the use of electrical gasoline, of coal and reclamation of disturbed areas will require diesel fuel and for construction

power, lubricants, explosives,

liquid fuels including materials

ammonium nitrate

and structural

and repair of surface buildings. reclamation

Chemicals

and materials

used in mining and

would also be lost for other uses. the coal

Large amounts of diesel fuel will be used in transporting via rail line. By 1985 the consumption

of fuel just on the spur line will This fuel will be consumed and unavail-

amount to 912 thousand gallons per year. able for future use.

IV-171

Loss of life will occur both in the mining operations and associated with increased vehicular experienced and train traffic. Based on fatal accident rates

in the strip mining industry during 1972, one employee will suffer tons of coal produced. Disabling Therefore, This

a fatal accident for every 14.3 million

injuries will occur at the rate of 9.24 per million man hours worked.

during the life of the mine an estimated 45 people will lose their lives. will be an irretrievable Any destruction an irreversible commitment of human resources. of archeological or paleontological

values will be

loss of resources

to the extent values are not recorded and

salvaged, as appropriate. It is doubtful that total reestablishment of the complex native plant Strip mining and community

community is possible on disturbed areas of the mined area. associated

activities will eliminate a portion of this life-support impact to wildlife in the area.

which is the major irreversible Wildlife resources animals and habitats reproduced

that may be irretrievably

lost include individual

that are destroyed.

Animals and plants that would have

in the affected habitats during the life of the mining operation lost. Most wildlife losses may be reversible if the

may also be irretrievably

species and habitat are not impacted to the point that their ability to reproduce is seriously impaired. It is doubtful that full production severly disrupted by strip mining. upon revegetation, previous capacity. ameliorate resources. productive can ever be restored to areas

The assumption has been made that even

capacity will be reduced to 50 percent of that would of

Unless further research indicates technology an irreversible

loss, this has to be considered

commitment

IV-172

The annual forage production be lost during the time that mining 300 to 500 acres annually. ible commitment

which the area could have produced will Production could be lost on

takes place.

This increment forage.

of production

lost is an irrevers-

of the livestock

IV-l?3

PART V

ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACTION

KERR-McGEE COAL CORPORATION

CHAPTER I DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION and History Coal Corporation is on

Background The proposed

Jacobs Ranch mine of Kerr-McGee

4,352 acres of federal coal land in Campbell is one of the proposed cumulative

County, Wyoming,

(Figure 1) and

coal mines in the Eastern Powder River Basin whose in this environmental covering impact statement. a portion of the on

impact is being considered An application

for a coal lease, W-7456,

present Kerr-McGee July 17, 1967.

Lease was filed with the Bureau of Land Management

A Land Office decision

on April 21, 1970, attached additional that the lease would be offered for for coal lease was withdrawn lease sale on the enlarged Corporation offered the high

lands to the lease block and established competitive bidding. The original

application

on May 6, 1970, clearing

the way for the competitive Kerr-McGee

tract which was held on June 23, 1970.

bid of $52.00 per acre during oral bidding and was awarded September 1, 1970. This lease was numbered W-23928

the lease on

for that portion of the of the tract on

tract on public domain lands and W-247l0 acquired lands.

for that portion D.

Copies of both leases are in Appendix

These two leases with the Bureau of Land Management leases subject to reasonable readjustment

are continuing They

of terms on a 20-year basis.

provide for a royalty of l7~ cents per short ton (2,000 pounds)

of coal mined

for the first 10 years and 20 cents per short ton of coal mined for the remainder of the first 20-year lease period. Annual rentals are set at $1.00

per acre for the first five years of the lease and $5.00 per acre for the sixth

V-I

·\

R74W

R73W

R72W

R 71W

R70W

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R67W

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Figure 1 Location of the Jacobs Ranch Coal Property of the Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation Cambell County, Wyoming V-2

and each succeeding

year.

Annual rentals after the sixth lease year revert to royalty for the lease year equals or exceeds

$1.00 per acre if the production $5.00 per acre. Following an extensive acquisition program

of the leases, Kerr-McGee to define the physical of 300 million

Corporation

initiated character-

exploration

and chemical

istics of the coal.

Projected

reserves

tons of low ash, lowApproximately Drilling

sulfur coal under relatively 3,624 acres of mineable to finally delineate

shallow overburden were defined.

coal underlie

the Jacobs Ranch mine lease. began February

location of the burnline

25, 1974.

Surface and coal ownership

in acres is given below:

Surface United States Kerr-McGee Others Total *Forest Service (Private) 640* 320 3,392 4,352

Coal 4,352 0

4,352

Purpose

of proposed Development

project of the Jacobs Ranch mine is planned commitments. to meet low-sulfur

coal supply contract

In 1973, three 20-year sales contracts and tons of coal. Purchasers Electric Company,

options were signed for a total of 250 million include Arkansas Power and Light Company, Contract

Central Louisiana

and Gulf States Utilities. schedule as follows:

commitments

require a coal production

V-3

Year 1976 (March-December) 1977 1978 1979

Million 1

Tons

1.2
5

9.2
/

Under this schedule,

it is planned removal

to begin construction

of surface facilities~ plan

and initial overburden

in early 1975. to the

A mining and reclamation Geological Survey on

for this proposed mine was submitted December

u.s.

20, 1973, and is being reviewed to determine

by the G.S., the Forest Service and the stipulations will be in Billings,

Bureau of Land Management required. Montana,

what additional

The plans have also been available at the office of the Area Mining

for public inspection U.S.G.S.

Supervisor,

Site location The proposed Corporation description Jacobs Ranch mine to be operated by Kerr-McGee Coal A is

is located in T43N, R69 and 70W, Campbell County, Wyoming. of the lands contained in Figures in federal leases W-23928 and W-247l0

shown diagramatically Gillette County,

1 and 2. the county seat of Campbell and Douglas (population south.

(population

7,194 - 1970 census), of the minesite,

is 42 miles north-northwest

2,677 - 1970 census), Reno Junction, northwest. minesite, station.

the county seat of Converse of State Highways of Hilight,

County, is 65 miles

the intersection

387 and 59, is 13 miles of the

The small community is a residential

10 miles north-northwest homes adjacent

settlement

of mobile

to a gas pumping

V-4

Figure 2 Location of Kerr-McGee Corporation's Federal Coal Lease W-23928 and W-247l0 Showi~g Topography and Geography

V-5

Gillette

is served by a main line of the Burlington Northern railroad.

A spur line, the Gillette Branch, extends southward from this main line to the Belle Ayr mine, of Amax Coal Company, in T48N, R71W. Douglas is served by two

main lines, the Burlington Northern railroad and the Chicago North Western Transportation Company. Wyoming is the parthe

The main east-west highway serving northeastern tially completed

Interstate Highway 90 with U.S. Highway 14-16 connecting

completed sections. Partially completed Interstate Highway 25 is the main north-south sections are connected by U.S.

highway through eastern Wyoming and completed Highway 87.

State Highway 59 is the main connecting route between Douglas and Gillette; it passes about 11 miles west of the mine site. There are several

unpaved roads near the proposed mine.

V-6

Stages of Implementation The following taken, with modification, Kerr-McGee Corporation. description of mining and reclamation activities is

from the mining and reclamation

plan submitted by

Proposed mining procedures Initial mining

and equipment for the SE~ of section 15 (1976-1977) (Figure 3). The mine areas

is proposed

and the SE~ of section 11 (1978) on lease W-23928 will be opened by conventional open pit methods.

Topsoil removal Topsoil removal, (1) analyses storage and placement will be determined their capacity materials by: to support to support to be

of topsoils on the leases to determine (2) amenability

desired plant species; revegetation

of other overburden

efforts if the surface soils in certain areas are determined (3) the results of consultations and other appropriate with the County representatives

toxic or of poor quality; Agent,

local Forest Service rangers,

federal and state agencies; efforts both on and offsite. vegetation will be removed

and (4) results of test plo't~~~nd past reclamation Topsoil suitable for supporting desired or construction Some

from mine areas prior to stripping

and placed on graded spoils or in stockpiles existing

separate from overburden.

topsoils in dry lake areas are highly saline sadie or clayey and may not

be suitable for revegetation. In such cases, other overburden soil analysis soil.
,

material

that has been determined

to be suitable for revegetation

will be utilized

in lieu of topwastes.

Topsoils w~th high salinity will be buried with other overburden

V-7

i i
3
1987-1991 1992-1996

i...

2
1996-2000

10
1982-1986

---------,
i •
1981

R.70 W. R.69 W.

1979

15
~:

Haul

roads edge

Coal crop line or clinker (shadin g toward clinker) L ease area Coal boundary Corporation

Modified

from Kerr-McGee

o
!

1 Mi Ie
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 3 Kerr-McGee Corporation Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine Plant Layout and Development Removal

Plan Using Trucks and Shovels for Overburden

V-8

Wheel-tractor

scrapers will be used for removal

of topsoil from the of topsoil

immediate areas scheduled for overburden materials on disturbed

removal and for placement is planned.

areas where revegetation

Scrapers may also

be used for cleaning of dirt or slack coal from the surface of coal seams.

Overburden

removal Three different methods of overburden removal are currently undergoing

evaluation scrapers.

by the company:

shovel and truck system, dragline,

and wheel-tractor

The shovel and truck system, similar to those shown in Figures 6 and 7, Chapter III, Part I, but without mine entry, and detailed completely removed the dragline, will be used for initial

plans are being made to enable the mine to be developed With this method, the overburden will be

with trucks and shovels.

in strips of sufficient for mining.

length to allow a 1,300-foot

strip of coal to 1,500

be available

The initial block of overburden,

approximately

feet by 2,000 feet in size, will be hauled outside deposited on land underlain by no mineable

the mine area and permanently the burnline (Figure 3).

coal outside

As coal is mined from the block, the overburden the pit will be placed in the mined out area. until all economically shovel-truck materials mineable

removed by advancing

This pattern will be continued The

coal has been removed from the lease area. of overburden and parting

method will allow selective placement area. Reclamation

in the backfill

will advance as an integral part leveling and grading of scrapers for overburden and coal removal

of the backfilling

operation because

of the continuous

the area where the trucks dump. removal would require operations equipment

Use of wheel-tractor

for service, maintenance

of approximately

the same size, type and quantity as used for

truck-shovel

and dragline operations.

V-9

i I i I •
I
i

r-'-'~'-'~'~'-'-'-'-'-'

1997-2

3
1997 -2000

I j
i

1987 -I 1982-1 1992-1996 1981

T:i
43j
N.

i i i i

I i i

1987-1991

---~---~Il
•i
1982-1986

! I
I I

R.70 W. R.69 W.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Haul ~:. .:..... ------Modified

roads edge

Coal crop line or clinker (shading toward clinker) Lease from Kerr-McGee area Coal boundary Corporation

o
!

1 Mi Ie
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 4 Proposed Alternate Mining Plan Utilizing a Dragline for Overburden Removal

V-IO

The dragline operation shovel-truck necessitate

for overburden

removal may follow the initial of coalbeds would

method in three to four years. some rehandling of approximately

Thickness

35 percent of the overburden in a series of Mining would The

with this method.

The dragline

system would strip overburden

cuts 100 to 150 feet wide and approximately progress

one mile in length.

from the burnline on the south toward the north lease boundary. from each cut will be placed into the mined out portion

overburden vious cut.

of the pre-

Two areas may be opened for mining and operated at the same time of coal production and land reclamation activities

to provide flexibility (Figure 4). Overburden

and parting will probably require drilling and blasting with applicable

prior to removal. safety regulations. Material

All blasting will be done in accordance

from the two parting

zones which separate

the three coalbeds Any

will be removed by front end loaders or shovels, and trucks or scrapers. overburden material determined

by soil analysis' to be toxic will be buried in

the spoil areas. topography

The spoil piles will be graded to conform with surrounding plan. will be used, when

in accordance with the reclamation

Clinker removed in the course of mine development suitable, for constructing Quantities required

haul roads, shop area parking, and access roads. Two large for the railto

for these purposes have not been determined. land will be contoured

clinker outcrops in Section 14 on private road right-of-way. A portable

crushing plant will be leased or contracted

size the clinker for use as base aggregate.

V-II

Coal removal Three continuous leases. The uppermost or nearly continuous coalbeds are found on the and

bed, the Upper Wyodak,

averages

8.1 feet in thickness parting which 1.

is separated

from the middle bed by a shale and/or sandstone from 0 to 45 feet.

ranges in thickness averages

The middle bed. the Lower Wyodak

about 43 feet in thickness

and is separated

from the lower bed by a The lowest bed, the the the

shale parting which ranges in thickness Lower Wyodak parting 2, averages nearly

from 0 to 73 feet.

six feet in thickness.

In areas where

between

Lower Wyodak

1 and Lower Wyodak

2 beds is thick, causing

Lower Wyodak

2 coal to be uneconomical,

the parting

and coal will not be mined. of any dirt Coal will be to the into unit

After overburden

has been removed,

coal will be cleaned prior to loading.

or slack coal and will be drilled and blasted

loaded into trucks by either front end loader or shovel and hauled crushing trains. facility. Coal will be stored in silos prior to loading

Reclamation All reclamation provisions Wyoming work will be conducted coal leases in accordance with the the

set forth in the federal

(W-23928 and W-247l0),

Environmental

Quality Act of 1973, and in agreement the Bureau of Land Management

with the United Service.

States Geological It is the policy conducted

Survey,

and Forest

of the Interior Department

that all operations

on leases be whether will

in accordance

with the most stringent

laws and regulations

federal or state.

Surface disturbance

as a result of mining

operations

range from 100 to 150 acres per year over the projected

22 year life of the mine.

V-12

Spoil reclamation Waste dumps south of the two initial entry areas will be rounded conform with surrounding will be completed topography, the topsoil will be replaced, space is available to

and planting In the

as soon as backfill

in the pits.

inpit spoil areas, where waste has been placed by draglines, several variations in the shape of spoil piles will result. system is used to uncover

trucks, or scrapers,

Where a dragline parallel

the coal, a series of high The peaks of these ridges resulting in a gently placement truck

ridges 100 to 150 feet apart will result.

will be dozed or hauled into the intervening rolling topography. Where the shovel-truck

valleys,

system is used, selective

of overburden operations,

and parting material continuous leveling

will take place, and for efficient

and grading topography

of the surface of the dump area would be more level than with the placement of

will be required. dragline system.

The resultant

The scraper system also allows for selective

overburden

in fill areas. Once an area has been rough graded, topsoil will be placed by wheeled Grading will run con-

scrapers and the area will be ready for revegetation. currently with the mining In disposing McGee Coal Corporation as the above sequence

is repeated.

of the final highwall, which will be agreeable

a method will be sought by Kerrto the adjacent lease holders agencies. to mix and

at that time and to the concerned Final disposal

state and Federal Government

of haul roads will consist of scarifying final regrading to a rolling

bury the roadbed material, and seeding.

shape, topsoiling,

V-13

Drainage

control An adequate drainage system will be built into the final graded area and contained in a minimum of places. Catch-

so that runoff can be controlled

ment basins will be built where required and will serve as settling basins, evaporation ponds, and livestock watering into natural ponds. Overflow water from the basins

can be directed

stream channels. excess water during periods around to

To protect of heavy precipitation

the mine area from collecting and runoff, a perimeter

ditch will be established

the high sides of the active mine.

These ditches will carry the water will settle. Overflow

settling ponds where the suspended material ponds will be directed All diversion to a natural

from the

stream channel. generally as

ditches and dams will be constructed

shown in Figure 11, Chapter III, Part I. Ground water that collects in the pit will be collected in sumps and

pumped through pipelines shown on Figure 3. further treatment

to the settling pond near the railroad

loop, which is

At this point the suspended material will settle out and if is necessary, the required facilities will be constructed. to insure

Culverts will be installed under all roads or railroads unrestricted flow of all water courses. must satisfy the requirements

All water discharges

set forth in the

Federal Water Quality Acts and the Wyoming Water Quality

Standards.

Seeding and planting The objective of the mined land reclamation program will be to return Vegetation which is

the area to its present use, which is livestock

grazing.

selected for planting will be chosen under advisement

of the County Agriculture

V-14

Extension

Agent,

the Bureau of Land Management,

the Forest Service, and of Environmental Quality.

recommendations

of the State of Wyoming Department

When grading of the spoil piles has been completed material

and the topsoil if and to what

has been spread, soil tests will be taken to determine or other nutrients are necessary

extent fertilizers An experimental

to sustain plant growth.

program will be instituted

to determine which of the desirable region. the soil for planting. follow a pattern

legumes and grasses are most adaptable

to this particular

Standard farm equipment will be used to prepare

A grain drill will be used to plant the seed and will generally along the contour of the land. channels

This will tend to prevent water from forming to a minimum. Seeding will be done in the

and will hold soil erosion

fall or spring when the ground is free of frost.

Surface facilities The location is shown on Figure 3. of proposed Buildings surface facilities of the Jacobs Ranch Mine not used for

and other surface facilities

ranching will be removed and the areas reclaimed.

Roads Access and main haulage roads will be designed haul trucks. Grades will be restricted, truck operation. where possible, to support the coal

to less than eight using clinker

percent for efficient

Roads will be constructed to minimize

from the burn areas and will be watered maintained by graders. Drainage

dust and continuously adjacent

ditches and culverts will be installed and prevent

to and beneath

the roads to allow water movement

erosion and washout

of the roadways.

V-IS

Railroad

spur A standard gauge railroad as ballast. spur and mine loop will be constructed, Railroad grades will be maintained at a

possibly maximum

using clinker

of one percent .. Cross drainage Final railroad spur.

beneath

the roadbed will be provided upon location of the

by culverts. main access

spur location

is-dependent

Power Electric crushing Tri-County station, power will be required loading facilities, for mine shops, electric shovels,

and other electric-powered an extension

equipment. 69.5-kv

REA will supply power through Main service

of an existing

line near Hilight. site; however, of the power requirements

lines will bring

electric

power to the mine

location substation

of the power at the mine

line has not been fixed, and the location site has yet to be determined. 10 Mva. Total power

for the Jacobs Ranch mine will be approximately

Office and shop Office and shop facilities specifications will be required at the mine site but

as to size and type of structure facilities will be treated Waste

have not been determined. in a septic tank and discharged from the office and shop Little burning of

Sewage from surface

into a drain field and sand filter bed. facilities waste

will be buried under spoil piles in the mine. but if necessary,

is anticipated,

it will be done under controlled

conditions.

Mining

equipment Potential mining equipment for the three mining systems under

consideration

for use at the Jacobs Ranch mine includes

the following:

VI-16

Dragline Equipment Electric Electric Shovels Shovels (3) (2) (12) (8) (4)

or Shovel-Truck Size 20-30 cu.yd. 25-35 cu.yd. 120-17 5 tons 120-200 tons

System
Use

Overburden

Stripping

Coal Loading Overburden Hauling

End Dump Trucks Coal Haul Trucks Rubber

Coal Haulage Constuction, Shovel support, and Cleanup Spoil, Grading, Construction, & Coal Handling Coal and Parting Handling Blast Hole Drilling

Tired Dozers

Cat 834 or Equivalent Cat D8, D9 or Equivalent 15-25 cu.yd.

Crawler

Dozers

(5)

Rubber Tired Front End Loaders (3) Track Mounted Pit Drills (3) Graders (2)

9 in. Diameter

Cat 14 or Equivalent 24-35 cu.yd.

Road Maintenance

Wheel Tractor Scrapers (2) Dragline or Backhoe Water (1)

Topsoil Handling & Road Construction
Dd t.c h Lng

3 cu.yd. 8,000 to 12,000 Gal. with Pump Discharge

Self Powered Wagon (1)

Dust & Fire Control

Fuel Truck Lube Truck

(1) (1)

Equipment Equipment Clinker

Fueling Maintenance

Portable Crushing Plant (1) 300 ft. Boom Draglines 200-250 ft. Boom Draglines (2) Rubber Tired Dozers (2) (2) 55 cu.yd. 35 cu.yd.

Production

Overburden Overburden

Removal Removal

Cat 834 or Equivalent

Construction Cleanup

V-17

Rubber tired front end loaders maybe shovels for coal loading.

used in place of 25-cu.yd.

equipment Coal will be hauled from the mine to the crushing facility by 120- to

200-ton off-highway

trucks.

Coal will be dumped directly

into the crusher or

will be placed in stockpiles

and moved to the crusher by front end loaders. for crusher and stockpile areas remain

Final site location and specifications to be established.

Storage facilities Storage facilities for crushed coal will include enclosed Final determination on location, storage to size, and on final

feed the rail car loading system.

capacity of storage silos and rail car loading location and configuration of the railroad

system is dependent

loop.

V-18

Mining

sequence Mining is planned to begin at the edge of the burned coal in Section

15 in 1976 and progress in a westerly concentrated

direction until 1978.

Mining will then be

in the N~ of Section 15 until 1981.

Figure 3 shows the annual five-year extension

mine extensions

from 1976 through 1981 and the proposed

blocks after 1981.

Present plans call for coal to be mined out of Section 15 by

1981, Sections 3 and 10 by 1991, and coal in Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12 by the year 2000. Additional coal purchase contracts for uncommitted schedule. to begin in mid-1975 at the burnreserves on the

lease could accelerate Stripping line in Section 15. follow overburden the lease. west.

this development

of overburden

is planned

Coal removal using shovel-truck

equipment will closely

stripping.

The three coalbeds will be mined over most of in thickness from south to north and east to parting thickness between the Lower

Overburden

increases

Increasing

overburden

and increasing

Wyodak 1 and Lower Wyodak 2 bed limit the area from which the Lower Wyodak 2 bed can be mined. The economic limit of mining of the lower Wyodak 2 bed is shown

on Figure 6, Chapter II.

Monitoring A variety mine. of monitoring monitoring equipment is planned for the Jacobs Ranch on the lease.

Ten hydrologic

wells have been completed

These wells will allow determinations quality and quantity. the mine property;

of ground water flow and water station is to be located on This and

A standard climatological

however,

the specific site has yet to be determined. of temperature, wind velocity

station will allow continuous monitoring

V-19

direction,

and precipitation, and barometric

and it may be equipped readings. equipment

to determine

dust

concentrations,

Coal sampling loading facility weights

and weighing

will be installed

at the rail and accurate

to maintain payments

average quality of the shipped product and customer billings.

for royalty

A rail scale will be of unit trains. An automatic It is also

installed

after the loading silos to permit in-motion weighing for unattended automatic operation.

The scale will be equipped car identification anticipated

system with calendar

clock will also be installed.

that a belt scale will be installed will be constructed

to check daily production. to analyze for Btu,

A laboratory moisture, shipments. Monitoring prior to discharge a continuous installed disposal.

and equipped

ash, sulfur and volatile

matter, both for pit control and unit train

of surface water quality

is planned

for the settling

ponds

of water to local drainages. system controlling

If water treatment treatment

is necessary, may be

monitoring

automatic

equipment

or settling

ponds may be converted

to evaporation

ponds for water

Such additional environmental

monitoring

equipment

as may be required warrant.

to maintain

quality will be installed

as conditions

Transportation

and marketing

Coal from the Jacobs Ranch mine will be loaded into 120 to 200 ton off highway trucks and hauled to the crushing and train loading facility over main

haul roads.

The rail loading complex is located on the mine loop on a spur of Northern railroad.

the Burlington

Coal will leave the mine via trains to the main line of the Burlington Northern Arkansas or Chicago North Western and Louisiana. for shipment purchase to the purchaser's commitments power plants in may be made

Additional

contract

V-20

for remaining

coal reserves.

Transportation

to additional

markets would

most likely be via railroad.

Utilization Some 300 million tons of strippable coal reserves have been identified tons have been for electriat

on the Jacobs Ranch mine leases. committed by sales contracts

Of this reservet

250 million

and options

to three utility

companies

cal power generation. present
t

The remaining

50 million

tons of coal is uncommitted

however,

additional

coal sales contracts

are being sought by Kerr-McGee

Corporation. Arkansas 100 million July 1977. Power and Light Company has signed a purchase contract for in of an

tons of coal to be delivered

over a 20-year period beginning

This power company holds a la-year option for the purchase 50 million tons of coal. generating Arkansas

additional

Power and Light plans to use the near Redfield, unit is is two

coal at its electrical Arkansas. scheduled Construction

station

to be constructed

of the first 700-megawatt 1974. Planned

(MW) generating

to begin in November units. Louisiana

capacity

of this station

700 MW generating Central 34 million

Electric

Company has signed 'a purchase

agreement

for

tons of coal tobe

delivered

over a 20-year period beginning of an additional

in July 16 million

1978, and it holds a la-year option tons of coal. electric currently Central Louisiana

for the purchase

Electric

Company plans to use the coal for generating station which is of

power generation

at its Boyce, Louisiana

under construction.

This station has a planned unit. has signed a purchase

generating

capacity

450 MW from a single generating Gulf States Utilities of coal to be delivered

contract

for 50 million 1977.

tons

over a 20-year period beginning

in March

Options

V-2l

for additional

coal are not held as part of the coal sales contract. plans to use the coal for electric power generation

Gulf at a power

States Utilities

plant to be constructed

in the Lake Charles area of Louisiana. units.

This power

plant is to house two 550 MW generating A total of 184 million contracts with an additional

tons of coal is committed

to direct sales

66 million

tons held on option.

V-22

CHAPTER DESCRIPTION

II ENVIRONMENT

OF THE EXISTING Air Quality

Air quality Part I.

over the lease is similar

to that described

in Chapter

IV,

Climate Description The description in Chapter lease. In 1970 an unofficial the Kerr-McGee The accuracy the event. Studies where standard microclimate conducted of microclimate are located. lease. are usually below the 4.5-foot of level lease measured precipitation gauge on a ranch three miles from of general climate, temperature, and precipitation data

IV, Part I adequately

characterizes

the climate on the Kerr-McGee

six inches of precipitation is unknown. No frequency

(rain) in 12 hours. can be assigned to

of this measurement

weather

stations

There are no known studies

on the Kerr-McGee

The most drastic

effect on climate due in the microclimate

to surface mining will occur in the microclimate. may be the limiting factor in achieving

Changes

revegetation.

V-23

Topography The Jacobs Ranch mine in southeastern located on the eastern Campbell County, Wyoming, is

edge of the rolling upland structural

formed on the Wasatch Formation. that extends sides of the

The upland is part of a stripped from Gillette to the Cheyenne

surface forming a plateau

River.

Along the eastern and southern

lease site, deeply dissected separate the upland

areas of clinker,

typical of the burnline, massive sandstone of the

from the adjacent

cliff-forming

Fort Union Formation. Rochelle Hills.

These cliffs form an irregular

escarpment

known as the

The coal lease and adjoining rolling upland, rough hummocks shale slopes, alluvial the lease is rolling shale and sandstone

area contain

the following

landforms:

of the burnline,

ridges and knobs, gullied About 70 percent of of

terraces,

and small floodplains. This upland Playas

upland

(Figure 1).

consists principally in scattered

of the Wasatch

Formation.

depressions

occur on the plateau.

These intermittent

lakes, varying

in size from less than

a few yards to almost one-half mile in diameter, ture of the underlying shale slope or alluvial strata. terrace. The remainder

may be caused by local struc-

of the lease area is either the

A zone of rough broken plateau. Hummocky

land, deeply dissected

by gulleys, borders

the

clinker and fractured

outcrop make up the rough land. above and below the

The

areal extent of baked or fused clay and sand deposits, burned coalbeds, the underlying is undefined. These resistant

clinker beds retard

erosion of Below terraces.

sandstone

and form knobs and ridges east of the burnline. the slopes flatten into flat coalescing alluvial

the steep wooded breaks,

V-24

Floodplains

fill part of the valleys adjacent to the lease area.

Most runoff

from the mine site drains into the North Fork of the Little Thunder Creek which is a tributary of the Cheyenne River. Creek also tributary to the Cheyenne. The remainder enters the Big Thunder Like many watercourses in arid and

semiarid climates, flow is mainly intermittent.

These streams flow during

heavy runoff, but most water disappears into the streambeds leaving only isolated pools. The maximum altitude on the lease is about 4,900 feet in the northeast part; the minimum altitude is 4,635 feet in the North Prong of Little Thunder Creek (Section 15). Average relief is over 200 feet.

Slopes on the upland areas are usually less than 5 percent, whereas the deeply eroded areas have slopes as steep as 40 percent. the alluvial terraces from 5 to 10 percent. These slopes flatten at

V-25

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V-29

Ab-Arvada

clay loam. Arvada clay loam occupies sloping terraces and alluvial from upland soils. fans that

have been formed by local alluvium

The soil has alkali or

saline areas and bare spots where wind erosion has removed the surface and exposed the clay subsoil. The surface horizon inches thick. The subsoil columnar or more. is light brownish gray friable clay loam about four to strongly alkaline.

The soil reaction

(pH) ranges from slightly

is brown to gray clay to clay loam about 20 inches thick and has structure. The substratum is clay loam to clay to 60 inches ranges from strongly The exchangeable

to prismatic

The soil reaction alkaline.

of the subsoil and substratum The internal drainage

to very strongly sodium percentage

is very slow.

of the subsoil and substratum

is high, more than 15 percent.

There are an estimated

50 acres of these soils on the lease.

Mb-McKenzie

Clay. clay occurs in shallow, intermittent lakes on upland landforms.

McKenzie The soil consists soils. McKenzie

of gray or dark gray clay materials clay varies in stage of development

which have eroded from upland as carbonate bearing layers

which may occur a few inches to several feet below the surface. The surface The substratum deep. layer is 2-5 inches thick and ranges from sandy loam to clay. a massive gray clay and may be more than 60 inches to very strongly alkaline. Carbonate is very

is dominantly

Soil reaction

is normally but usually

strongly

content is variable slow.

increases with depth.

Internal drainage

Saline and sodic salts are present

in some locations.

There are an

estimated

140 acres of these soils on the lease.

V-30

Rb-Renohill

clay loam. clay loam occupies gently sloping to rolling uplands. The

Renohill parent material

is weathered

shale of the Wasatch,

Lance, and Fort Union Formations.

The clay loam surface horizon

is 3 to 6 inches thick and has granular structure. and blocky structure.

The upper subsoil is clay to clay loam with prismatic It normally contains no free calcium carbonate.

The lower subsoil is clay loam is calcareous extending

and contains calcium carbonate.

The clay loam substratum

to bedrock which occurs at depths of 20 to 40 inches. neutral to moderately alkaline.

Soil reaction

is normally

The depth to calcareous material is slow.

ranges from 50 acres of

6 to 20 inches.

Internal drainage

There are an estimated

these soils on the lease.

Rc-Renohill

clay loam, rolling phase. clay loam in topography, depth

This rolling phase differs from Renohill of soil, and degree of erosion. The topography

is rolling to steep.

The depth

to bedrock ranges from less than 10 inches to 40 inches. some of the steeper slopes. The parent material Formations. granular Natural

Bedrock is exposed on

erosion has formed gullies in some areas. and Fort Union

is weathered

shale of the Lance, Wasatch,

The clay loam surface layer is generally The subsoil and substratum

3 to 6 inches thick and has

structure.

are clay loam to clay with carbonates to moderately

at depths of 6 to 20 inches. alkaline. Internal drainage

Soil reaction is normally neutral is slow. There are an estimated

150 acres of these

soils on the lease.

Rd-Renohill

loam. loam occupies gently sloping to rolling uplands. The parent

Renohill material

is weathered

shale of the Lance, Wasatch,

and Fort Union Formations.

V-3l

The loam to sandy loam surface horizon is clay loam to clay with prismatic no free calcium carbonate. carbonate.

is 3 to 8 inches thick.

The upper subsoil contains calcium

and blocky structure.

It normally

The lower subsoil is clay loam and contains is calcareous Soil reaction extending

The clay loam substratum

to bedrock which to

occurs at depths of 20 to 40 inches. moderately inches. alkaline. Internal

is usually neutral

The depth to calcareous·material is slow.

ranges from 6 to 20 40 acres of these

drainage

There are an estimated

soils on the lease.

Re-Renohill

loam, rolling phase. loam in topography, to steep. depth of

This rolling phase differs from Renohill soil, and degree of erosion. bedrock The topography

is rolling

The depth to

ranges from less than 10 inches to 40 inches. Natural

Bedrock is exposed on some The

of the steeper slopes. parent material

erosion has formed gullies in some areas.

is weathered

shale of the Wasatch,

Lance, and Fort Union Formations. The upper

The loam to sandy loam surface layer is usually

3 to 6 inches thick. structure.

subsoil is clay loam to clay with blocky and prismatic contains no free calcium calcium carbonate. normally neutral carbonate. The lower subsoil

It normally

is clay loam and contains Soil reaction material is ranges

The clay loam substratum alkaline. drainage

is calcareous.

to moderately Internal

The depth to calcareous is slow.

from 6 to 20 inches.

There are an estimated

480 acres

of these soils on the lease.

Rf-Rough broken land. Rough broken along escarpments, material land consists of steep, eroded, strongly dissected drainage channels, and rock outcrops. areas

steepwalled

The parent

is interbedded

shale, sandstone,

and limestone.

Small areas of shallow

V-32

to deep soils are intermingled is quite variable ranging

in rough broken

land.

The density

of vegetation

from bare areas or sparse vegetation The physical and chemical

on rock outcrops properties of

to dense stands on the deeper soils. the unit are very variable. on the lease.

There is an estimated

280 acres of this land type

Rh-Rough

broken

land, searing

soil material. of rough broken land and eroded areas of clinker. dissected areas along escarpis a red or fusing of

This unit is a complex Rough broken ments, reddish land includes

steep, eroded, channels, produced

strongly

steep-walled colored

drainage

and rock outcrops. by the heating coalbeds.

Clinker

shaly material

and partial

clays during the burning by a reddish brown is a gravelly a friable, feet.

of underlying

Searing

soil is characterized The subsoil is

gravelly

loam surface

about five inches thick. structure.

clay loam to loam which has blocky gravelly loam. Bedrock

The substratum

calcareous

generally

occurs at a depth of two scattered

This unit has fragments Internal

and blocks

of red shale, stone, and clinker There is an estimated

on the surface.

drainage

is good.

290 acres of

this land type on the lease.

Db-DIm

clay loam, shallow phase. This phase differs from DIm loam in topography, texture, and depth of bed-

soil.

The topography

is rolling,

and the depth to interbedded The steeper

sedimentary

rock ranges from 10 to 20 inches. The surface horizon is calcareous is granular

slopes have some rock outcrops. The subsoil

clay loam about six inches thick. structure. Internal

silty clay loam with prismatic

The subsoil normally is moderate to

becomes more loamy and friable with depth.

drainage

V-33

slow.

Soil reaction

normally

ranges from neutral

to moderately

alkaline.

There

are an estimated

540 acres of these soils on the lease.

Uc-Ulm

loam. Ulm loam occupies gently sloping to rolling uplands. The parent material is friable

is interbedded

sandstone,

shale, and limestone.

The surface horizon

loam 3 to 7 inches thick. and has prismatic

The subsoil ranges from sandy clay loam to clay loam The calcareous bedrock substratum ranges from sandy loam to Soil drainage

structure.

clay loam and extends reaction is good. normally

to weathered

at depths of 20 to 40 inches. alkaline. Internal

ranges from neutral

to moderately

There are an estimated

1,702 acres of these soils on the lease.

Ud-Ulm

loam, reddish

subsoil phase. gently sloping to rolling uplands. It is developing The surface

This phase occupies in material horizon weathering

from brownish-red

or light red sandy shale.

is friable loam to sandy loam six inches thick. structure. The calcareous

The reddish brown clay substratum ranges

loam subsoil has blocky

to neutral

in texture from clay loam to sandy loam. depths of 20 to 30 inches. in the soil profile to moderately Fragments

The shaly parent material

occurs at

of clinker are present Soil reaction is good. normally

on the surface and ranges from neutral 430

in most places. Internal

alkaline.

drainage

There are an estimated

acres of these soils on the lease. Wa-Wibaux -
Searing Complex This complex occupies by numerous of the land. steep slopes. outcroppings rolling to hilly topography. It is characterized

or knolls of clinker which rise above the general surface to shallow Wibaux soils occur on the knolls and

The very shallow It includes

knolls, mounds,

and steep slopes where unweathered

V-34

clinker is exposed. The depth to bedrock

The texture is gravelly

to very gravelly

loam and sandy loam.

is less than 10 inches to 20 inches. occurs between the knolls. The surface horizon

Searing soil normally is reddish brown gravelly brown gravelly calcareous feet.

loam about five inches thick.

The subsoil is a reddish is friable,

clay loam and has blocky structure. loam. Bedrock generally

The substratum

gravelly

occurs at an average depth of two

There are an estimated

200 acres of these soils on the lease.

V-35

Mineral Resources Stratigraphic and structural relations federal coal leases in T43N, R69 and (Figure 12,

The Kerr-McGee

Coal Corporation's

70W, are on the gently dipping Chapter IV, Part I). basin,

eastern flank of the Powder River Basin downwarp, or asymmetrical

This broad regional

structural

contains nearly flat-lying and progressively Precambrian-cored

rocks of Tertiary

age in the center surrounded on the flanks of

by Cretaceous the bounding Bighorn's Part I).

older rocks that are upturned mountains--the

Black Hills to the east, the (Figure 8, Chapter IV,

to the west, and the Laramie Range to the south Northward, the basin indistinctly blends

into the Great Plains.

The leases are in the Gillette and Barnett (U.S. Geological

coal field that was mapped by Dobbin The following descriptions of the

Survey 1927).

geology and coal are summarized of this statement, plans by Kerr-McGee

from their report, submitted

the reports

cited in Part I

and the material Coal Corporation.

in the mining

and reclamation between

The lease area is on the boundary age and the overlying

the Fort Union Formation of Eocene age.

of Paleocene

Wasatch Formation however,

The contact is drawn at the top of the Wyodak coalbed; exposed because

the coalbed is not usually alluvium

at most places it is masked by

or by the red baked and fused rock, formed when the coal burned along in the past. of the Fort Union Formation as mapped by It is

the crop line sometime

The Tongue River Member

Dobbin and Barnett is the oldest rock sequence underlain

exposed on the lease area.

in turn by the Lebo and Tullock Members, and Fox Hills Sandstone

and then by the Cretaceous

Lance Formation Increasingly

to a depth of about 3,000 feet. representing Mesozoic and Paleozoic

older sedimentary

formations

ages lie below the Fox Hills Sandstone

to a depth of about 14,000 feet below

V-36

the surface where

the top of the Precambrian

igneous and metamorphic

rock

complex is located. The upper part of the Fort Union Formation and southern parts of the lease area. bluish-gray, brown, is the bedrock in the eastern

The rocks, other than coal, are predominantly shale (65 percent) and light gray ferruginous in the

and dark gray carbonaceous

to yellowish-gray brown sandstone member.

friable sandstone

(35 percent).

Beds of highly

and hard brown sandstone range in thickness

concretions

are common features

The coalbeds

from a few feet to as much as 64 feet section located a few miles southby Dobbin and Barnett

on the lease area. east of the proposed (U.S. Geological

The following

stratigraphic

Jacobs Ranch mine site was reported

Survey 1927, p. 10).

V-37

Section of part of the Tongue River Member of the Fort Union Formation, between sec 21, T43N, R69W, and Little Thunder Creek in sec 34: Clinker of Wyodak (Roland) coalbed (top of Tongue River Member). (Bed is as much as 75 feet thick on the Atlantic Richfield lease area.) Shale, blue-gray, sandy Shale, carbonaceous, containing fossil leaves Coal Shale, carbonaceous, and bone Shale, blue-gray, carbonaceous Sandstone, gray, friable, with hard brown sandstone concretions containing fossil leaves Shale, carbonaceous Shale, sandy, and sandstone, friable, with hard sandstone concretions Shale, dark, carbonaceous Shale, gray, sandy concretionary band at top Shale, dark bluish gray, sandy, with a few hard brown sandstone concretions Sandstone, yellowish gray, friable, with a few bands of carbonaceous shale Shale, dark blue, with fossil leaves and with selenite crystals in upper part Shale, brown, carbonaceous, with fossil leaves and fragments of conifers Shale, dark blue Shale, bluish gray, with brown sandstone concretions Sandstone, yellowish gray, friable Shale, bluish gray Shale, brown to black, with lenses of bright coal in upper part Sandstone, yellowish, friable Shale, blue, with l-foot lens of black carbonaceous shale near the middle Clay, yellow, sandy, with brown sandstone concretions near the baseShale, bluish gray Shale, brown, carbonaceous Concealed Sandstone, gray, friable, with l-foot brown concretionary band at top Largely covered but sandstone and shale exposed in places

Ft. 10
6
1

In.

5 9

10
5 1

33 9

7 15 16
38

7
1

10 2
6 11 8 2

6
11

5
11

10
6

8 108 341

10 7

V-39

The remaining

uneroded

part of the Wasatch Formation

(the overburden

to be stripped at the proposed

Jacobs Ranch mine) ranges from 20 feet thick in

section 15 at the south edge of the lease to 168 feet thick at the northwestern corner of the property (Figures 3 and 4). Where it has not been altered to consists of about 80 percent gray, soft in

clinker in the lease area, the formation

shale in beds 10 to 50 feet thick, about 15 percent grayish white sandstone beds as much as 10 feet thick, and 5 percent gray siltstone beds usually less than 10 feet thick. reported in the following driller's A generalized

or sandy shale in section is

stratigraphic

log:

Thickness in feet Soil and alluvium Shale, gray and tan Siltstone, gray (fine-grained shale) Shale, gray, soft Sandstone, gray Shale, gray, soft (base of Wasatch Formation) Coal Shale, gray, carbonaceous Sandstone Shale, gray, soft Coal 10 10 10 10 10 50 10 10 20 30 50

Samples of the Wasatch Formation Agricultural nutrients Consultants Laboratory

from a drill hole were analyzed by and available reclamation. Results

for soil characteristics during the post mining

that should be considered

are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

V-40

The Wyoming Highway Department or construction problems

encountered

no difficult

engineering

in cuts for an interstate in Campbell

highway

through the Fort all rocks were near

Union and Wasatch Formations surface and weathered equipment, commonly

County; however,

and, thus, were rippable was not required

with standard road-building Unweathered bedrock

and blasting

(Sherman 1974).

is found at depths of less than 25 feet and has a bearing Unweathered bedrock

strength

of 3 to 7 tons per square foot.

in surface mines probor other slope cuts. Shale from the

ably will have to be blasted before removal. stability problems

Landslides

occur only locally in oversteepened Formations

Fort Union and Wasatch in less than one year.

used in fills breaks down and deteriorates and differential settling of the fill than 2:1;

Consolidation

ranges from 10 to 20 percent; some clay is compressible, ratios exceeded

shale is unstable

in slopes greater

but no problems were encountered

unless slope

2:1 (Sherman 1974). at 1 to 2

Strata in the lease area dip to the west-southwest degrees following in sections the regional trend. An interruption produced

to this trend occurs an east-west trending

3 and 11 where a slight warping

syncline of very small magnitude. Major faults are not known to offset the rocks in the lease area; faults with small displacement Osterwald and Dean may be present, similar to those described Detailed by

(U.S. Geological

Survey 1961, pl. 28).

studies in

have not been made of the attitude

and spacing of joints or fractures

rocks on the lease area; the joint system probably will be the same as regionally developed northwest in the Great Plains; that is, two prominent sets, one striking

and the other northeast

(U.S. Geological

Survey 1961, pl. 28).

V-4l

---------,
•i R.70 W. R.69 W.
14

Lea s e area Modified from Kerr-McGea Caal

boun dary Corporation

o
I

1 Mi l e
I

Approximate
Isopach interval

Scale
10 feet

Figure

Thickness, in Feet, of the Overburden on the Upper Wyodak Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-42

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.L33,j

V-43

Table 2 Soil Characteristics and Available Nutrients in Samples of the Wasatch Formation from Drill Hole 3C-15 at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming
CEC Meq SALT Mmhos Na Meq Or'g N Lbs AVAILABLE NUTRIENTS (parts per million) Mg S(2) Ca B

DEPTH OF SAMPLE (feet)

TEXTURE si=silty __ p_H __ en-sandy Lee Loam c Lec Lay H2O Salt

Lime

1100g
n n 12 12 13

lem
1.3 1.3

llOOg
0-3 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0·9 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.9

%
0.1 0.1

%
o.h

N03

NII4

P(2)

K(2)

0-12* 12

Ih
16 18 20 22

2h
26 28 30 32

3h
36 38

Sn La Sn La 3n La sn La sn La s» La sn La 3n La s» La Sn La sn La 3n La 3n La
Sn La

ho h2 hh h6 h8
50 52

5h
55.5 57.5 59.5 61.5

3n La sn La 3n La S1 Cl S1 Cl S1 Cl 81 Cl S1 Cl S1 Cl

8.3 8.3 8-3 8-3 8-3 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8." 8.2 8.3 La La La 10

s.i, s.i,
8.h 8.h
8.5 8.5 8.6 8.6 8.6 8.5

ci
Sn Cl Sn Cl Sn Cl 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Coal Coal 2 2 2 Coal Coal

7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.8

o.i,
0·3
0-3 0.3

,.j
1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

18 16

6.0 7.0

v."
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0·3 0.3 0.7 1.1 1.5 1.8 1.6

14
1l>

7.0
7.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 18.0 22.0 20.0 16.0

Ih
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 22 27 27 27 27

Ih Ih Ih Ih
15 15 15 16 16 16 17

o.h o.h o.h o.h o.h o.h o.h

o.i,
0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5

1.h
1.5

1.h
1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0-3 0.3

2h
26 32 32 32 32 31 30 27 26 25 25 26 25 26 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 25 26 26 25

o.h
0.5 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.5

2h
16 16

1.h
1.0 2.1 3.2 5·0

o.h
0.6 0.8 1.1 1.0 0.8

Ih
18 26 39 36 32

Ih.o
12.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 8.0 9·0 9.0 8.0 9.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.0 8.0 7.0 7.0 8.0 8.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

o.a
o.h o.h
0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

2.0 1.0 l.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

56 58 62 68 73 86 97 98 97 98 96 97 98 100 no 120 130 150 180 190 200 220 220 220 220 210 200 200 200 200 200 190 190 190 200 210 210 210 210 220 210 210 210 210 210 220 220 210 210 210 200 180 180 180 180

1500 1500 1400 1500 1600 1600 1700 1700 1700 1800 1800 1800 1800 1900 1900 2100 2700 3200 3600 3600 3600

220 260 300 320

13 20

31 3h
39

3ho
360 370 390

h3 h7
80 100 100 120 no

hoo hoo h30
hlO

h50 h70
500 600 720

Iho
160 180 200 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+ 200+

8ho
1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 960 960 950

3hoo
3100 2900 2700 2700 2600 2500 2500 2500 2500

h.7 h.h
3·1 3.3 3.6

6h.5
66.5 68.5 70.5 72.5

8.6
8.5 8.6 8.6

8.0
7.9 8.0 8.1 7·9 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.1 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.0 7.9 7.8 7.6

LO
1.2 1.3

40
h8
50 56

s.i,
8.h 8.h

h.l h.9
5.2 5.0

1.h
1.6 1.8 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.2

6h
71 82 80 80 86

7h.5
76.5 78.5 80.5 82.5

8.5 8.5 8.6

2hoo 2hoo 2hoo
2500 2500

h.6 h.l
3.9

8h.5
86.5 88.5 90.5 92.5

9h.5
96.5 98.5 100.5 102.5 lOh.5 106.5 108.5 nO.5 112·5 nh.5 n6.5 n8.5 120.5 122.5

8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.6 8.5 8.5

h.3
5.1 5.5

8h
88 96 100 no 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120

2hoo 2hoo 2hoo
2500

2.h
2.6 3.0 3.2

2h 2h
25 25 26 25

h.9 h.7 h.8
5.0 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.1

2hoo 2hoo 2hoo
2500

h.8 5.h
603 6.8 7.2 8.6 9.0

8.h 8.h
8.5 8.5 8.5

2hoo 2hoo 2hoo
2500

2h 2h
23

h.9
5.0 5.1

2hoo
2500 2500

.n.,o
13.0 16.0 18.0

8.h
8-3 8.1 7.8

2h
25 25 26

7.h 7.h
7.6 7.7

h.7 h.8 h.8 h.8 h.6 h.l h.2

iu,o

2hoo
2300 2300 2300

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0-3 0-3 0.3 0·3 0-3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

0·3 0-3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0-3 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.9 2.3 10.0 8.1 603 2.9 2.7

1.2 1.0

0.6 0.8

0.7
0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5

LO
0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.8 2.3 3.6 12.0 803 6.9 6.2 6.0 6.1 5.7 5.8 6.1 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.5 5.8 5.6

0.3 0.3 0·3 0.3 0·3 0-3 0.3 0-3 0·3

o.h o.h o.h o.h o.h

c.u o.u
0.7 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2

1.h
1.2 2.1 3.2 9.3 10.0

2.h
j.O 3.1 3·1 3.6 2·9 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.2

.u..o
10.0 11.0

1.h 1.h
1.3 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

.n .o
8.1 9-3 9.6 10.0 n.o n.o 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 10.0 i.r.o

5.h
5.6 5.6 5.6 5.3 5.2 5.3

3.h
3·5 3· 3 3.3 3·1 2.9 2.9 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.0 3-3

5.h
5.9 6.1 6.3 6.1 5.9 5.6 5.8 5.6 5.7 5.9

rr.o
12.0 i.i ,o 12.0 10.0 10.0 12.0

.n ,o
10.0 10.0

h.6 5.h
6.8

ar,o
n.o 13.0

5.h
6.1 7.2 6.8

1.h

12h.5
126.5 128.5 130.5 132.5

7.9 8.1 8.2

30 32

0.7 1.0 0.8

0.8 0.9 0.9

16.0 18.0 26.0

120 120 120

5.0 5.0 6.0

0.1 0.1 0.1

1.0 1.0 1.0

170 170 180

2300 2300 2300

910 910 910

200+ 200+ 200+

0.1 0.1 0.1

7.1 6.3 6.1

in,o ri,o
Ih.o
10.0

16.0

i.i ,o

1.6 1.5 1.6

*Composite

Consultants Laboratories .) Coal not (Analyses by Agricultural highly compacted silt 2 in Texture colunm indicates analyzed. for plant propagation. and clay that would have to be pulverized

V-44

Table 3 Lithologic Description of Core From Drill Hole 3C-15 At the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming Depth of Interval (feet)

Description Sand, buff to gray-brown, fine to coarse-grained, subangular to rounded, quartz and black chert. Upper portion is clean sand. Sand becomes more clayey with depth. Carbonaceous claystone, dark gray to gray-brown with occasional iron oxide lenses, very slightly sandy, medium sand grains, occasional gypsum crystals (?), slightly to very calcareous below 52.0 feet. Claystone becomes slightly silty below 57.0 feet. Shale, dark to blackish-gray, occasional iron oxide stain, slightly silty and slightly sandy; upper and lower contacts are gradational and interfingering. Interlayered sandstone, sandy shale, and sandy claystone, light gray to gray, sandstone is very fine to fine-grained, very clayey, and slightly calcareous. upper and lower contact is gradational and interfingering. Claystone, light gray, clean, grades into carbonaceous claystone at 107.5 feet, slightly fissile, contains 1/4 to l-foot thick stringers of black carbonaceous shale. Carbonaceous shale and carbonaceous claystone dark brown to blackish-gray, interlayered, occasional woody impressions are present. Coal.

42.5

42.5 - 64.5

64.5 - 73.0

73.0 - 89.5

89.5 - 111. 5

111.5 - 119.0

119.0 -

V-45

Coal In the southwest part of the proposed Wyodak Jacobs Ranch mine (sec. 15), the Northward

coal is a single bed 60 to 64 feet thick (Figures 5 and 6). from sec. 15 the coal splits into three beds The company calls the uppermest

and northeastward Section B-B'). middle Wyodak

(Figure 4; the

bed the Upper Wyodak coalbed; is the Lower

is called the Lower Wyodak 1 coalbed and the lowermost 2 coalbed (Figure 5). The minable

part of the Upper Wyodak ranges from It is thickest in the northThis

5 to 12.5 feet thick and averages

8.1 feet thick.

west part of the lease area and thins to the south and east (Figure 5). minable thickness of the Upper Wyodak bed is overlain by as much as eight shale and coal that is not considered to be minable.

feet of interbedded and/or

Shale

sandstone ranging from 0 to 45 feet in thickness

separates

the Upper strata

Wyodak and the Lower Wyodak 1 coalbeds. trends in a southeast direction

The area of thickest

separating

through sections

3, 10, 11, and 12 (Figure 7).

The Lower Wyodak 1 coalbed, which averages thickness in the northeast

43 feet thick, ranges from 30 feet in

part of the lease to 60 feet thick in sec. 15 in (Figure 6). Shale

the southwest separates

part of the lease as shown on the isopach map

the Lower Wyodak 1 and Lower Wyodak 2 coalbeds.

The shale thickens

northeastward

from 0 feet in sec. 15 to as much as 73 feet in sec. 1 (Figure 4). thickness of only 8.5 feet and an

The Lower Wyodak 2 coalbed has a maximum average thickness

of 5.9 feet in the lease area and will be mined only where it and the Wyodak 1 bed is 1:1

its thickness (Figure 8).

ratio to the shale between

V-46

Fz'~-~--'T,B'~jI
I i I

~lO

6 ~.s~2

I
i
~~IO

, <,
i
/.5

,-:\
N.

431 i i i

-------_.,
i •
5
__

i I
!
'I
,

l--.
PPer 'I U--- --;,--

R.70 W. R.69 W.
eds ·:.M ---.-

Lower

Wyodaka-

.~~·--1
::::ergedl

I I

.::

__ i .....J

.I! 14
~
------,

.I!'L'

me 0

cross

section

I
Lease Modified from Kerr-McGee area Coal boundary Corporation

1 Mi Ie
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 5 Thickness, in Feet, of the Upper Wyodak Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County: Wyoming

V-47

'-'-,
6

--------',
i •

i'---55
•

r:- --OPPerondLo we7B i ~ I I 15
60

e. s Spl"7--It

-d

R.70 W. R.69 W.
14 4 '--4'

L"tne

f cross

" section

I
A
Modified Lease from Kerr-McGee area Coal boundary Corporation

o
!

1 Mi l e
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 6 Thickness
9

in Feet9 of the Lower Wyodak 1 Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine9 Campbell County 9 Wyorning

V-48

._---_._---_._'-'~.- B'._,- -,_._-_.-,-s

--------',
i•
R.70 W. R.69 W.
14
~:

4 ~.1'

--/

Line

of eros"

section edge

Coal crop line or clinker (shading toward clinker) Lea se area boun dory Corporation

Modified

from Kerr-McGee

Coal

1 Mi l e
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure Thickness, Coalbeds

7 1

in Feet, of Shale Separating the Upper Wyodak and Lower Wyodak at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-49

R.70 W. R.69 W.
-4 14
~
~

-4'L'

in e 0

cro

s s section

~:. ': -.----Modified

Cool ~rop line or c.linker edge (shadong toward c llnk e r) Lease from Kerr-McGee area Coal boundary Corporation

o
!

1 Mi Ie
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 8 Thickness, in Feet, of the Lower Wyodak 2 Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-50

Quality

of the coal Based on analyses supplied by Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation, the coalWeighted

beds to be mined at the Jacobs Ranch mine are subbituminous averages of proximate and ultimate analyses

C in rank.

of the three coalbeds

as supplied for

by Kerr-McGee composite

Coal Corporation

are listed in Table 4 and the analyses

coal samples

of each bed are shown in Table 5.

The Upper Wyodak

coalbed has an average Wyodak Organic percent, content values

sulfur content nearly three times as much as the Lower 2 coalbed.

1 bed and almost four times as much as the Lower Wyodak sulfur contributes and sulfate 80 to 90 percent

of the total sulfur, pyrite 4 to 8 and the oxide The range in

1 to 3 percent.

The ash fusion temperature

of the ash of coal samples of the various analyses

of each bed are shown in Table 6.

of all beds at the proposed

mine are listed in

Table 7. in Figures elements obtained

Sulfur contents 9 through 12.

and Btu values of the coalbeds A composite

are shown diagramatically for trace

sample of each bed was analyzed are tabulated analysis in Table 8.

in raw coal and in ash; results through emission spectographic

Data were Inc.,

by Core Laboratories, amounts

Casper, Wyoming.

The analyses

show no anomalous

of trace elements.

Quantity

of the coal Estimates of coal in the proposed Jacobs Ranch mine are given in of overburden coal. to be stripped Calculations of these company except tons in

Table 9.

Also shown in the table are the quantity

in each section and the ratio of overburden by U.S. Geological calculations. Survey personnel

to recoverable

agree within

1 to 1.5 percent

All the coal is under less than 150 feet of overburden tons in the Upper Wyodak in the northern coalbed and 23 million 3.

for about 5 million the Lower Wyodak

1 coalbed

half of section

V-51

Table 4 Weighted Average of Proximate, Ultimate, Btu, and Sulfur Analyses of Coal, as Received Basis, from Beds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine. (All analyses except Btu are in percent.)

Upper Wyodak Bed Moisture Volatile Matter Fixed Carbon Ash Hydrogen Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen Chlorine Sulfur Btu Forms of sulfur Sulfate Pyritic Organic Number of samples Average thickness (feet)

Lower Wyodak 1 Bed

Lower Wyo§.ak 2 Bed

Average

28.30 32.85 32.08 6.77 3.68 48.45 0·71 11. 94 0.01 1. 06 8677

28.99 31.08 34.32 5.57 3.44 48.76 0.71 12.10 0.01 0.39 8518

29.17 29.75 34.15 6.83 3.23 48.31 0.70 11. 49 0.01 0.27 8312

28.96 31.26 34.02 5.76 3.46 48.70 0.71 12.06 0.01 0.47 8527

0.013 0.088 0.962 24

0.013 0.059 0.317 28

0.oC8 0.064 0.198 8

0.013 0.063 0.397

8.1

43.0
Coal Corporation

5.9
1973.

Source:

Kerr-McGee

V-53

Table 5 Proximate, Ultimate, Btu, and Sulfur Analyses for Composite Samples of Each Coa1bed at Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, T43N, R69, and 70W, Campbell County, Wyoming (All analyses except Btu are in percent.) Upper Wyodak Bed As Moisture free received Moisture Volatile matter Fixed carbon Ash Hydrogen Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen Chlorine Sulfur Ash 27.20 Lower Wyodak 1 Bed Moisture As free received 28.48 44.55 45.82 9.63 4.95 68.59 1.09 17.53 .01 .47 7.37 11,912 Lower Wyodak 2 Bed Moisture As free received 27.98 41.53 49.25 9.22 4.95 68.21 1.08 16.13 .01 .41 9.22 11,616

32.43 33.36 7.01 3.77 49.18 .72 11.06 .01 1.06 7.01

44.55 45.82 9.63 5.18 67.56 .99 15.18 .01 1.46 9.63 11,909

30.41 35.84 5.27 3.54 49.05 .78 12.54 .01 .34 5.27

29.91 35.47 6.64 3.57 49.12 .78 11. 62 .01 .29 6.64 8,310

Btu Source:

8,669

8,519

Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation.

V-54

Table 6 Characteristics of the Ash from Coal in Samples of Beds at the Jacobs Ranch mine (Analyses provided by the Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation)

Weighted

average,

percent, Lower Wyodak 1 0.47 29.11 6.72 16.36 1.58 24.67 4.53 0.36 1.50 12.78

of oxides in ash Lower Wyodak 2 0.82 27.68 10.30 14.73 1. 39 22.59 4.53 0.43 2.38 10.22

Oxide P205 S02 Fe20 3

Upper Wyodak 0.55 27.07 9.73 15.26 1.24 22.08 4.27 0.40 1.61 15.89

Average 0.51 28.72 7.44 16.07 1.52 24.15
tf.50

A1203 Ti02 CaO MgO K20 Na20 S03

0.37 1.60 12.93

Ash Content (Percent) 6.77

5.57

6.83

5.76

Ash Fusion Temperature Initial Softening Hemispherical Fluid 2132 2174

-
degrees Fahrenheit 2172 2213 2168 2203 2166 2207

2224 2297

2268 2332

2253 2328

2261 2327

Source:

Kerr-McGee

Coal Corporation.

V-55

Table

Range in Values of Analyses of Coal from Beds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine. (All analyses except Btu, Ash Fusion, are in percent.) and Grindability

PROXIMATE

ANALYSES As Received

Element

or Compound

Range

Moisture Ash Volatile Matter Fixed Carbon Sulfur Btu Moisture Ash Volatile Matter Fixed Carbon Sulfur Btu ULTIMATE ANALYSES As Received Element Moisture Ash Sulfur Ni trogen Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Chlorine Moisture Ash Sulfur Nitrogen Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Chlorine Source: Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation. Free or Compound Free

27.39 - 30.80 4.77 - 7.73 28.42 - 33.36 31. 82 - 37.04 0.34 - 0.79 8308 - 8829 6.73 40.27 44.73 0.48 11448 10.82 49.07 52.49 1.11 12261

Range

27.39 4.77 0.34 0.67 45.05

- 30.80 - 7.73 - 0.79 - 0.78 - 50.98
3.81

3.10 -

10.40 - 14.02 0.01 - 0.01

6.73 0.48 0.95 65.10 4.48 14.90 0.01

10.82 1.11 1.11 70.98 5.40 20.26 0.01

V-56

Table 7 (Cont'd) Range in Values of Analyses of Coal From Beds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine (Analyses provided by Kerr-McGee Corporation, December 1973. All analyses except BTU, ash fusion and grindability are in percent.)

RANGE WATER SOLUBLE ALKALIES Na20
K20

0.0190 - 0.0557 .0025 - .0085 21.92 24.62

EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE ASH FUSION TEMPERATURES Initial Softening Hemispherical Fluid GRINDABILITY INDEX SULFUR FORMS Pyrite Sulfate Organic Total average MINERAL ANALYSIS OF ASH
P20S
Fe203

2,054 2,090 2,153 2,234

2,282°F. 2,326°F. 2,371°F. 2,452°F. 60.3

46.7 -

0.009 .006 .280 .340

0.140 .037 .712 .790

Si02

A1203 Ti02 CaO MgO
K20

0.10 22.38 .60 11. 94 1.02 16.98 3.10

0.92 34.93 12.18 20.68 4.05 34.28 5.81
.92

.16 -

Na20
S03

.38 - 3.70 9.73 - 18.96 .09 7.77

Undetermined

V-57

Table 8 Emission Composite Spectrographic Analyses in Percent of Elements and Oxides in Coal and Ash from Samples of Coalbeds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming
Upper Wyodak Bed Coal (as received) Ash Aluminum (A1203) Antimony Arsepic Barium Beryllium (BeO) Bismuth Boron Calcium (CaO) Cadmium Cerium (Ce02) Chromium Cobalt Columbium (Niobium)
(Nb205) 0.3

Lower Wyodak 1 Bed Coal (as received) Ash
0.3

Lower Wyodak 2 Bed Coal (as received) Ash
0.5

<0.02 < 0.02 0.02 < 0.0005 < 0.001 0.001
0.5 -

High < 0.02 < 0.02
0.2

< 0.001
ND

ND ND

0.0001 0.001 0.05 High < 0.005 ND 0.01 0.005 < 0.005 0.01 < 0.001
ND

< 0.02 < 0.02 0.02 < 0.0005 <0.001 0.001
0.5 -

< 0.02
0.2

High

< 0.02 0.0001 < 0.001 0.05 High < 0.005
ND

< 0.02 < 0.02 0.02 < 0.0005 < 0.001 0.001
3.0

High < 0.02 < 0.02
0.2

< 0.001
ND ND ND

< 0.001 ND
ND

0.01 0.005 < 0.005 0.02 0.001
ND

ND < 0.005 0.002 <0.001 < 0.005
0.2

0.0001 < 0.001 0.05 High < 0.005 ND 0.005 0.005 < 0.005 0.01 0.001 ND
3.0

Copper Gallium Germanium Iron Lanthanum (La203) Lead Lithium (Li02) Manganese (MgO) Magnesium Molybdenum Neodymium (Nd203) Nickel Phosphorus Silver Silicon (Si02) Sodium (Na20) Strontium Tantalum (Ta205) Thorium (Th02) Tin Titanium Tungsten Uranium (U30S) Vanadium Yttrium (Y203) Zinc Zirconium (Zr02) Cesium Gold Hafnium Indium Palladium Platinum Rhenium Rubidium Tellurium Thallium Potassium

< 0.005 0.002 < 0.001 < 0.002
0.5
ND

3.0
ND

< 0.001 < 0.01 0.001 Low < 0.002 ND < 0.005 ND < 0.001 Medium 0.005 ND
ND

0.05
ND

0.02 Medium < 0.001
ND

< 0.005 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.005 0.1 ND < 0.001 < 0.01 ND Low < 0.002
ND

3.0

ND 0.05
ND

0.02 Medium <0.001
ND

0.005 Low 0.001 High
0.5 0.1
ND

< 0.005
ND

< 0.001 Medium 0.005 ND ND
ND

0.002 Low 0.001 High
0.3

0.1
ND

ND < 0.001 < 0.01 0.001 Low < 0.002 ND < 0.005 ND < 0.001 Medium 0.005 ND ND
ND

ND 0.05 ND 0.03 Medium < 0.001
ND

0.002 Low 0.001 High
0.3 0.1

ND < 0.001 0.02
ND

0.001
0.2
ND

< 0.001 0.02
ND
ND

ND 0.001
0.3

ND < 0.01
ND

< 0.001
ND

< 0.05
X

ND 0.02 0.005 0.1 0.01 < 0.05
X

< 0.01
ND

< 0.001
ND

< 0.05
X

ND ND 0.02 0.001 0.05 0.01 <0.05
X

< 0.001 0.02 ND ND < 0.01
ND

ND ND 0.001
0.1 ND

< 0.001 ND <0.05
X

ND 0.02 0.001 0.05 0.005 < 0.05
X

< 0.01 ND
X X

< 0.01
ND

< 0.01 ND
X X

< 0.01
ND

X X

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01
ND

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01 ND
0.5

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01 ND
0.2

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01
ND

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01 ND
0.3

0.2

0.5

< 0.005 0.01 < 0.01 ND 0.7

High Medium Low
X

> 10% < 1%
± 1% - ± 10% Not Analyzed For Not Detected

Source:

Kerr-McGee

Corporation

V-58

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R.70 W. R.69 W.
14
~,'. .,'..... ------Modified Cool crop line or clinker (shading toward clinker) Lease from Kerr-McGee area Cool boundary Corporation edge

o
I

1 Mi Ie
I

Approximate

Scale

Figure 9 Average Weighted Btu Values of Combined Coalbeds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-60

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I
...

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14

L ease Modified from Kerr-McGee

area Coal

boundary Corporation

o
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Scale

Figure 10 Average Btu Values of the Lower Wyodak 1 Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-6l

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14
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co
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1 Mi l e
I

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Scale

Figure

Average Weighted Sulfur Values of Combined Coalbeds at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-62

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Scale

Figure 12 Average Sulfur Values of the Lower Wyodak 1 Coalbed at the Proposed Jacobs Ranch Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

V-63

Other minerals Deposits within the lease. Areas of clinker on the lease are sufficiently provide road material obtained and ballast. thick and widespread to of uranium or minerals other than coal are not known to occur

Small amounts of sand and gravel may be along intermittent streams.

locally from terraces and floodplains

Oil and gas The Kerr-McGee 70W, presently Coal Corporation's federal coal lease in T43N, R69 and oil

cont.ains one producing

oil well and two plugged and abandoned

and gas test holes.

No other wells are known within the lease area; other oil the area could be applied for at any time. lease area follow: 660 feet

and gas tests to any formation within

Data on the existing wells in the Kerr-McGee

During May and June 1969, a well was drilled and abandoned from north line and 660 feet from west line (on Lot 1 or NW~NW~) R69W, on public oil and gas lease Wyoming-6484; 8 5/8-inch Morrison ground elevation

sec. 7, T43N, is 4,893 feet;

surface casing was set at 423 feet; total depth is 9,864 feet in

Formation. During March through May 1970, a producing well was drilled 660 feet

from north line and 660 feet from west line (C Lot 4 or NW~NW~)

sec. 2, T43N, area; ground

R70W, on a private oil and gas lease in the Hilight field extension elevation production Cretaceous is 4,861 feet; 9 5/8-inch

surface casing set at 1,004 feet; 5 l/2-inch

casing cemented at 9,585 feet; total depth is 9,585 feet; the Lower Muddy Sandstone from 9,474 to 9,484 feet is the producing zone at

an initial potential averages

of 60 barrels of oil per day. of oil per day.

Present rate of production

seven barrels

V-64

During March and April 1970, a well was drilled and abandoned 1,980 feet from south line and 660 feet from west line (C NW~SW~) sec. 2, T43N, R70W, on a private oil and gas lease; ground elevation is 4,850 feet; 9 5/8-inch surface casing was set at 1,004 feet; total depth is 9,585 feet in the Lower Cretaceous Skull Creek Shale.

V-65

Water Ground water

Resources

Aquifers Formations vicinity within about 5,000 feet of the land surface aquifers in the of

of the Kerr~McGee depth below

coal lease

that contain the Wasatch,

are, in order Lance,

increasing Hills.

land surface,

Fort Union,

and Fox operations to be

The only aquifers

that are expected aquifers

to be affected

by mining

are the coalbeds removed

and the overlying operations.

in the overburden

(Wasatch)

during mining

In the southern eastward. toward levels rocks higher The beds within

half of Campbell these formations,

County,

the land surface

slopes westward water

however, Basin.

dip very gently Many separate

the axis of the Powder River are present that underlie altitudes in the thick

Structural

sequence

of Tertiary

and Upper

Cretaceous are at

the land surface.

The water

levels

in these rocks

than are the rock outcrops

farther

to the east.

Water movement The higher movement County higher basinward water levels in the center areas. of the basin preclude water

from the outcrop

Recharge

in southern

Campbell

occurs areas

from infiltration in the central

of local precipitation parts

on the topographic County.

and southern

of Campbell

Surface water Drainage and streamflow The surface Thunder Burning of the leased Creeks. area is drained All tributaries by tributaries originate Thunder within Creek, of Little the area. drains 54

and Black Thunder Coal Draw,

a tributary

of North

Prong Little

V-66

percent shallow

of the leased area. closed basins

Several

small areas outflow.

in sections

3 and 10 are of these coalbeds. tributaries and rainfall. flows

with no apparent

The formation of underlying

depressions

may have been caused by the burning The drainage pattern

of the area is dendritic. runoff occurring

The minor

are ephemeral Several

streams with natural

from snowmelt

small seeps are located

along

sandstone

outcroppings;

however,

from these seeps are not sufficient channels. The major and summer months, Geological stockpond per year. taries Survey located part

to cause perennial

flow in tributary

(75 percent)

of annual

runoff

occurs storms.

during

the spring (U.S. to a

generally

as a result

of convective

Culler 1951-54

1961) determined in the NE~NE~

average

summer runoff

during

section

10, T42N, R70W,

to be 5.2 acre-feet Minor tribu-

Drainage

area to the stockpond have periods

is 0.66 square miles. of several

of the area commonly

years with no flow.

Water

uses The major use of surface water stockponds is for consmuption on minor by domestic and wild

animals.

Numerous

are constructed

tributaries,

and detention Several water

and retention wells provide

of flows are afforded water that is stored

by these man-.nade structures. in small reservoirs of hay meadows

for use by livestock. and pastures Creeks, along the

Spreader downstream

systems

are used for irrigation of Little Thunder

reaches

and Black Thunder supplies

but due to the for

large variation irrigation.

in annual

runoff,

water

are not dependable

Erosion

and sedimentation Several bare areas show evidence of sheet and rill erosion, and

gullies

have formed

in sections

11, 12, and 15.

V-67

Water quality Water originating flow in the Cheyenne from the water similar represent River. and flowing through the lease area contributes of the drainage on the Cheyenne to

Since a major portion site near Spencer quality

area upstream River is

quality

sampling

to the lease area, water surface water Dissolved quality

sampled near Spencer

should generally

in the lease area. in the Cheyenne River near Spencer outside this range concentrations

solids concentration

ranges from 1,000 mg/l to 4,000 mg/l, but concentration may occur in the lease area. at low flows observed The increase

in sodium and sulfate

near Spencer

should also occur in the lease area.

V-68

Vegetation On better drained upland sites, vegetation characterized by shrub steppe plant communities (Figure 13). Domestic of the Kerr-McGee lease is

dominated by big sagebrush

(Artemisia tridentata) communities

livestock have grazed thes:e stage of the density site conditions

since the middle 1880's, so all are in an intermediate If overly heavy, grazing is thought to increase However,

plant succession. of big sagebrush

or allow it to invade into grasslands.

and degree of grazing intensity where this takes place have not been defined for northeastern Wyoming, nor is a historical record available for the lease area to

indicate if big sagebrush plant communities

should be considered

an endemic part of the natural

of this area. is composed almost does not exceed to

The shrub overs tory of these plant communities entirely of big sagebrush. 18 to 24 inches. moderately Density

The height of this layer generally

(plants per unit area) will range from scattered

closely spaced, but the crowns of individual is in the 20 to 40 percent range.

plants rarely touch.

Canopy coverage

Beneath the sagebrush to the Northern

overs tory and mixed with it are species common Grasses and sedges predominate, (April-May). is but

Great Plains to the east.

forbs are evident in the early part of the growing season

The greater amount of Great Plains species in the plant mixture the most likely reason for the theory that big sagebrush should be grasslands low sagebrush However, represent grasslands Descriptions similar to those of the Northern

is an invader into what Areas of

Great Plains.

density certainly have the appearance that the communities

similar to these grasslands.

it is also possible the vegetational

dominated by big sagebrush the Northern Great Plains

transition

(ecotone) between

to the east and the sagebrush

shrub land more common to the west. follow and are summarized in Table 10.

of the several plant communities V·J69

R. 69 W.

T
6b

44
N.

@
T 43
N.

LEGEND

I
Western Western Wheatgrass-Foxtai Wheatgrass-Slender

o
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Scale

miles

I Barley Spikerush Wheatgrass Grama Wheatgrass-Blue Wheatgrass-Blue Wheatgrass-Blue and Thread-Blue and Thread-Blue G rama? G rama" G rama':< G rama':' Grama*

Inland Saltgrass-Western Bluebunch Wheatgrass-Blue

o o 8 o
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Big Sagebrush/Western Big Sagebrush/Western Big Sagebrush/Western Big Sagebrush/Needle Big Sagebrush/Needle Big Sagebrush/Blue

Grama >l'Oifference in Soils boundaries
V-7'J

EFJ

Boundary of Kerr-McGee Coal Property Vegetation community

Figure:~

(Kerr-McGeeCoal

Property)

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VI-S

The lease presently but under mation section

contains

no special

stipulations

for reclamation reclain

5 of the lease, which

covers protection

of the surface,

of the land is required. stipulations

Ifhen the terms of the lease are readjusted detailed reclamation requirements

1979, special included

covering Under

will be plan

in the new terms. which

the present

terms of the lease, no mining reclamation.

will be approved

does not provide D.

for adequate

A copy of the

lease is contained

in Appendix

llining is being called wide. the South Pit. Approximately

done presently

in the NE~SE~

of section

28 which

The coal is being

loaded from a strip about

1,700 feet

1,300 feet of this strip is on coal land owned by Homestake in the federal mining lease. tons of coal per year for in Wyoming and South air-cooled

and 400 feet is on land included The Wyodak mine power plants Dakota. plant mouth

is presently

700,000

(
( ~

of the Black Hills Power and Light

Company

About

400 tons of coal per day are burned Construction started

in a 20-megawatt

at the mine.

in the spring

of 1974 on a mine power plant power plant. (330 The turbine-

plant which will be the world's and will be located consist

largest

air~cooled

megawatts) proposed

adjacent

to the existing

( ( ( ( ( (
( (

unit will

of a coal-fired

stearn generator

and a direct

drive electric

generator. will be enclosed, while all conveyors The plant will be enclosed will power cover in in

All buildings galleries

( (
( ( ( (
(
(

and the storage bin will be roofed. 10 acres. The plant is scheduled

facilities

approximately

to start generating

1977 and will burn lYzmillion Tentative plans

tons of coal per year. of another mine mouth power plant

call for completion It is proposed

in 1982 at this same location. megawatt megawatts. generating capacity

that this plant will have a 450-

although

the final size could vary from 450 to 660

(

VI-6

Purpose of proposed Development facilities

project of the Wyodak mining operation to meet the increased and related power plant loads of the area. The

is planned

electrical

coal production as follows:

required

to supply the existing and proposed

power plants is

Year 1974 - 1976 1977 - 1981 1982 - 1988

Tons 700,000 per year 2,500,000 5,000,000 per year per year

A mining and reclamation plant and surface facility

plan for this proposed mine as well as power on November 16, 1973.

plans was submitted

Site location The Wyodak Mine operated by Wyodak Resources located in T50N, R71W, in Campbell detailed description Gillette, the mine site. see Appendix County, Wyoming D. County, is five miles west of Railroad serves the town Highway 14-16 Development Corp. is

(Figure 2).

For a more

the county seat of Campbell

A main line of the Burlington

Northern

of Gillette and runs east-west, 90 is partially connecting completed

passing near the mine site.

Interstate

across northeastern sections.

Wyoming with U.S. Highway

the completed

This interstate Wyoming.

route is the main eastHighway 25 is partially This inter-

west highway serving northeastern completed with U.S. Highway

Interstate the completed serving

87 connecting

sections.

state route is the main north-south

highway

eastern Wyoming.

VI-7

Stages Proposed mining procedures description

of Implementation

The following taken, with modification, Wyodak Resources

of mining

and reclamation

activities

is by

from the mining Corp. operation

and reclamation

plan submitted

Development mining

The present then will

will

continue

southward

through

1977 and

swing westward

until

the mining Mining

face is north-south. Company will be mined

By 1982 all of (E~SE\ of coal

the coal land leased from Homestake sec. 28 and N~NE~ owned by Wyodak. federal north lease. of sec. 33).

Mining

in 1982 will be on the private

From 1983 through Beyond 1988, mining

1988 the mining will be mostly will be concentrated to the presently

from the holdings pit.

on Wyodak's inactive north

of the power

plant most

and adjacent of Wyodak's

This area contains will most probably

reserves,

and from the existing federal

pit, mining

proceed

to the north

onto its largest

lease.

Soil material

removal step in the mining operation is to remove the uppermost

The first material shaped. above defined

as soil material

and spread

it over spoil .that has been re.over land that will be by mining. of

In this case the soil material level of a potential to a study

will be spread

the water

lake to be created

According Agriculture, on knolls material material

conducted Service,

in 1969 by the U.S. Department the topsoil depth ranges

Soil Conservation to several

from two inches Soil Soil·

or hills would

feet in the valleys

of the coal lease. as topsoil.

include

a thicker

zone than that clqssified and weathered

could be defined

as oxidized

material

in the root zone Approval

that is capable of the" mining recover

of supporting

plant growth under be based

existing

corid Lt Lon s;

plan will

probably

on the condition

that the company This material

at least

the top 12 inches

of overburden scrapers.

as soil material.

will be recovered

and spread with wheel

VI-8

Overburden

removal The overburden has been removed with scrapers In 1982 stripping in the South Pit and has operations will be is

averaged about 30 feet in thickness.

moved from along Donkey Creek to the WYzSE\ of sec.28 where the overburden 50 to 60 feet thick.

At that time the company plans to use a shovel and trucks

to remove the overburden. Company officials believe a dragline will be needed when the overburden In 1986 or 1987 they plan to start The overburden mined during this thickness of 145

averages more than 70 feet in thickness.

using a drag line with about a 40-yard bucket.

period will average over 100 feet thick and attain a maximum feet. Enough coal has been stripped with scrapers operation through 1976. For reclamation purposes.

to last the loading are ideal to

scrapers

remove overburden.

The scraper is loaded with overburden

from one zone and the material is buried.

contents can be placed on spoil piles so that undesirable The spoil piles can be shaped as the material is unloaded

from the scrapers.

Coal removal The coa~bed presently being mined in the South Pit is about 70 feet 34 feet from the base of the coal. The bed from to

thick with a 10-to l6-inch parting is presently mined in two benches.

The top bench is generally maintained

200 to 400 feet ahead of the lower bench.

This practice has varied according

the market demand for the quality of coal found in each coalbed. Coal in each bench is prepared on 25-foot centers. fuel oil prills. for blasting by drilling 5-inch holes

Each hole is loaded with 125 pounds of ammonium nitrate-

VI-9

All blasting Broken

is done in accordance a l4-yard

with

applicable

safety

regulations. The company a capacity

coal is loaded with using

front-end

loader

into trucks.

is presently of 30 tons. Pit. 1,340

two 70-ton capacity

trucks and five trucks having at the primary crusher

The trucks dump into a hopper

in the North belt

Lhe coal is carried feet long.

to the preparation

plant by a 36-inch

conveyor

Part of the coal goes to a preparation oiled for the domestic specifica:ions market.

plant where

it is sized and according to to local

Some of this coal is shipped

customer markets.

in railroad

cars and some is sold and trucked

When production company will need

approaches

2.5 million

tons of coal per year, a 14- to 20-yard each having

the

an additional

front-end

loader having dump

capacity.

They will

also purchase

additional

trucks,

a capa-

city of 100 to 120 tons. Coal will be delivered which will extend to the new power plant over a 54"-wide belt, in

from the South Pit to the new plant, The belt

or it will be stored

a l5,200-ton feet long.

silo for use at a later time.

line will be about

3,300

Reclamation Pursuant federal to Interior conform Department policy, all reclamation activity on lease of in

coal lands will

to the .nlrri.ng plan approved operating regulations, Before

for the federal

(W-073289), the Wyoming Wyoming, operator may agree

all applicable Environmental must

federal Quality obtain

and to requirements is started the

Act uf 1973. a permit

any mining

the operator to mine

from the state which reclamation

entitles

in conformance

with

an approved

plan. insist

The state that any land

to a lake in the reclaimed

area but will probably

VI-10

not included in the lake be returned to low undulating

topography suitable for

grazing and that native or better quality grass be planted. Usual reclamation bed and thin overburden returned uniformly procedures will not be practical in the thick coal

found at the Wyodak mine.

If the overburden ,vere

to the pit after mining and the land returned to its original in the earth of 60 to 80 feet would exist over is less than the thickness of the table and unwanted lakes

surface contours, a depression all of the mine area.

Where the overburden

coal, the surface level wou ld be Lowe r than the "later having swamp like edges would form.

The practical approach is to plan in advance

for a lake and use the available spoil to reclaim land exclusive of the lake area. In the area of the south pit a lake could approximate 200 acres in size.

Spoil reclamation The company has reclaimed five acres of land in the northwest corner

of the South Pit by filling it with spoils to the level of the original surface. This reclaimed land has been planted with grass. four-acre tract near the northeast They have also reclaimed a

corner of the pit by grading the spoils on a

5:1 (110) slope from the top of the coalbed for a distanc.e of 450 feet toward the center of the pit. This area is being used for experimental purposes. Part

of it has been covered with topsoil and seeded, part of it has been covered with topsoil and was not seeded to experiment with natural reseeding, tract was seeded on spoil without topsoil. and part of the

The coalbed in abandoned areas must be covered to prevent spontaneous combustion of the coal. coal ignites easily. This is especially true in the Gillette area where the available during the spoil material will be

With the small amount of overburden

first nine years of the operation, most of the available needed to cover this exposed coal.

VI-ll

The proposed

reclamation

plan calls for using available

overburden The

to form a bench around the edge of the pit level with the top of the coal. eastern and southern proposed original angle. edge of the pit will be on privately owned coal. It is

that the bench on the eastern edge will be 24 feet lower than the surface and will be level for 280 feet before it is sloped off on a 35 If the reclamation is successful on the experimental
0

tract. it is likely

that the reclamation

plan will be changed from the 350 slope to the 110 slope area. along the western edge of the pit will be on federal-

used in the experimental The highwall

owned coal through 1982. therefore. any reclamation

During 1983 the coal along this highwall will be mined, done here will be temporary The reclamation and only to prevent the

coal from igniting until it is mined.

plan calls for a bench and

50 feet wide to be formed level with the coal along this temporary highwall

the edge of this bench will slope toward the center of the pit on a 350 angle. During 1983, the first highwall abandoned. on federal coal will be permanently

At that time the overburden will be 50 to 60 feet thick and enough to start reclaiming part of the land into a rolling to include

spoil will be available topography blended

into the highwall.

It will still be necessary lake.

part of the land mined at this time in the proposed

Drainage

control Donkey Creek originally flowed through all five of the 40-acre tracts This perennial stream has been

of private diverted

coal included

in the mining plan.

around the present mine and further diversion will be needed to mine area. Company officials recognize that an unusually large flood Employees

the proposed

might overflow banks of diversion

ditch and flood the active pit area.

in the pit would probably have ample warning

to avoid danger but the damage could

VI-12

be very expensive mine.

to clean up.

A flood would do no permanent

damage to the

Studies by geologists

and consulting

engineers

for Black Hills Power

and Light report that the potential shallow wells would indicate water.

for drawing any large amount of water from poor. This low potential of underground seeps in

(400 to 600 feet deep) is extremely

that the coalbed does not contain large volumes

Most of the water entering

the pit from the co~lbed probably

from Donkey Creek.

This water is pumped back into Donkey Creek. in the area are as follows:

Water analyses

reported by the company

Wells Ditto Lake 30 1,490 250 947 7.3 Donkey Creek 31 3,000 560 1,210 7.5 Wyodak Pit 8 1,450 240 780 7.5

Silica, ppm as Si02 Total Dissolved Solids, ppm Total Alkalinity, ppm as CaC03 Total Hardness ppm as CaC03 pH

(by formation) Fox Fort Wasatch Union Hills 20 2,734 330 280 1,978 6.8 48 7.1 16 8.2 1,150

Seeding The center of the pit will not be seeded because area during the mining operations water. The company proposes it will be a working

and will be flooded as the pit fills with

to cover the spoils which will be above the water

level with available

topsoil and to seed them with crested wheatgrass.

Surface facilities Wyodak power plant Two companies at Wyodak, are building a 330 me~awatt
(}~J),

coal fired power plant

five miles east of Gillette, Wyoming.

Pacific Power and Light Co.

VI-13

and Black Hills Power and Light Co. will locate their new facility the 20-MW Neil Simpson plant operated by Black Hills Power. scheduled successful because for operation in 1977.

adjacent

The 330-MW plant is proven

It will use air cooling technology, station.

at the Neil Simpson generating water is not available.

Air cooling is necessary

sufficient

The companies also have tentative to produce 450-MW of electricity

plans for a third plant at this site expected in 1982. According to documents

filed with the Wyoming Public Service Commis169 MW of power by December here. 1977 with

sion, Black Hills Power will require resources projects of 87 MW without a requirement

the Wyodak plant described

Pacific Power

of 165 MW to service Wyoming

loads by the winter of to meet future growth.

1977-1978.

Both companies will also need reserve

capacity

These needs will be met by the plant under construction. About ten acres of land are required 30 acres disturbed Highway during construction. for each power plant with some access from u.S.

Existing highway

14-16 will be used to reach the site and less than one-half mile of railroad spur will be needed to construct both plants. production from

temporary

Coal for the power plants will come from expanding the Wyodak mine now operated by a subsidiary be delivered

of Black Hills Power.

Coal will from a

to the new plant over a 54-inch conveyor belt extending

truck hopper and crusher in the South Pit to the new plant. diverted to a 15,200-ton

Coal can be

silo for storage from a transfer point on the belt. to this transfer point for use in the plant. When in

It can then be returned full production

the 330-MW plant will consume 1.5 million tons annually.

tons of coal per 0.5

year; the second plant about 2 million percent sulfur content, according By selecting plant are quite low.

The coal averages

to company analysis. for the 330-MW

the air cooling process, water requirements

About 200 to 300 gallons per minute will be obtained from VI-14

a combination effluent obtained

of sources,

including Gillette

wells

in the vicinity, Domestic

Ditto Lake,

and

from the proposed from wells drilled

sewage plant.

water will be Formations. from fossil plant

to the Fort Union involved

or Fox Hills

The general fuel have been includes: 1.

processes

in generating

electricity

described

previously.

The technology

at the Wyodak

A coal fired stearn generator of stearn per hour at 1,0000F A turbine rated at 330-MW.

designed to produce 2,600,000 superheat and 1,0000F reheat.

lbs.

2. 3.

An air cooled condenser to convert stearn to water the unrecovered heat produced to the atmosphere. ash and all other solid products overburden and returned

and to release

Bottom interlayered with

from the power plant will be areas. water All sewage wastes standards. precipitators have been

to mined-out

will be treated

at the site to meet state and federal control equipment, including removal,

quality

Air pollution with provisions

electrostatic if necessary,

for wet scrubbers to comply

for sulfur

designed

and tested

fully with Wyoming in the pollution emissions

and federal

air quality in

standards.

Fly ash collected areas. Airborne

control

system will be buried stack include: 206

the mined-out pounds dioxide based having

from a 400-foot

per hour of total particulates and about 2,910 pounds

(ash), 4,410 pounds

per hour These

of sulfur emissions are

per hour of nitrogen

dioxide.

on consuming about

245 tons of coal per hour for the generation ash, 0.5 percent sulfur, and a heat value of collecting

of 330 MW; coal of 7,800 Btu. of

6 percent

The electrostatic

precipitator

has an efficiency S02 with

99.3 percent

the ash and may entrain Service Commission

10 percent

the ash.

Both the Wyoming Agency

Public plans

and the Environmental issued necessary produced,

Protection construction Pacific

have reviewed

for the plant and have To deliver transmission ponding

permits. a 230-kv a corres230-kv system.

the power

Power will build

line west

to Buffalo,

Wyoming;

Black Hills will build South Dakota.

line from the plant south

site to Spearfish,

Another

line from Wyodak

to Glenrock

may also be tied into the distribution

VI-IS

Roads All haul roads will be constructed on the bottom of the pit. They located in

will be used to move coal from the loading shovel to the truck hopper the bottom of the pit. the mining operation.

The roads into the pit will be used only for access to

Railroad

spur A railroad loop and rail car loading facilities production will be substantially will not be needed at increased, the annual siding

this operation.

Although

amount of coal shipped by rail will not be changed. and IIOO-foot power plant. spur track will be constructed

A 700-foot

railroad

and used in the operation

of the

Power Electric and loading adjacent power for the mine shops, electric will be supplied shovels, crushing station,

facilities

from the existing

power plant located

to the mine.

Office and shop Office and shop facilities specifications present. will be required at the mine site but at

as to size and type of structures

have not been finalized

VI-16

Mining,

loading,

and reclamation

equipment coal loading

The following and reclamation

equipment will be used during the mining,

operations:

No. of Units 1 5 2 2 1 2 1

Equipment Front-end Trucks Trucks Scrapers Coal Drill Tractors Tractor Loader

Capacity 14 yards 30-ton 70-ton

Hanufacturer's Trade Name Hough "400" Euclid Caterpillar "768" Caterpillar "621"

5-inch hole

Salem Caterpillar Caterpillar "D-8" "D-7"

The following completed

additional

equipment will be needed before mining Front-end

in the area outlined trucks

in the plan:

loader (20-yard bucket), shovel

several additional (16-yard). increases

(lOO-ton),

an overburden

drill and an overburden

Also a shovel and/or dragline may be needed when the overburden to a depth of 70 feet or more.

Mining sequence The company is mining Mining extends across fee-owned a l,700-foot working face in the South Pit.

SE~SE~ of sec. 28 and 400 feet into the in the federal lease. This working face in

SW~SE~ of sec. 28 which is included will be advanced

about 175 feet each year from 1974 through 1976.

Starting

1977 the east end of the mining

face will be advanced much faster than the west face in a fan-like turn. When the turn is direction.

end in order to rotate the mining

completed by the end of 1980 the mining

face will be in a north-south

VI-17

The fee-owned

coal in the NE~NE~

of sec. 33 will be completely

mined during

this period and the working

face will extend 450 feet into the federal lease.

The operation will mine about 40 acres of coal land each year to produce the projected five million tons annually after 1981. During 1982 all of

the remaining

fee coal will be mined except for 10 acres to be mined in 1985. forms a ridge which lies diagonally across the

The thickest overburden federal lease. The coal underlying

this ridge will be mined during 1987 and After 1988 mining will be concen-

1988, the last two years covered by the plan. trated in the area north of the power plant.

Transporation

and marketinB tons sold on the commercial market, all of

Except for a few thousand the coal produced

at the Wyodak mine is burned at four power plants owned by and South Dakota. producing about 700,000 tons of coal per year.

the company in Wyoming

The mine is currently About 450,000

tons of the production

are shipped by rail to power plants in and Lead, South Dakota. air-cooled The remainder

Osage, Wyoming;

Rapid City, South Dakota;

of the production

is used at the 20-megawatt

plant at the mine or tonnage to be

sold on the commercial market. produced

All of the projected

additional

at the mine will be burned in two new units of the power plant to be near the mine site. The rail shipments during the period of the

constructed

mine plan should remain constant at about 450,000 tons per year.

VI-18

CHAPTER II DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING Air Quality The Wyodak coal property Quality Control Region is located in the Wyoming IV, Part I). monitoring information, and IV. Intrastate Air ENVIRONMENT

(Figure 2, Chapter inversion

Wind direction,

occurrences,

present ambient air quality Data compiled Wyoming,

are described

for the region

in Part I, Chapter

on wind direction

from observations

taken at Moorcroft, This

which is 20 miles

to the east of Wyodak,

is shown in Figure 1.

station is considered distribution

to be representative

of the Wyodak area, and its wind north and south on an of

rose shows surface winds are predominantly south-southeasterly

annual basis with a dominant the time. Average

flow for about 15 percent is 10 miles per hour. by

annual wind speed at Moorcroft

Present ambient pollutants

air quality at the coal mine is influenced

from the City of Gillette by hauling

(5 miles to the west), by emissions of coal at Wyodak's (coal fired).

and

dust from mining, emissions

and processing

mine, and by

from the Neil Simpson power station particulate matter at Gillette

Data collected

on suspended indicated National

from June 1972 to June 1973 (ug/m3) (data from Agency). Emission

a range of 20 to 190 micrograms Air Surveillance Network,

per cubic meter Protection

Environmental

rate estimates Chapter

for the Neil Simpson station's

four stacks are given in Table 7,

IV of Part I.

VI-19

10
~!

~I ~~~iiiiiiiiiiiii
SCALE CALM - 3.1

~~~t

S
OBSERVATIONS 22210

PERCENT

Source:

USDC,NOAA Environmental Data Service, Wind Distribution by Pasquill Stability Moorcroft, Wyoming,
FIGURE

Monthly and Classes,

Annual

1973

_1_
ROSE
OBSERVATIONS
WYOMING 1/50 7/52

WIND
PERCENT
PERIOD -

DISTR IBUTION
OF TOTAL

MOORCROFT, ANNUAL

VI-20

Topography The Wyodak mine Plains Province is in. the unglaciated ;;, County, Wyoming. part of the Northern Great

in Campbell extending

The lease area is a small part River and characterridges, knobs, and

of a broad

plateau

from Gillette

to the Cheyenne

ized by hu@nocky narrow floodplains

clinker,

irregular shallow

escarpment, valleys.

local narrow

in wide,

The landscape the valley

is dominated

by a bench or step that is eroded and interbedded

along over

sides on a massive

bed of claystone

sandstone

100 feet thick. clinker deposits

Fused or baked that locally

clay and sand from the burnt the beds of claystone

coal form resistant and lenticular these beds are the aggre-

protect

sandstone eroded

from weathering. buttes

In some places and cones,

east of the burnline cliffs

into isolated

colorful

and badland; Hills.

gate east-facing

timbered

escarpment

is known

as the Rochelle

The site area is characterized whereas walled capped east of the site, narrow ridges stream

by rolling is broken

grass-covered and dissected rocky

prairie, by steepporous clinker-

the land surface

channels. Here

Pine trees cover the rough, the stream courses

to the east.

are steep-sided claystone

gulches and sanddrained by

littered stone.

with boulders The narrow

of red clinker widen

and buff ferruginous

valleys Donkey

eastward.

The mine area is locally streams.

the eastward-flowing Altitudes the power about plant

Creek and its tributary

in the vicinity

of the lease range

from 4,412 feet at and south mine is nearly pits and

to 4,300 feet in the bottom hillside.

of the north

4,516 feet on a nearby

The maximum

relief

215 feet.

VI-2l

Soils The Wyodak Coal property includes approximately 2,080 acres. The

coal mining plan for the south pit mine outlines their proposed activities through 1988 when mining will be completed. of which 240 acres is under federal lease. of federal lease. The best available Soil Conservation soils data for the mine area is provided by the Soil Survey. The The south pit includes 440 acres The north area contains 1,640 acres

Service, Campbell County Reconnaissance in 1939 and published in 1955.

field work was completed

Recent and up-to-date and available.

soils data for Campbell County was utilized when applicable

Six major soil types occur within the coal lease as shown in Figure 2. Generally, the soils have developed from shale material weathered

in place and are shallow over bedrock. a description management

Tables 10 through 28, Appendix C, give chemical, and

of each soil series and lists their physical, Table 1 gives a description

interpretations.

of their character-

istics, limitations,

and suitabilities.

A brief summary and acreages for the

major soil types follow: The Arvada soil types occupy approximately occur on sloping terraces and alluvial fans. inches), strongly alkaline, 460 acres. These soils deep (20-36 Productivity for

They are moderately sodium.

and very high in exchangeable

is very low and present erosion is high. agricultural use, road fill, building

These soils are unsuitable and other uses.

construction,

The DIm soil types occupy nearly 1,070 acres.

These soils occur on

the rolling to steeply sloping uplands that are strongly dissected by gullies. Depth to bedrock ranges from 10 to 20 inches. approximately Productivity is medium, yielding matter.

500 to 1,500 pounds per acre of total dry vegetative is high.

Present erosion condition

VI-22

R
6

@
2

I
Sc ale

I
in miles

50
N

SYMBOL
Aa-Ab Ba Rb-Rc-Rd Rf-Rh

LEGEND

SERIES Arvada Bankard clay clay loam loam

fine sand loam land sand

Renohi II clay Rough Terry Ulm Ulm broken loamy cloy loam

To Ua
Uc-Ud-Ue

loam

Wibaux

- Searing

Complex

Source: USDA, Soil Conservation

Service, Soi I Survey, Campbell No.3

County, Wyoming July 1955, Soil Map, Sheet Fi g. 2

General Soils Map (Wyodak Coal Property)
VI-23

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The Wibaux-Searing hilly topography. scoria.

complex occupies nearly 200 acres on rolling to by numerous outcrops of unweathered loam.

They are characterized

These soils are very shallow is low, yielding

(10") and gravelly 450-1,200

to very gravelly

Productivity matter,

approximately

pounds per acre total dry

The Wibaux soils are unsuitable A miscellaneous

for agriculture, of rough broken lands and scoria

land type comprised

land makes up nearly 320 acres. eroded, strongly dissected channels. surface. Fragments

The rough broken lands consist of steep, and steep-walled drainage on the

areas along escarpments

and blocks of red shale and clinker are scattered for agricultural

These soils are highly eroded, unsuitable is low for native vegetation.

use, and

productivity

The Terry soil type occupies approximately sloping to steep sidehill slopes. Productivity for native vegetation Depth to bedrock is medium,

20 acres on moderately is 20 to 30 inches. about 1,000-1,500 pounds

yielding

per acre total dry matter. fine sandy loam textures protective

Present erosion is high due to steep slopes and to wind and water erosion if

that are susceptible

cover is removed. The Renohill soil types occupy about 10 acres on gently sloping to by weathered shale at depths of 20-40 inches. Internal drainage Soil

rolling uplands underlain reaction is moderately

alkaline

at 6 to 20 inches.

is slow

due to the clay subsoil.

Productivity

for native vegetation Agricultural

is medium, ranging

from 750-1,800 pounds per acre dry weight. shallow depth to bedrock and alkalinity. and susceptibility removed. Summarily, moderately

use is limited due to is high cover is

Present erosion condition

to erosion is very high if vegetation

or protective

the soils occurring within the Wyodak lease area are to wind and water erosion if present vegetation

to highly susceptible

VI-25

is removed and topsoil disturbed.

The revegetation

capabilities

are fair

as most of those soil types are moderately shale subsoil that require runoff, and revegetation

productive. practices

These soils contain a to avoid compaction, (1,100

special management

problems.

Approximately

half of the acreage productive

acres) situated within the mining area are moderately soils containing about 10 inches of suitable topsoil. The remaining

agricultural

These soils are pri-

marily made up of the Dlm series. for agricultural

980 acres are not suitable

~se and low in productivity. soil inventories and studies need to be conducted capability, to quantify soil

Detailed and measure moisture

actual soil losses, sediment yield, production infiltration, permeability,

loss, bulk density,

chemical

elements,

and compactibility Reference

for each soil series. should be made to Glossary for an explanation of terms.

VI-26

Mineral Stratigraphic and structural Resources relations

Resources

Wyodak

Development eastern

Corp. 's federal

coal leases in T50N, (Figure

R71W are on the gently dipping 12, Chapter IV, Part I).

flank of the Powder River Basin downwarp contains

This broad regional

nearly flatand progressPrecambrian-

lying rocks of Tertiary

age in the center surrounded

by Cretaceous

ively older rocks that are upturned cored mountains--the Laramie

on the flanks of the bordering

Black Hills to the east, the Bighorns (Figure 8, Chapter IV, Part I).

to the west, and the Northward, the

Range to the south blends

basin indistinctly

into the Great Plains.

The leases are in the Powder (U.S. Geological (U.S. Geological Survey Survey and

River coal field that was mapped 1908) and in the Minturn district 1927). others

by Stone and Lupton as mapped by Thom

The site was also included (U.S. Geological Survey

in a regional

geologic

study by Robinson

1964).

These reports

and the information

sub-

mitted by the Wyodak reclamation geology

Resources

Development

Corp. in their proposed mine and summary of

plans for the leases form the basis for the following

and coal resources. Surface rocks on the lease areas are the lower part of the Wasatch

Formation The Wyodak purposes, Wasatch.

of Tertiary

(Eocene) age and alluvium

of Quaternary

or Recent age.

coalbed that is being mined on the leases is, for all practical the top unit of the Fort Union Formation The coalbed does not actually is underlain which underlies the The

crop out in the lease areas.

Fort Union Formation Formation

in turn by the Upper Cretaceous

Lance

and Fox Hills Sandstone. the surface

The base of the Fox Hills is at a depth of in the lease areas; the underlying Pierre

about 3,000 feet below Shale extends formations

to a depth of about 7,500 feet; succeedingly Mesozoic and Paleozoic VI-27 ages extend

older sedimentary to a depth of about

representing

14,000 feet to the top of the Precambrian complex. The Fort Union Formation

igneous and metamorphic

rock

below the Wyodak coalbed is partially The rocks are lightfine-grained sandstone,

exposed about one-fourth mile east of the lease area. to drab-gray clay shale, gray siltstone, shale and coalbeds. Formation, yellowish-gray,

and thin carbonaceous The Wasatch to be stripped It consists

which along with alluvium

forms the overburden

from the Wyodak

leases, ranges from 10 to 180 feet in thickness. fine-grained lenticular sandstone, gray clay

of yellowish-gray,

shale, and thin carbonaceous outcrop of the coalbed, gravelly

shale beds.

East of the lease areas near the

the Wasatch

is red clinker or scoria, a baked and fused and sandstone

textured rock that formed from the shale, siltstone, coal burned. encountered

when the underlying

The Wyoming Highway Department or construction problems

no difficult through

engineering the Fort

in cuts for an interstate highway in Campbell County; however,

Union and Wasatch

Formations

all rocks were near

surface and weathered equipment, commonly

and, thus, were rippable with standard road-building (Sherman 1974). Unweathered bedrock of

and blasting was not required

is found at depths less than 25 feet and has a bearing Unweathered bedrock

strength

3 to 7 tons per square foot. will have to be blasted problems

in surface mines probably or other slope stability Shale from the Fort Union in less

before removal.

Landslides cuts.

occur only locally in oversteepened Formations

and Wasatch

used in fills breaks down and deteriorates and differential

than one year.

Consolidation

settling of the fill ranges from

10 to 20 percent;

shale is unstable

in slopes greater than 2:1; some clay is

VI-28

compressible, 2:1 (Sherman

but no problems 1974).

were

encountered

unless

slope rat.os

exceeded

Alluvium and clay deposited 10 feet thick. Regionally low amplitude, pits, otherwise Major faults with Osterwald

in the lease areas is composed along the intermittent streams

of unconsolidated and is generally

sand, silt, less than

the strata trending,

dip about

1 1/2 degrees

to the west.

A very

north

local anticlinal

fold is exposed

in the mine

the rocks

appear horizontal. to offset the rocks similar in the lease area; by

faults are not known

small displacement

may be present, Survey

to those described Detailed

and Dean

(U.S. Geological of the attitude system

1961, pl. 28). of joints

studies in rocks on

have not been made the lease area; developed northwest

and spacing

or fractures

the joint

probably

will be the same as regionally sets, one striking 1961, pl. 28).

in the Great Plains;

that is, two prominent (U.S. Geological

and the other northeast

Survey

Coal The Wyodak mine north of the highway, I). has produced coal from two open pits, one to the and the other to the south

railroad,

and power plant,

(Figure 2, Chapter averages (Figure about 3).

The coal, type named but ranges

the Wyodak

bed for this site,

85 feet thick, where

from 60 to 102 feet in thickness the upper part of the bed, pit two coalbeds,

Locally

erosion

has removed

the remaining

coal is about 40 feet thick.

In the north

VI-28a

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VI-29

each about 40 feet thick, are separated by carbonaceous one foot thick.

clay shale less than

In the south pit the upper bed averages 52 feet thick and the

lower about 32 feet thick; they are separated by shale that thickens eastward from a few feet to about 25 feet.

Quality of the coal Coal produced at the Wyodak mine is classified Proximate as subbituminous C.

analyses dated 1963 submitted by Paul Weir Company for samples of

coal from the Wyodak mine are as follows: Average 28.56 5.93 .50 34.20 31.24 8,255

Upper Bed Moisture Ash Sulfur Fixed carbon Volatile matter Btu 27.83 6.49 .65 33.50 32.17 8,302

Lower Bed 29.3 5.37 .36 34.89 30.31 8,208

Table 2 shows coal analyses made by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1973 on samples collected at the Wyodak mine. Major oxide composition of the

ash of coal samples from the Wyodak mine as analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1973, are shown in Table 3; U.S, Geological Survey analyses for 4 and 5.

selected trace elements in the same samples are reported in-Tables No unusually high concentrations

of trace elements are apparent in the samples coals of the West.

and the values are comparable to other subbituminous

Quantity of the coal The Wyodak Resources Development Corp. estimates that it either to 160 million tons of

owns or has lease of federal coal reserves amounting recoverable coal. The federal coal lease W-073289

in the area of the south

VI-30

pit is 240 acres; 200 acres are privately-owned Chapter I). Approximately

adjacent

to the lease (Figure 3, underlay

59.4 million short tons of coal originally (coal has been completely corner of the property). thus far. tons.

330 acres of the property at the extreme southeast
coal

eroded or burned in 10 acres About 6.6 million tons of

have been mined or lost in mining

The remaining However,

coal reserve

in the south pit area is about 52.8 million tons of this below the highway recoverable. reserve Assuming

about 7.1 million presently recoverable Of that amount, non-

and railroad should be considered the remaining

95 percent recoverability,

in the south pit area is about 45.7 million short tons.

39.3 million tons underlie in two beds totaling

about 285 acres (both leased and privately-owned) coal. The other 6.4 million

75 to 106 feet of mineable

tons occur on approximately privately-owned

57 acres in the southern and eastern parts of the

land where only the lower bed (ranging from 30 to 60 feet thick) Coal in the south pit

is present, the upper having been eroded or burned. areas lies below approximately 27.5 million

cubic yards of overburden.

Federal coal lease W-0111833 averaging 80 feet thick underlies

in the north pit area is 80 acres; coal The original reserve of short tons of which

74 acres of the lease.

federal coal in the area of the north pit was 11.1 million about 0.9 million tons have been mined. recoverable The remaining

reserve is 10.2 million short tons based on cubic yards

short tons; remaining

reserve is 9.7 million

95 percent recoverability. of overburden.

The coal lies under about 5.4 million

Wyodak Resources Development W-0313666

Corp. also has a federal coal lease Two beds in which the

of 1,560 acres just north of the north pit.

total mineable

coal ranges from 60 to 80 feet thick underlie 944 acres of the

VI-31

lease.

The beds are separated by shale ranging 110 acres of the lease is underlain

from 1 to 10 feet thick.

additional

by only the lower coalbed that

ranges from 18 to 35 feet in thickness;

both beds have been either eroded or Original coal reserves 5.4 million in this

burned over the other 506 acres of the lease. north lease are 125.4 million

short tons; however, The remaining thick coal.

tons of this are

thin coal that may not be mined. 114 million million short tons of mineable

recoverable

reserve is about

The coal lies under about 205

cubic y ards of overburden.

Other minerals No uranium on the Wyodak leases. or mineable minerals, other than coal, are known to occur

Clinker crops out on the east edge of the leases and and ballast. Sand and gravel occurs sparingly

has been used for road material in the alluvium.

Oil and gas The Wyodak Resources T50N, R7lW presently Development Corp. 's federal coal lease in Oil and gas tests

includes no known oil or gas test wells.

to any formation within

the area could be applied for at any time.

VI-32

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VI-36

Water Resources Ground water Formations at the Wyodak mine sites that contain aquifers within include, in descending order below the

about 4,000 feet of the land surface coal, the Fort Union Formation, Underlying considered overburden Because

Lance Formation, formations

and Fox Hills Sandstone. consisting mostly of shale not The coal

the Fox Hills are several

as aquifers of any importance in the vicinity

in the Wvodak vicinity.

of the mine consists of the Wasatch nature of the Wasatch

Formation.

of the lenticular

and Fort Union, rock dips are

not easy to determine. municipal water-well

Based on the depth to the Fort Union at the Gillette

field, the Fort Union dips about 100 feet per mile westin some literature. The lith-

ward, somewhat

less dip than has been reported down to and including

ologies of the formations nantly of alternating

the Fox Hills consist predomiBecause

and lenticular

beds of sand, shale, and coal. permeability,

the sand and coal beds have greater considered sequence Program as aquifers,

these beds are usually

but many separate water levels are present in the done by the Northern Great Plains Resource from water levels

of rock.

Work recently

shows that the water level in the coal is different Wasatch aquifers.

in the overlying

Several water levels are commonly present nature of the beds.

in the Wasatch because

of the lenticular

Water movement Movement of water in rocks overlying the coal in the Wyodak vicinity toward Donkey Creek. WaterNatu-

is in an eastward direction with a small component level data to determine movement ral movement

of water in the coal are not available.

of water in the coal would probably be either eastward

toward the

coal outcrop or northward

toward the upper reaches of the Little Powder River.

VI-37

Pumping

at the mine of about 200 gallons is occurring because

per minute

(gpm) for dewatering

shows

that some discharge local change gradient gradient

at the mine pit, either naturally of mine dewatering.

or from

in gradient

The potentiometric compared to the

in the coal is probably in the overlying

flat, 10 to 20 feet per mile, which

aquifers

is about 75 feet per mile.

Water use Pumping a 24-hour pumping for dewatering period at the mine is at the rate of 207 gpm based on gallons per day). For about six months For about three and the remaining three months As mining of the operalonger

(about 300,000

of the year, the water months, water

is used for road-dust

suppression.

one half of the water

is used for dust suppression Creek. For the remaining into Donkey downdip

is discharged

into Donkey pumped

year, all the water tions are increased road distances

is discharged

Creek.

southward

and eventually for hauling However,

toward the west,

will be required

the coal and more of the water will progresses, increased ground-

be used for dust suppression. water discharge can be expected

as mining

to occur in the enlarged

pit areas. cooling, thus water

The power generating requirements will be greatly

plant will use dry condenser reduced. Treated

sewage from the City of Gillette sewage water would be and maintenance during the summer of purposes

will be used as a primary adequate water. for makeup

source of water.

The treated

water, boiler blowdown, drilled

scrubber water,

New water wells

to the Fox Hills Sandstone and personal

1973 will supply water for several resident Scrubber Waste

for general

uses and for domestic

mobile

homes near the plant site. recycling.

water with fly ash will have to be treated before to a settling pond.

from the treated water would be discharged

VI-38

Surface Drainage

water and streamflow The surface of the area leased by Wyodak of Donkey Creek. Donkey Resource Development Corp. area

is drained

by tributaries

Creek has a drainage The stream was effluent

of 99 square miles or intermittent presently around leased causes

upstream

from the leased area. state; however,

ephe~c~al

in its natural perennial

sewage

from Gillette

flow.

The course of the stream has been diverted being mined. About 60 percent of the

the south pit which area drains

is presently Creek;

into Donkey

the remaining outflow.

area drains

into shallow

closed basins which

have no apparent

Streamflows supplies periods runoff

of the area are highly Minor

variable;

thus, surface-water have of annual of

are not dependable. of several

tributaries

of the area commonly part (75 percent)

years with no flow. the spring

The major

occurs

during

and summer months,

generally

as a result

convective

storms.

Surface

water

uses use of surface stockponds water is for consumption on minor by domestic and wild

Major animals.

Several

are located

tributaries, features.

and detention

and retention

of flows is afforded Creek

by these man-made to the Belle

Donkey are allocated waters must

is a tributary compact

Fourche

River, whose

flows

by interstate

agreement.

Any proposed water

uses of surface rights into conbuilt of require

take the compact The compact

agreement

and downstream states

sideration. solely

agreement

specifically

that no reservoir in excess rights

to use water

allocated

to Wyoming

shall have a capacity adjudicated

1,000 acre-feet.

During most years,

downstream

water

VI-39

the entire runoff.

Thus, the potential

of using Donkey Creek to develop a

water supply for the operations

of the leased area is minimal.

Erosion

and sedimentation Erosion on the leased area is low in relation to other parts of the Very little head-

Eastern Powder River Coal Basin due to a better grass cover. cutting or gulley formation is present.

Water quality Samples <:ollected from the Belle Fourche River downstream confluence of Donkey Creek are not representative from the

of the water quality in from Gillette. During

Donkey Creek during low flow due to the sewage effluent

higher flows when a larger portion of the water is from runoff, water quality should be similar to the water quality Moorcroft. Dissolved sampled on the Belle Fourche River near in the Belle Fourche River from

solids concentrations

1954 to 1957 ranged from 162 milograms mg/l at 0.3 cfs.

per liter (mg/l) at 132 cfs to 2910

VI-40

Vegetation Vegetation short grasses domestic on and surrounding with various the Wyodak coal property is made up of Because of

intermixed

amounts of big sagebrush.

livestock

grazing for many years, plant communities

on and adjacent Little

to the property successional

are in an intermediate

stage of plant succession. livestock

change would be expected with continued

grazing.

While plant communities vegetation soil units. numbers. The largest community communities

have not been mapped

for the area, some broad

have been delineated

on Figure 4 based on identified 4 with legend

These are described

below and are keyed to Figure

(#3) is a big sagebrush-needleandthread-blue 1,090 acres of the 2,080-acre coal property.

grama type and covers approximately This type is found on the rolling loam soils. A bluebunch property wheatgrass

to gently rolling uplands with loamy to clay

community

(#1) of about 330 acres within of rolling

the

is found on the shallow and stony soils composed

to hilly

scoria land. About 440 acres of an inland saltgrass-western (#2) are found in the stream bottoms The balance western wheatgrass-blue of the area wheatgrass community

on clay to clay loam soils. by a big sagebrush-

(220 acres) is occupied

grama community

(#4) which is found on the steep rough

broken areas in the northern Vegetation

part of the property. to the area is considered Estimated
to be in fair

on and adjacent

to good range condition cover

for all communities.

live vegetation

ground

(percent of ground covered with live vegetation) Such a sparse vegetative cover reflects

ranges from 10 to 35 season and

percent. semiarid

the short growing

climate which has an average annual precipitation VI-4l

of about 14 inches.

T.
50

LEGEND

I
Scali in

z
!
miles

o
~

Bluebunch

Wheatgrass Wheatgrass Grama Grama

Inland Saltgrass/Western

Big Sagebrush/NeedleandThread-Blue Big Sagebrush/Western Boundary Wheatgrass-Blue of Wyodak Coal Property

Source:

After Soils Data, USDA, SCS, Soil Survey of Campbell Wyoming, July, 1955, Soi I Map Sheet No.3

county,

Figure 4

Vegetation

community

Boundaries
VI-42

(Wyodak

Coal Property)

Aquatic vegetation adjacent

is absent on the property but may be found in stream, which flows easte:ly along the

Donkey Creek, an intermittent

south part of the area. Symbol Agsm Agsp Ansc Bogr Cafi Dist Hoju JUNC Kocr Orhy Popr Pose Stco ASTR LUPI

Some of the plant species found in the area include: Common Name Scientific Agropyron Agropyron Andropogon Bouteloua sedge Name

western wheatgrass bluebunch wheatgrass

smithii spicatum scoparius gracilis

little bluestem blue grama threadleaf

Carex filifolia Distichlis stricta

inland saltgrass foxtail barley rushes prairie junegrass Indian ricegrass Kentucky bluegrass

Hordeum jybatum Juncus spp. Koeleria Oryzopsis cristata hymenoides

Poa pratensis Poa sandbergii Stipa comata Astragalus Lupinus spp.

Sandberg bluegrass needleandthread milkvetches lupines skeleton plant phlox scurf pea silver sagebrush fringed sagebrush big sagebrush plains prickly pear greasewood

spp. spp.

LYGO
PHLO PSOR Arca Arfr Artr Oppo Save

Lygodesmia Phlox spp. Psoralea Artemisia Artemisia Artemisia

spp. cana frigida tridentata

Opuntia polyacantha Sarcobatus vermiculatus

VI-43

Archeological

and Paleontological

Values char-

The Wyodak lease area is not part of the areas which typically acterized evidence of early man; however, cultural resources. especially

this does not mean that the Wyodak This area has very good probability

lease area is without of cultural resources,

in view of the easterly flowing Donkey Creek. running stream, would have attracted of cultural resources both

Donkey Creek, being a permanently man and animal to its banks. teepee rings and scatterings

The existence

such as

of tool stones, chipping and broken arrowheads, indicates that prehistoric man was,

on the Carter lease eight miles northwest, in fact, in the area. Nothing archeological

This is the case with much of the Powder River Basin. of the Wyodak lease until an archeologist. values. The

can be said about archeology

survey has been conducted

by a professional

Wyodak mining plan states there is no evidence

of archeological

VI-44

Historical A literature made by a professional

Values of the Wyodak lease was

review and site examination historian, resident

in the Powder River Basin. to skirt the area was the westunder the 1eadersr.ip in the summer of but they

The most significant

party of record American swiftly

bound force of John Jacob Astor's of Wilson 1811. Price Hunt. They moved

Fur Company through

the region

Their route is reasonably

easy to follow from Hunt's journal,

were traveling sequence. north.

with saddle horses and pack animals approach to the Wyodak

and left no trail of con20 miles

Their nearest

site was approximately

The coal mine and the proposed buildings as such and no other historic

mine site do not contain activities

historic here.

or events have occurred

VI-45

Aesthetics Ifhile the land east of the Wyodak valley bottom, the lease itself between. texture is soft appearing dominant from the rolling grass and lease falls steeply gently sloping into a wide ridges with a

is on two broad,

shallow valley

The vegetative sage covered The color summertime hills.

Sagebrush

is fairly

and quite evenly distributed. the grass-green in the

is the grey-green and brown during

of the sage mixed with the winter months.

The exposed

soil is generally

the soft brown

or yellow

ocher. blending easily with monotone of this

The entire the surrounding land.

lease is small, with not much relief, The gentle very slopes, even texture, The major

and generally scenic value

colors do not provide natural

exciting with

scenery.

site is its continuity There

the landscape. on the lease. However, the intrusions facilities effec-

are few intrusions mine,

created

by the present

the power plant,

and associated

tively negate

any scenic values.

VI-46

Wildlife A more extensive regional description

and Fish of existing wildlife resources in the

study area is found in Chapter IV, Part I. are also reviewed

Site characteristics Common and Latin names

having broad applicability of vertebrate wildlife

in Part I.

species known or suspected

to occur in the Eastern

Powder River Basin Appendix C.

(and this lease area) are found in Tables 29 to 32,

Big game Pronghorn antelope The entire lease area provides groups of antelope habitat (10 to 20 per group). Relatively seasonal habitat for numerous small

Section 21 is especially

important use, human

in the lease area.

small size, heavy livestock

activity,

and tight fencing have reduced

the overall value of this lease area antelope in this lease area and rabbitbrush Average

for antelope.

Specific harvest data concerning

are not available.

Major forage species include big sagebrush

during all seasons and a variety concentrations animals. are approximately

of forbs during spring and summer.

5 to 10 antelope per section or about 25

The lease area does not constitute

quality deer habitat.

Light and

irregular use is made by mule deer with small habitat considerable densities human activity combine

size; lack of cover, and Seasonal

to create limiting factors.

of about three deer per section periodically It is unlikely

use the area north of occurs on this to mule deer.

the existing power plant. lease area.

that sport harvest

Big sagebrush is the primary forage species of value

VI-47

Other mammals Predators and furbearers Little information concerning specific predator use or population to the area are Prey and

trends in this lease area is available. coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, badgers,

Predators striped

most common

skunks, and bobcats. prairie

species include

ground squirrels,

pocket

gophers,

dogs, rabbits, Harvest

mice along with occasional exercising

insects,

lizards,

and grouse. is slight.

by ranchers

a degr(~e of predator Beaver and muskrat

control

efforts

are believed

to occur on the lease area. water and riparian

Beaver

and muskrat associated

are directly with it.

dependent

upon reliable

vegetation

Rabbits

and hares Two species of hares (jackrabbits) and two species of rabbits The white-tailed jackrabbits (cotton-

tails) are likely

to be found on this lease area. the presence of black-tailed

jackrabbit

is fairly common, while area is not certain. Cottontails

on the lease

They are present

in modest numbers although

near the lease area. cottontail vary

found here are desert cottontails As with jackrabbits, An average

the mountain of cottontails density

may also be present. considerably

populations population

from year to year.

of 148 cotton-

tails and 100 jackrabbits

is estimated

for the lease area.

Rodents Two known colonies of blacktail prairie dogs occupy about 30 acres of

the lease area lying south and west or the mine pit located section 28, T50N, R7IW. have special significance They are separated because by a low hill.

in the S~, Prairie dog colonies ferrets.

of their relationship

to black-footed

VI-48

A variety least chipmunk, pocket mouse, northern

of rodents

occur on this lease area. ground squirrel, northern

Species pocket

include

the

thirteen-lined

gopher, Wyoming and

Ord1s kangaroo mouse.

rat, western

harvest mouse,

deer mouse,

grasshopper Results

of small mammal to the northwest, exists.

trapping

studies

on the Carter

lease area,

about seven miles where

bear direct application

to this lease area levels which

similar habitat

Population

and species abundance

may occur on the Wyodak lease are:

Catch per 100 Trap Nights Species Deer mice Harvest 13-lined mice ground mice squirrel Shrub-grass 6.2 1.5 .5 .07 .09 .06 .05 type Grassland 1.0 .5 type

.8
.35 None None None

Grasshopper

Least chipmunk Pocket mice Others

Small-footed

myotis,

long-legged

myotis,

and western

big-eared

bat

may occur on the lease area.

Upland game birds Sage grouse Sagebrush is utilized habitat, especially in the northern Estimated part of the lease area, densities a low of

intermittently

by sage grouse. occur although

seasonal

five per section probably

the area is generally

VI-49

concentration

area.

Although

the sage grouse is a game species, harvest

this lease area is unlikely.

Hungarian

(gray) partridge This species occurs in surrounding areas. Their presence on the

lease area is likely. ments for the "Hun."

A variety

of habitat

types satisfy living require-

Waterfowl

and shorebirds Most significant habitat is limited to small stockponds and an

intermittent

pond in the northwest

corner of section 28.

These ponds also waterfowl. The

serve as temporary intermittent

resting and feeding areas for migrating

pond in section 28 provides

reliable water only in the spring. gadwall, American

Most common species are ducks and include the mallard, widgeon, and green-winged teal.

Other birds Raptors Raptors hawk, rough-legged periodically found in the lease area include hawk, and American kestrel. the red-tailed It is not

hawk, Swainson's

known if nesting habitat in numbers during ferruginous

is available

in the lease area.

Golden eagles increase

the winter months.

Other species which may occur are the owl, and short-eared owl. Birds, the

hawk, marsh hawk, great-horned and insects are the mainstay

small mammals, area.

diet of raptors frequenting

Song birds Little data concerning are available. the occurrence of song birds in this lease area times of the

As many as 100 species may be present at various

VI-50

year.

One of the most common species here is the western meadowlark which feeds primarily on insects. Horned larks, yearlong another migratory

(usually residents,

migratory)

feed on insects and small seeds. feed primarily insects.

Lark buntings,

species,

on seeds except during the nesting magpies are yearlong

season when they switch to of the general area.

Black-billed

residents

Fish There are presently no waters capable of supporting fish populations.

Reptiles

and amphibians While no reptiles or amphibians have been actually recorded as occurin the (Carter

ring on the lease area, several reptile immediate

species have been identified in similar habitat

region several miles to the northwest

Oil Company 1973a, p. 25). bellied racer, bullsnake, which are ~robably near the temporary

These include the short-horned

lizard, yellowAmphibians

milk snake, and prairie rattlesnake.

present in the limited habitat ponds and intermittent

of the lease area will be Species include Others which may

stream courses.

the leopard frog, tiger salamander,

and great plains toad.

be present include the chorus frog, Woodhouse's toad. No documented population densities,

toad, and the plains spadefoot

trends, detailed distributions,

etc., exist for either reptiles

or amphibians.

Invertebrates Local insect populations beetles, include an abundance and moths. of grasshoppers, of spiders is include plant

ants, wasps, bees, butterflies, These representative predators,

A variety

also present.

groups and others present

eaters, scavengers,

and parasites.

Many species of plants depend

on insects for pollination.

VI-51

Threatened Black-footed

species ferret its

This rare mammal has not been sighted on this lease area although presence Because is possible. Two prairie dog colonies are on this lease area.

ferrets have been reported

in the Powder River Basin in recent years, potential surrounding ferret habitat. areas increases the

all prairie dog colonies The presence likelihood

here must be considered in nearby

of prairie dog colonies

of ferrets

in the colony on this lease area.

Peregrine

falcon Occurrence of this species on the lease area is highly likely during

period of migration.

Prairie falcon Not an endangered While no prairie to be present species, the falcon is nevertheless rare in Wyoming.

falcons have been sighted on this lease area, they are known

in the Powder River Basin.

VI-52

Recreation Limited It is estimated big game and upland game hunting occurs on the Wyodak lease.

that less than 100 hunter days are spent annually may occur on the southern lease

on the lease.

Some varmint hunting

(existing mine) where a

prairie dog town is located. Some rolling terrain occurs on the Wyodak However, no qualities lease that may be attracexist which greatly motorcross racing

tive to local motorcyclists. distinguish (motorcycles)

it from the surrounding is held on private

terrain.

Some organized

land near the present Wyodak mine. than for any peculiar

The locavalues

tion is apparently

used more for convenience

since it lies five miles from Gillette. Local groups contacted able gemstones or petrified indicate no known concentrations of collect-

wood on the lease. opportunities exist both from on and off for observing birds of

Frequent U.S. Highway 14-16.

antelope viewing

There are no special

opportunities

prey, waterfowl,

upland game birds or wild horses. town on the present-day

Prairie dogs can be seen

in a well-developed The Wyodak interest 14-16. especially

mine and east of Wyodak. to the lease area are of

strip mine and plant adjacent to nonresidents passing

through the region on U.S. Highway Highway 90 crosses

This will become more significant increase.

when Interstate

the mine and travelers

VI-53

Agriculture Livestock grazing Four ranching of lands included eighty grazing Mining acres operations currently make use of the surface plan. resources and

in the Wyodak

coal lease and mining The ranching

Two thousand

are included

in the lease.

uses include

livestock

and associated

cropping.

Of the 2,240 acres owns 280 acres,

in the mine area, Homestake the State of Wyoming individuals. owns

Co. owns 1,200 acres, Wyodak 440 acres

320, and the remaining

are ovmed by three private

Ranch

operation There

A are about 3,000 acres in this operation and the vJyodak lease is of the area under

under

1,270 acres.

The private

individual

owns 320 acres

lease, and the remainder Wyoming. One hundred

is owned by Homestake

~lining Co. or the State of crested wheatgrass is native pasture, range that

fifty-five

acres are seeded

120 acres are used for hay production, is rated herd. at four acres per animal

and the remainder This ranch

unit month.

is used for an 80-cow water. Two miles land.

Four reservoirs

and one well are used for livestock of boundary

of interior

fence and 7 3/4 miles

fence occur on the lease

Ranch

operation

B in the ranch operation and the coal lease and

There are over 7,400 acres is under 440 acres.

Of the 440 acres,

40 are owned by the ranch operator ~lining Co.

the remainder

is owned by Wyodak grazing with

and Homestake the exception

All of the land is 65 acres that

used for livestock has been about of-way There

of approximately

open pit mined

by Wyodak.

This is a continuing improvement the north

operation

that mines rightunit.

four acres fence.

annually.

The only range

is the highway

U.S. Highway

14 and 16 passes

end of this ranch Creek runs

are no water

developments

on this parcel,

but Donkey

through

VI-54

the southern

edge.

It is not a true perennial system outflow. Water

stream but has become quality

so because because

of the Gillette

sewage

is not acceptable

of the level of effluent. month of forage.

This range

is rated at three acres per animal unit

Ranch operation

C operation is based on 2,280 acres and the Wyodak range and are rated lease at four

This ranch lies under 80 acres.

The 80 acres are all native of forage. There

acres per animal

unit month

isn't any water fence

on this tract

and the only improvement edge. This ranch

is one-half is leased

mile of boundary

on the southern lands.

operation

to an operator who or the numbers

owns other

The total size of the ranch managed.

is not known

and class of livestock

Ranch

operation

D lease arrangement with Wyodak and is based on

This is a seasonal about lands. 350 acres. Yearlings Wyodak

are purchased

annually

and grazed

on the Wyodak and an old, The on

uses the remainder Of the 350 acres,

or about

100 acres

for facilities

open pit mine. remainder

290 are included

in the coal lease.

is facility

lands not currently owned.

being utilized. maintains

All improvements what facilities

the grazing he needs.

lands are Wyodak These

The operator

lands are rated

at 3.5 acres

per animal

unit month.

Farming Farming not significant. achieve operations There on the area included in the Wyodak coal lease are to

is no irrigation

and summer

fallow must be used

an economical

yield

on small grain.

VI-55

One hundred operation. The yield

twenty acres of hay are cropped is approximately

on one farm-ranch The same operator consists of may

one ton per acre.

raise a crop of small grain reseeding ing year. per acre. pasture

every few years.

The crop practice

to small grain

the first year and then to grass and the yields average about

the follow30 bushels

Crops are barley

or wheat

The farm has a total of 155 acres of seeded pasture acreage planted is much less.

so the grain

VI-56

Transportation The Wyodak Gillette and north coal lease is located approximately five miles east of is

of U.S. Highway

14 and 16.

This stretch

of highway State

fairly heavily Highway

traveled with over 2,000 vehicles 1972). Highway

per day (Wyoming

Commission

1-90 will eventually

take over the traffic The

from U.S. 14 and 16 upon its completion

in the latter half of 1975.

new highway will be located north of the existing remain as a frontage road.

U.S. 14 and 16 which will

One county maintained

road crosses a small portion

of the southeast graded dirt road the

corner of the north lease area and only one other identifiable was noted. lease area. estimated ranching There are a limited number Traffic flow figures of unimproved

dirt roads throughout but are

on these roads are not available for access to the existing

to be light and used chiefly operations,

Wyodak mine,

and oil well operations. shown on Figure 82, Chapter IV, Part I, crosses from the of

One of the pipelines the north lease area.

A number of electric

transmission

lines emanate

Black Hills Power Plant at Wyodak, the lease area. Two new power generating at Wyodak in 1977 and 1982.

of which at least five cross some portion

facilities

are scheduled

to go into operation with

The proposed

transmission

lines associated

these plants are shown on Figure 83, Chapter

IV, Part I.

VI-57

Socio-Economic The existing proposed development, conditions

Conditions this

of the study area, which includes in Part I, Chapter IV.

are described

VI-58

CHAPTER III PROBABLE Total development acres. An estimated IMPACT OF PROPOSED ACTION

of the Wyodak mine property will involve 2,080 have already been (MW)air-

140 acres (120 mined - 20 facilities) since 1925.

disturbed.

The mine has been in existence is currently in operation

A 20 megawatt

cooled powerplant erty includes

at the mine site. coal.

The mine prop-

federal lease coal as well as private covers the remaining

The impact analysis 330-MW air-cooled plant projected

1470 acres to be mined, a air line

plant to be completed by 1977, a 450-MW air-cooled

to be in operation

by 1982, and 44 miles of transmission

to be built in the study area in 1976-1977. on the main railroad warehouse.

As the mine and plant are located (670') for the

line, only a short spur will be required

Air Quality Current mining operations, removing approximately 0.7 million tons

per year, are adding dust and coal dust to the atmosphere in air quality. contributing Operation of the 20-MW air-cooled in ambient air quality. are: particulates

causing a reduction

Neil Simpson Station is Estimated yearly emissions

to a reduction

from this plant

(with controls)

- 1,518 tons, nitrogen

oxides - 920 tons, and sulfur dioxide - 718 tons. Expansion of mining activities on this site will create additional rate is scheduled to increase tons in

impacts on air quality. from 0.7 million 1982.

The present production

tons to 2.5 million

tons in 1977 and to 5 million an estimated

The present

level of mining disturbs

5 surface acres per

VI-6l

year and 137,200 cubic yards of overburden, in this area. At the 2.5 million increases

due to thinness of overburden level in 1977, the surcubic yards of 36

ton production

face disturbance overburden.

to about 18 acres and 3.6 million

In 1982, the surface disturbance

will be approximately

acres and 7.2 million

cubic yards of overburden.

Over the life of the mine (38 years or until 2012) an estimated 1,470 acres will be disturbed be removed and handled. overburden and 240 million cubic yards of overburden and disturbance will

Removal of vegetation

of topsoil and to wind action

will expose fine-grained quite strong.

soil and parent material Soil particles

which is frequently

will be lifted by the in air quality and

wind and carried into the atmosphere, reducing visibility

causing a reduction

during periods of high wind.

Coal dust from crushers, the air during

trucks, coal piles, and loading operations windy periods. Pollution

will also pollute

from these sources may increase up to three-fold

in 1977 and as much as seven times the present amount in 1982 when production increases production to 5 million tons per year. From this point on it is assumed that from coal mining will remain at a constant

and thereby air pollution

rate until the coal is exhausted. Expansion carbon monoxide, increased of operations will also increase emissions of sulfur dioxide, equipment,

nitrogen

oxides, and hydrocarbons and operation

from mining

train operations,

of vehicles

by the increased populaAs coal prothe

tion (1,100 by 1990) associated duction is increased, probability

with the mine and power plants.

more loose coal will be exposed, in accidental

thereby creating

of an increase

coal fires (from spontaneous to the atmosphere.

combustion). human

These will add toxic vapors and particulates activity wildfires. on and adjacent

Increased

to the area also increases

the chance of additional to the air,

Such fires would temporarily air quality.

add smoke and particles

further reducing

VI-62

Construction stack will be completed

of a new 330-megawatt and in operation

(MW) power plant with a 400-foot All of the old units except Projected yearly

by 1977.

unit 5 (20 MW) of the Neil Simpson emissions

Station will be retired.

from the new 330-MW plant and retrofited Standards

unit 5 (assuming

compliance Emission

with New Source Performance Standards), with consumption

(NSPS) and Wyoming Air Quality 1.5 to 2.0 million

of approximately

tons of coal

per year, could be:

1,600 tons of particulates, oxides

15,700 tons of sulfur diox-

ide (S02)' and 12,400 tons of nitrogen Another operation by 1982. new air-cooled

(NOx)' for construction approximately (assuming and 2 milcompli19,000

power plant is scheduled requiring

This will be a 450-MW plant,

lion tons of coal per year, and could have yearly ance with applicable air quality standards)

emissions,

of 2,100 tons of particulates, oxides.

tons of sulfur dioxide, new plant becomes with applicable

and 14,500 tons of nitrogen total yearly

When the second (assuming compliance

operational,

stack emissions

air quality

standards)

resulting

from the area could be: 3,700 and 26,900 tons of nitrogen

tons of particulates, oxides.

34,700 tons of sulfur dioxide,

Some trace elements burned by Wyodak emissions

and radionuclides

contained

in the ash of coal These and

power plants may be released

with stack emissions.

could have a detrimental little scientific An analysis

effect upon soil, vegetation,

animals,

man although environment. mine

information

exists as to their effects upon the taken from the tipple at Wyodak's Colorado) shows the follow- 1 ppm; -

of a coal sample

(analyzed by the U. S. Geological (parts per million-ppm)

Survey, Denver,

ing amounts

of twelve trace elements:

Arsenic

cadmium - less than 0.1 ppm; copper - 7.7 ppm; fluorine 0.081 ppm; lithium - 1.6 ppm; lead - 5.6 ppm; antimony 0.6 ppm; thorium - less than 1.5 ppm; uranium

- 30 ppm; mercury - 0.1 ppm; selenium

- 0.6 ppm; and zinc - 4.2 ppm.

VI-63

(See the Minerals the Wyodak mine.)

description

of this part for other trace elements

in coal from

Construction

of the first power plant will involve

surface distur30 acres. This

bance of 30 acres and the second one will disturb will add additional dust and internal increases combustion

an additional

engine emissions

to the atmos-

phere. Total population power plant

associated

with the mine

(480 by 1990), first

(420 by 1990), and second power plant emissions

(200 by 1990) will add inthe Gillette

creased vehicle area air basin.

to the air of the basin and particularly

During normal

climatic

conditions, downwind

the air pollutants

originating within a short

from this site will be dispersed distance occur people and before reaching

(east and southeast)

any center of population.

However,

when inversions

(see Part I, Chapter in Gillette,

IV, Air Quality)

onsite workers, Gillette

as well as could also be impacted (which occur less and heart caused

could be seriously during periods During

affected.

from these pollutants than 10 percent conditions or worsened. Offsite powerlines.

of easterly

surface winds

of the time).

such occurrences, irritated,

respiratory

could be aggravated,

asthmatics

and lung diseases

impact on air quality will result

from construction

of new

Two new 230-kv lines will be constructed for operation in 1977.

from the 330-MW power to or

plant scheduled Buffalo, complete Wyoming,

These lines will be constructed

and Spearfish,

South D~kota.

They will involve partial

soil disturbance This will

on approximately

1,012 acres within

the two-county to the air. its impact

study area.

temporarily

add dust and vehicle along a stretch

emissions

As this pollution

will be occurring

of 44 miles,

on air quality will not be significant.

VI-64

Topography The topography the greatest surrounding the Wyodak mines probably district. will be impacted

of any area in the coal mining

This impact is caused

mainly by thin overburden. In the southern lease area of the Wyodak mine, coal beds range in thick-

ness from about 60 to 95 feet, excluding partings. Overburden thickness ranges

from 9 to 20 feet of shaley coal and

from 80 feet on the west to 10 feet on the the federal lease.

east side of the same area, which The decrease maximum in altitude

is about 285 acres including

will range from a minimum

of 58 feet on the east to a

of 79 feet on the west. The average drop in altitude for the 285 acres underlain by 41 million

tons of coal to be mined at the south pit excluding coal, will be about 66 feet. a stripping Twenty-two million

the area of partly burned and

cubic yards of overburden

ratio of 0.57 are estimated drop in altitude

for the 285 acres. for the 74 acres unlain by 10 million Overburden of

The average

tons of coal to be mined at the north pit, will be about 65 feet. 5.4 million acres. cubic yards and a stripping drop in altitude ratio of 0.55 are estimated

for these 74 tons

The average

for the 944 acres unlain by 120 million will be about 11 feet.

of coal to be mined million

on the north lease

Two hundred-five for

cubic yards of overburden

and a stripping

ratio of 1.8 are estimated

these 944 acres. Maximum coal in relation decrease in altitude will occur in areas which have thick

to thin overburden. Wyoming, the township (T50N, R7l-72W.) that includes minimum

East of Gillette,

the Wyodak mine is a good example of the interrelation spoil, changes deposition. in ground slope and possible increased

of coal mining, local erosion and

VI-65

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VI-66

In the mine-reclamation ing the topography were made:

model of a dragline after coal mining, by coal mineable

operation

for reconstructassumptions total areas

of this township

the following

total area is underlain

by surface methods,

area is surface mined without that might, in reality,

regard to cultural

features or burned-out

preclude mining;

no reshaping

of spoils but only smoothing or outcrop

spoil piles, mining

in 200-foot panels westward smoothing the highwalls

from the burnline

to the final highwall, margins.

to 3:1 slopes; and smoothing of the coal. between of land Figure 50

A value of 100 feet was assumed altitude

for the thickness

1 shows that the average

of land surface may be decreased This broad lowering

and 100 feet for large parts of this township. surface ends in a long narrow Smoothing

trough on the west side, the remains of the final and rounding topographic of the spoil piles generally relief. Any cliff-like tends

pits and highwalls.

to create a more subdued, topographic

rolling

or abrupt

breaks now present on the area will be eliminated. the channel of Donkey Creek is deepened of lakes will probably east of the burnline, the burnline

Unless

some ponding or formation and the highwall, 80 feet.

occur between

where the former channel of Donkey Creek has been lowered the water can be pumped across the depression on

As an alternative, culvert.

an elevated

Because of the thickness occur slowly.

of the coalbeds,

topographic

impacts will little

Since most of the coal is associated

with thin overburden, of coal.

surface acreage has to be disturbed

to mine large volumes

VI-67

Soils Mining will result in the destruction and mixing of the topsoil on all mined lands (1,470 acres) within the mining area. This will destroy all

of the soil characteristics, microorganisms and climatic relationships which have been established over a long geologic time span and destroy soil productivity for an indefinite time period. During the life of the mine (until

2012) approximately 1,100 acres of moderately productive agricultural soils identified as the U1m (1,070 acres), Renohi11 (10 acres) and Terry (20 acres) soil types will be destroyed. The remaining 840 acres comprised of the Arvada

(460 acres), Wibaux (200 acres) and Rough Broken Lands (180) would be impacted slightly because they are not suitable for agriculture and are low in productivity. In addition to the topsoil acreage which will be disturbed, approxi-

mately 240 million cubic yards of overburden or lower soil horizons will be removed and disturbed during the life of the mine. This will result in complete

destruction of all soil horizons, parent material and soil characteristics and could result in bringing elements such as boron to the surface which may be toxic to plant growth. At the completion of mining operations the soil struc-

ture will be completely different from what exists today and productivity could be destroyed. Upon expected completion of mining by 2012 approximately 43 percent (900 acres) of the soil surface will be permanently lost to reclamation or revegetation as adequate fill material will not be available for total reclamation and partially filled pits of water will remain. Nearly 1,180 acres of

disturbed soils will remain for rehabilitation and revegetation. Mining operations and disturbance of soil surfaces will result in fine-grained soil and parent material being exposed to wind and water actions. Soil permeability and infiltration rates will be reduced, increasing runoff, VI-68

soil erosion and sedimentation.

Wind action, which

is almost constant

over the

area, will cause fine soil, silt, and clay particles phere reducing air quality and adding to soil loss. of a 230-kv powerline

to be lifted into the atmos-

Construction

(44 miles) will disturb about soil association Asso-

1,012 acres of productive No.3

soils in the Renohill~Maysdorf~Ulm No.7

(552 acres), Wibaux association

(92 acres); Renohill-Cushman Association Association No. 10 (108

ciation No.9

(200 acres); Renohill-Shingle-Terry

acres); and Tassel-Shingle-Otero-Terry-Olney-Kim Part I, Regional Analysis -
Soils, describes them.

No. 20 (60 acres). completely

these soils associations

and Map 7, Appendix by construction

A, locates

Approximately

60 acres will be disturbed for completion from

of two (330- and 450-MW) power plants scheduled Construction

in 1977 and 1982. production and another

of the power plants will involve removal Powerline construction

of 20 acres of soil. 55 acres

will remove 150 acres expansion recreation increase generated use resultsoil runoff will

(by 1990) will be lost to population Increased

by increased mine and power plant employment. ing from population and erosion.

increases will cause soil compaction, 362 acres disturbed

The remaining

by power line construction

be rehabilitated

and revegetated. of Donkey Creek to allow mining may create additional impacts. Streamflow will be altered increasing velocity and

Alteration onsite and offsite causing increased

soil erosion and sedimentation of soil moisture

along the stream banks. soil productivity

Some and

areas may be deprived vegetative growth. Emissions

thereby affecting

from the power plants in areas downwind

(particulate

matter-sulfur

dioxides) of

may cause soil pollution Wyodak. assessed.

or to the east or southeast

The effect of emissions

of this type, on soil has not been adequately

VI-69

Mineral The most important sumption expected of an estimated

Resources The removal and con-

impact is the one on coal.

165.4 million

tons of coal from this area over the of a nonrenewable

38-year life of the mine will result in depletion

energy source. Some coal will be lost from production due to dilution with waste material in the mining process, mostly of the bed, along

near the top and bottom

the ends of a particular

mining panel, and in areas where the coal is burned.

VI-70

Water Resources Ground water During mining and reclamation

}lining of a total of 165.4 million tons of coal over the life of the project (38 years 2012) removal of 240 million cubic yards of overburden, and disturbance of approximately 1470 acres will destroy aquifers located within the area. Due to the great thickness of the coal mined and the relatively thin overburden, the backfill will not return the mined area to the original surface altitude and residual holes will remain. After mining is completed, these holes will fill to a level approaching the water level in the nearby aquifers from groundwater discharge and surface runoff. Because the coal and the overlying rocks that are disturbed are discharge areas, recharge to the aquifers will not be affected. The area disturbed by mining operations will be very localized and should not be greater than the original pit. Pumping for dewatering during mining operations and for consumptive use will temporarily lower water levels to the base of the coal in the pit. Either adequate aquifer test data collected by monitoring a pumping well and nearby observation wells in the coal and the overburden deposits, or, the monitoring of water levels in properly spaced observation wells during actual mine dewatering operations. will be necessary levels to determine accurately the effects data area,

of mine dewatering obtained from nine

upon water dewatering

in nearby

aquifers.

From limited

operations of mine

now in progress

in the Gillette levels

an estimation

of the effects

dewatering

on nearby water caused

is pos-

sible .. It is estimated could extend Most outward

that the area of influence

from mine dewatering or points Within of pumping. the area

as much as two miles

from the point operations.

of the eff~s

will be west of the mining water

of influence greater water

caused by pumping, toward

levels will be lowered

at increasingly

depths

the mine area.

At the outer edge of the area of influence, Water wells and springs influence that may

levels will be lowered from shallow Reduction

insignificantly. within

derive water also dry up.

aquifers

the area of greater impact

in water

levels

could

agricultural that water

use and wildlevels will

life populations. be lowered

Figure

2 shows the extent operations.

and amount

during mining

VI-7l

R.74W.

R.73W.

R 72 VI

R 71 W

.,-/

rrxF ·v

/
p,/

7.. _

Eust ed~e )\'/YOdakAnderson coal.

T.52N.

-I

I---

--I--- .

--I--

-I---

T.50N.

J
j
EXPLANATION
--200-

GillE

---300--

Overburden

thickness.

in feet
T.49N.
.-

_ Approximote boundary of areas where shallow aquifers will be affected by surface mining. • • Approximate boundary of areas where wells in coal beds will be moderately affected by surface mining. All aquifers above the base of the Wyodak - Anderson coal will be drained in the vicinity of mining operations. Shallow aquifers less than 200 feet deep probably will be moderately affected. Water levels may be lowered appreciably. The coal beds will be largely drained. Wells in coal beds should be moderately affected by surface mining. Shallow aquifers probably will not be affected appreciably.

\Cbj)Q

c---J

"-----J

'I.
e

;1--

T.48N.

\J'o)~
('

("-~./---

CT11TmT1Tf1T1)

'lU.lU.LlJ.llJI

~
\

East edge of Wyodok· Anderson cool .--

Source;

Hadley

and Keefer (1974)

T.47N.

r=1IjMi

....,-.......,

SCALE IN MILES

\
\
Figure 2 of Lower Water Levels - Wyodak

Potential

Areas and Amounts

Vl-72

The mined area is a discharge recharge will occur. formerly Discharge

area and thus no change in groundwater

of water may be more apparent because water of

lost by evaporation

from seeps and springs and from transpiration into the mine

plants along stream drainages will be more readily discharged pits. As mining progresses, abandoned

pits will receive water from groundDischarge however, of water from ponds of the semiarid

water discharge

and precipitation

and runoff.

or lakes by evaporation climate of the region.

will be considerable,

because

After reclamation Aquifers affected will be local, restricted Backfilling mostly to the area where

the coal was removed.

will be along the edges of the pit to cover of the coal. Water levels will return

the coal and prevent natural to premining

combustion

levels and the chemical from the original

quality quality.

of the water in nearby aquifers Recharge will not be affected. load upon the underlying

will be unchanged Discharge artesian

will increase aquifers.

somewhat because

of decreased

Discharge

into the abandoned

mine pits will be facilitated

because water lost to evapotranspiration will be reduced as water is discharged

before mining along valley lowlands more readily into the mine pits.

Surface water After reclamation A loss of water from Donkey Creek will result from seepage Mean annual flow will be decreased, unaffected however to the pit.

peak flows will remain virtually

unless the dikes are breached will result in minimal

and the flow fills the mine pit. surface runoff change from the lease drains to closed basins.' When

Mining activities area

as 40 percent

of the lease area presently

VI-i3

the 60 percent of the lease area which drains to Donkey Creek is disturbed by mining activities, precipitation annual yield from the area will be reduced because of

captured by the mine pits.

The rate of runoff will be slowed the overburden. flow velocities, result-

due to subdued relief resulting Channelizing ing in accelerated

from stripping

Donkey Creek may cause increased and banks.

erosion of streambeds

In changing the course in headcutting of tribu-

of the stream, its base level may be lowered, resulting taries. Release of production possibly waters,

including mine drainage, would alter in accelerated erosion of streambeds erosion and sedimenta-

flow characterititcs, and banks. Depending

resulting

on the amount of release,

increased

tion could extend several miles down stream.

Water quality Ground water As the mined area is a point of discharge, reduction of quality of After spoils

water in the aquifers will not occur while mining is taking place. have been returned

to the pit, leaching could occur which may reduce the chemical Leaching of mineral constituents and possible

quality of water in the aquifers.

toxic trace elements will occur where water infiltrates In time, this ground water will be discharged springs along drainages Creek. or as groundwater

through the backfill.

at some place either as seeps or into the pit or Donkey recharge from

discharge

As the water moves from recharge infiltration

to points of discharge,

additional

through undisturbed

rocks will dilute the higher minerof the water at discharge

alized water so that the increase areas could be insignificant.

in mineralization

Water in the residual ponds or lakes will be similar to a mixture the ground water discharged

into the pond or lake from aquifers and the water

that runs into the pond or lake from surface runoff. zation of the water will occur as water is evaporated the water behind.

An increase in mineralileaving the minerals in

Surface water Erosion and sedimentation operation of the mine as vegetation will be increased is removed. during construction and

High sediment yields will and a protective grass

occur from spoil piles until they have been reclaimed cover established. flow periods A major portion of the water from Gillette.

in Donkey Creek during low Although water discharged from

is sewage effluent

Wyodak may be lower in dissolved

solids concentration

than the water in Donkey solids in the discharged Increased erosion

Creek during some periods of low flow, any dissolved water will increase and sedimentation the dissolved

solids load in the stream.

could lead to a lowering of water quality in the streams. solids load in water downstream from the proposed mining

Dissolved

site will increase during mining and reclamation, solids concentration receiving streams.

but changes in dissolved of water in

will depend on the amount and concentration Dissolved solids concentration

in runoff from newly exposed dissolved solids loading

surfaces will increase. in downstream

Continuance

of the increased

waters after reclamation in the reclamation

is completed will depend on the degree effort to protect exposed surfaces from

of success achieved

leaching and erosion. Increased population associated with mine development could affect

water quality through recreational untreated

use of the area and from adding additional

sewage to the waters in the area.

Vegetation Impacts on vegetation date, approximately by coal mining are presently occurring. wheatgrass To com-

120 acres of the inland saltgrass-western by surface mining

munity have been destroyed Wyodak's destroyed coal mine.

in the north and south pits of

An additional

20 acres have been totally or partially and related facilities.

by roadways, Destruction

the Neil Simpson Station, of vegetation

will be accelerated (MW) coal-fired,

in 1977 with completion air-cooled Acreage power plant by mining

and activation

of the new 330-megawatt for additional

and its requirements and processing

coal production. to increase

destroyed

of coal is expected

from the present reaches

5 acres per year tons per to 5 million

to 18 acres per year in 1977 when coal production year. According

2.5 million

to the mining plan, coal production This will increase vegetation of the new 330-MW powerplant,

will be doubled

tons per year in 1982. Construction in 1977, will disturb tation type.

loss to 36 acres per year. scheduled for completion wheatgrass vegewith

30 acres of the inland saltgrass-western will be constructed

rwo new 230-kv powerlines

in connection Wyoming,

the new powerplant. one to Spearfish, located within partially

One line will be constructed South Dakota. Approximately An estimated

to Buffalo,

the other

44 miles of these lines will be 1,012 acres of vegetation Vegetation will be

the study area.

or completely

disturbed

during construction.

types which

will be affected consist mostly

along the route have not been surveyed types.

in detail but would

of big sagebrush-grass

Projected

rates of coal production

and estimated

coal reserves Destroyed

indi-

cate that the mine life will last 38 years or until 2012. by 2012 will total 1,470 in the descriptive

vegetation

acres on the actual mine area, of the types described of this part. Another 30 acres of vegetation adjacent

section

to the lease area will be disturbed in 1982.

by the construction VI-76

of the 450-~llipowerplant

Construction acres of vegetation.

of the two new power plants will permanently The access roads and tower footings required remove approximately with increased

remove 20 for the Popu-

powerline will permanently lation expansion associated

150 acres of vegetation.

employment

at the mine and power by 1990. An

plants will require permanent estimated

removal of 55 acres of vegetation

900 acres or 43 percent of the total vegetative because

area within

the mine~ reclaim

area will be lost permanently the area. Increased

of the lack of fill to completely any increase

recreation

use, especially

in off-road vehicle

use, will impact an undetermined

acreage of vegetation. processing

Haul road dust and coal dust from coal mining, blasting, and transporting, together with particulates and toxic chemicals adjacent

from powerplant from

stack emissions will be deposited the mine and powerplant. by dew and light rain.

on vegetation

to and downwind

These toxic chemicals may damage vegetation Dust- and particulate-covered to livestock

when wetted

and damaged vegetation

would also be less palatable Suitable vegetation some of the mined area. surface. Microclimate

and wildlife. or impossible material to reestablish on

may be difficult

Toxic or nonproductive will be changed.

may be brought

to the

Soil structure will be destroyed with or in combinWith the type

loss of some topsoil. ation make revegetation of climate and existing success is sketchy. explained in Chapter

These effects of mining may individually difficult or impossible in some areas.

soil types in the area, prediction an assumed reclamation

of reclamation

However,

success in this area is

III, Part I, Reclamation

of Mined Lands.

VI-77

Young vegetation

from reclamation

will attract wildlife which like

to graze on new, young shoots. revegetation of the disturbed

This grazing will inhibit early growth and areas.

VI-78

Archeological

and Paleontological archeological

Values survey has been made on values

No report of a professional the Wyodak lease. exist. A statement

has been made that no archeological

With the unknown archeological-paleontological significant impacts from strip mining.

values,

there could be

There will be nearly 1,470 acres involved 240 million cubic yards of over-

in strip mining

on this lease.

Approximately

burden will be moved to mine the coal. occupied by construction interstate covering highway

Additional

area (20 acres) will be An

of two additions

to the existing power plant.

(1-90) also will cross the south end of the lease, permanently Moving the overburden archeological or establishing permanent

79 acres of leased land.

structures

will either destroy potential

sites or make then unavail-

able for study and salvage. Besides impacts associated the direct impact of mining, with the population and operation increase there will be some indirect (1,100 by 1990) expected to be

generated by construction

of the mine and power plants.

The

increased mine related population acreage

will permanently

remove and disturb additional values.

(55 acres by 1990) which could possibly Recreational use associated

contain archeological

with this population

will impact known Arrowhead

as well as unknown hunters,

archeological

sites throughout and off-road

the study area.

rock collectors,

pot hunters

vehicle users will all

disturb additional information

surface acreage, sites.

destroying

evidence which could provide

on archeological

VI-79

Historical No historical values

Values by this action.

will be impacted

(

Aesthetics Mine operations texture, which combine removal will impact the elements of form, line, color and Disturbance cause a

to make up the resource of overburden

termed aesthetics. of new landforms

of vegetation, change

and creation

in the appearance Contrasts

of the landscape. by stripping away the vegetative color tones now seen colors of yellow area, cre-

in color will be created the soil material. and greys.

cover and overturning

The predominant Mining

on the area are light browns

will create

and light greys which will differ ating contrasts. Texture be changed. create as created

from the color of the surrounding

by vegetative

patterns

and degree

of erosion will will created present on on in

Smoothing

of spoil piles

and reclamation appearance.

with grasses

a smoother

and softer-textured

The new texture and broken texture

the lease area will contrast the surrounding less variety monotonous areas.

with the roughened in texture

The change

on the lease area will result It will create a

and natural

configuration

in the landscape.

scenery, Development

at least on the area that is mined. of the transmission lines will natural add new lines to the landlines such as pipelines could develop a to and

scape.

These

lines may cut across Creation

existing

cultivated jumbled,

areas.

of new lines on the landscape like landscape which

disorganized,

unnatural

could be displeasing

the viewer. New intrusions the landscape. such as powerlines and power plants will be added of a discordant of a natural, the demands character to

These could cause development against

appear-

ing out of place when viewed landscape. Housing

the backdrop to meet

undisturbed

which will be needed

of expanding

VI-8l

population study area.

associated

with mine employment

could add other intrusions

to the

Landform will be altered. mined area will take place. relief will be smoothed

A general lowering

of the elevation of the

Abrupt breaks and changes in topographic of mining. The major change will be of mining where none

out at completion

the remains of the highwall activities.

and creation of a lake at completion

These will add a new topographic

break and depression

have appeared before. During the life of the mine, the entire operation will be exposed to direct view from the existing highway be constructed different and also from the interstate highway to

across part of the area.

This impact will not be appreciably operation. Impact Intrusions

from the existing mine and power generating will take place gradually

on aesthetics

over a period of time.

will be added to the landscape

prior to and at the beginning

of mining. mine when

Other changes will take place over a period of 38 years, the projected life. The changes to take place on this one site are not significant to the 4.9-million-acre study area. However

compared

the impact of mining

on this specific

site could be very significant natural landscape.

when viewed against the back-

drop of the surrounding

VI-82

Wildlife All wildlife The smaller wildlife burrowing animals)

and Fish from the area as mining progresses. invertebrates, rodents and other The popula-

will be displaced (reptiles,

amphibians,

which are not able to flee will be destroyed. such as the estimated 25 antelope,

tions which are displaced sage grouse, plus numerous adjacent sites.

a small number of on

birds and small mammals will have to relocate that the surrounding habitat.

It is assumed

areas are already supporting Therefore, the displaced be lowered measures be lost. are

populations wildlife to remain taken.

in balance

with the available

may exist for awhile, but the populations in balance with the available habitat

will eventually

unless mitigating may eventually

Part if not all of the displaced associated

population

The aquatic habitat

with Donkey

Creek will be lost. progression across

Loss of wildlife the mined property. by 1982, an estimated

habitat will be a constant of 5 million

Once full production

tons per year is reached annually. By

36 acres of vegetation

will be destroyed

the end of the mine life, a total of 1,470 acres of habitat will have been destroyed activity on the mine property. and noise associated species In all probability, operations the increased human

with mining

will disturb and cause of the habi-

the major wildlife tat. Habitat

to leave the area prior to destruction

for the big game species

(deer and antelope)

and for sage

grouse will be lost for a long period of time even though the area will be reclaimed. habitat The projected time periods for return of the area to suitable shown in Figure with a dogs, and 7,

for various wildlife

species groups are graphically especially

Chapter V, Part I. grass habitat

Some of the animals,

those associated

(Richardson's

and thirteen-lined

ground squirrels,

prairie

mice, and other small rodents) will return to the area as it is reclaimed

VI-83

vegetation

reestablished.

No satisfactory

evidence

is presently

available revegetated

\vhich would suggest that stripmined with plant communities

areas can be satisfactorily

that will satisfy needs of deer and antelope. which accompanies removing the 1977 power plant will

Power line construction disturb 1,012 acres, permanently

150 acres, mostly of sagebrush vegehazard to wildlife constructed.

tative type. (especially

The lines will also pose an additional raptors) through potential electrocution

if not properly

The use of herbicides could impact additional Creation wildlife

for maintenance habitat

of powerline

rights-of-way corridor.

on the entire 1,012-acre

of lakes at completion habitat.

of mining will permanently An aquatic habitat will be substiadditional water

remove 900 acres of terrestrial tuted. surface Depending

on water quality, climate

the impact of providing

in this semiarid Increased

could be beneficial. with enlarged mine and powerplant By 1990, with a projected removed. roads, popu-

population

associated

operations

will remove additional

vegetation.

lation of 1,100, 55 acres of habitat will have been permanently With increased animal road mortality traffic. Construction vehicular

use of the area and on surrounding Mortality

will increase. of right-of-way

will also occur from train the reclaim-

fences and fences to protect

ed area to allow for revegetation wildlife movement and migration.

to be established

may cause some impact on

Threatened Black-footed

species ferret dog colonies available and other small mammals will further to the black-footed ferret. Such

Loss of two prairie reduce overall potential destruction

habitat

in association

with habitat

losses occurring

in other areas can

VI-84

only increase danger inhabit

the threat

to this species. mammal.

Loss of habitat

is the greatest ferrets

to this endangered

It is not known since

if any black-footed the mine has been

these towns; none have been sighted

in operation.

Peregrine

and Prairie Although

Falcons and disturbance overall eliminates impact lands as suitable habitat

noise

for these species,

no significant

is anticipated.

Big game Pronghorn antelope Virtually habitat. of winter acreages activity 100 percent of potentially disturbed habitat lands are antelope in addition to 600 acres of large

Approximately

1,480 acres of yearlon?

range will be lost or severely to aquatic will habitat and increased

dama?ed. stress

Probable through

conversion

intensified

human

displace

an estimated

25 antelope.

Mule

deer Impacts to mule deer, a marginal species in the area, will be low.

Other mammals Predators and furbearers Initial experience impacts will be severe. Coyote, red fox and bobcats ranging nature. will habi-

less immediate initiate

impact due to their wide a decline in populations especially

Direct and

tat removal will badgers. species

of raccoons,

skunks

Loss of prey species will such as badger. Any future increase

impact

the less wide-ranging

in suitable

aquatic

and riparian striped skunks

habitat

might

eventually predators.

enhance

the area for use by raccoons,

and other

VI-85

Rabbits

and hares Jackrabbits and cottontails will initially undergo habitat declines. losses as Where

mining operations aquatic habitat

proceed.

This will result in population and rehabilitation recovery results

is not developed

in a reestablishrapid

ment of herbaceous within new habitat

cover, some population capacities.

may be relatively

Rodents Overburden removal during coal development will eliminate occupied prairie

dogs on this lease area. est densities

Surrounding

areas are already

at the great-

they are capable of supporting There are probably

and successful

lasting relocation dogs inhabiting

is highly unlikely. the lease area. Substantial operations conversion

several hundred

prairie

losses of other small mammals will occur during mine for stripping, equipment of suitably work areas, and habitat reclaimed areas will

in areas cleared areas.

Rapid re-colonization

occur due to the high reproductive

rates of most small mammals.

Upland game birds Destruction Removal of sagebrush of suitable habitat will eliminate upland game bird use.

will eliminate

sage grouse use for at least the dura1,000 acres of sage grouse habitat will seasonal habitat for a small number

tion of the study period. be lost.

An estimated

This amount of habitat Reoccupation

provides

of sage grouse. individual available.

of the lease area by game birds will depend on and amount of suitably reclaimed habitat

tolerances

to disturbance

VI-86

Waterfowl

and shorebirds Impact of the proposed of shoreline, action on waterfowl and water will depend quality on acreage,

depth,

character

other uses,

of undisturbed habitat

habitat. far beyond

Development its present

of new aquatic capability.

habitat

may enhance waterfowl

Other birds The information ment of impacts from increased species will species will on birds. human available Refer is not sufficient to allow a good assessDisturbance or prey

to Chapter activity

V, Part I of this EIS. plus elimination

and mechanical reduce

of forage

sharply avoid

use by raptors

in the area. of noise

Nearly

all mobile

the lease area during

periods

and disruption.

Fish Development fish habitat present. where of water storage structures or "lakes" adequate could provide quality is

none presently

exist, provided

water

Reptiles,

amphibians Since most

and invertebrates reptiles and amphibians population do not readily losses migrate from dis-

turbed areas, or drastic

there will be direct of habitat.

resultinf

from elimination

modification

Invertebrates Permanent of facilities will loss or change result of habitat through mining and construction

in a direct

loss of invertebrates.

VI-87

Recreation Coal strip mining hunting the mine resource (2012). values. Useable and the attendant activities will diminish some

Nearly

1,470 acres will be mined during the life of habitat, and esthetic qualities associated

terrain,

with this acreage, hunter

while hunting,

will be lost on the lease. this lease; however,

Less than 100 due to the dis-

days are estimated of all related

lost by mining

turbance

activities,

nearly

200 hunter days may be lost around

the area near the lease. Mining five to ten miles from Gillette Mining will impose an inconvenience activity will disturb wildhunted and generally On the

for many who must hunt close to the city. life, affect some access to private require Wyodak residents

land previously

of the area to travel 30 to 40 miles more for hunting. (320 acres) will become physically base within

lease, some state land by mining

and legally the vicinity

more isolated of Gillette.

and reduce some recreation

VI-88

Agriculture Livestock forage Mining will remove 1.470 acres of grazing over a span of 38 years. Additional for construction land from production

removal of 225 acres of land surface

area. plant sites. etc .• will occur. hundred and ten acres of native range and seeded range

Fourteen furnishing One hundred

381 animal unit months of forage will be removed from production. twenty acres of hayland from production producing 60 animal unit months of grazing loss of livestock for-

will be removed age production and 225 acres

annually.

The permanent

would occur with the creation (61 AUMs) of site facilities.

of 900 acres

(243 AUMs) of lakes

Four reservoirs Donkey Creek. which pit mining.

and one well will be destroyed

by mining

activity.

is used for livestock

water. will be subject

to open

Water bearing underground

toxic mine wastes may enter the well and Donkey and surface water. The lossss of water will Polluted water sources

Creek, polluting adversely

affect distribution

of grazing livestock.

may result in death of livesotck. The water in Donkey Creek may carry high levels of toxic material to overflow

if fly ash is disposed into the creek. Considerable and mining will produce Mining

of in the mined pit and the pit is allowed

acreage denuded of vegetation areas that are potential

during construction

sources of dust contamination.

activity will create coal dust. It will probably

This dust may be severe enough to affect forage quality and be a health

curtail plant growth.

hazard to grazing livestock. Invader species of plants will become established on spoil piles.

VI-89

This may include undesirable

plants such as those classed as noxious or others

that are toxic to grazing livestock. Hazards pit mining areas. Hildfires may be started by construction activities. These fires to livestock will be created by highwall areas surrounding

could burn forage outside of the coal lease area. Residual particulate matter from power plant emissions will be a This

source of contamination will probably livestock.

to forage in the vicinity

of the power plant.

affect forage quality and may also be a health hazard to grazing

Farming One hundred twenty acres of hayland and about 50 acres of land that

are used for production

of small grain, producing

110 tons of hay and small
per acre, will be per-

grain yields of barley and wheat averaging manently lost for growing crops. }1ining activity will produce some amount of blowing desirable soil particles

30 bushels

large denuded areas that will contribute and coal dust. This may have an un-

effect on the growth of crops. Fences will be destroyed by mining activity, allowing livestock to

drift onto and destroy growing Access and harvest

crops. making it difficult to care for

to cropland may be destroyed,

crops. particulate matter from power plant emissions of the power plant. may be a source

Residual of contamination plant growth.

to crops in the vicinity

This may affect

VI-90

Transportation

Networks

The only county be the one that crosses relocation venience. few graded impact were required

road that may be impacted

by the Wyodak

mine would area. If

the southeast

corner of the north mining with

it could easily be achieved will be affected

a minimum mining

of inconThe

No paved highways

by surface

operations.

and dirt roads which will be obliterated number of similar

by mining

will not seriously the oper-

travel as an adequate

quality

roads circumscribe and other mineral

mine area and access ations in the area.

can easily be provided

to ranching

Impact on the future between present Gillette highway

interstate

Highway

1-90 from employee

travel The access

and the mine and power plants will be very minimal. U. S. 14 and 16 will remain as a frontage route

road to provide

to the mine Highway traffic

thus relieving

the interstate capable

from most mine oriented the increase

traffic. in

14 and 16 appears from mine Neither

of easily employment.

accommodating

and power plant the short electric

railroad

spur route

to the Burlington

Northern

line

nor the proposed

transmission

lines are expected facilities.

to significantly

impact or interrupt

existing

transportation

Socio-Economic The primary increases in capital Estimated dollars, socio-economic expenditures, capital

Conditions impacts will be those associated with

employment,

population,

and income.

expenditure 160 million

at the mine will be 10 to 12 million dollars for each of the power plants. 700 people for two to

and approximately Construction

of each powerp1ant operation.

will employ

three years prior to facility The following wages

table shows estimates An average

of employment,

population,

and

induced by the mine.

annual income of $14,000 by 1980 is

expected. 1977 Mine employment* Power plant emp1oyment* Other employment Total population 20 50 142 500 1980 35 60 193 670 1985 70 1990 70 90 325 1,100

90
325 1,100

Wages from mine and power plant employment on1y* # $980,000 *Does not include #Assume inflation 1970 employment

$1,330,000

$2,240,000

$3,360,000

5 percent

per year.

The mine operation Increases

will continue

until about the year 2012. the demand for services, pro-

in population

will increase

tection, water supplies, associated unemployment

sewage disposal

facilities,

and housing.

Problems and

with more dense populations may increase.

such as crime, mental

illness,

These impacts are discussed

in Chapter V, Part I.

VI-92

CHAPTER HITIGATIUG

IV NEASURES

Air Quality All activities with state and federal having an adverse effect on air quality must comply

air quality

standards

(Part I, Chapter

VI).

Stipulations Other

will be included stipulations

in the approved

mining

plan requiring

such compliance.

will be included

as appropriate. in the mining storage area, dust-control measures and coal

Watering incorporated enclosed

of haul roads

in the design

of crushing,

and loading

facilities,

conveyors

in the secondary devices

crushing

plant will be used

to reduce

dust emissions. plant stacks

Control

will be used on vehicles, emissions. by keeping

equipment,

and pOvler-

to reduce

gaseous

and particulate will be reduced

Coal fire occurrence piles of loose coal. of fires. Immediate

the area free of the

Use of fire prevention Firefighting revegetation equipment

campaigns

will minimize

frequency

will be required seeding,

on the site. of spoils dust.

(topsoiling, short-term boxcut

and fertilizing) from blowing

will be used and this will reduce Storing surfaces of initial will topsoil

air pollution overburden dust.

and initial

with

rough and uneven of a vegetative treatment

reduce

the amount

of windblown

Establishment dust.

cover on topsoil will be required dust.

stockpiles

will be required and roads

to prevent

Chemical

on coal stockpiles

if necessary

to prevent

fugitive

VI-93

Topography The mining in conjunction requires with and reclamation federal plan filed with the Federal Government,

regulations, adverse

state laws, and the coal lease terms, effects of surface mining. than

actions

to mitigate

topographic

Spoils will be graded 3:1. Highwalls

to a rolling

topography,

with no slopes

greater with

will be reduced

and final pits will be reclaimed and highwalls.

material

from adjacent

spoil banks

The spoil banks,

highwalls,

and final cuts will revegetation. soil material.

then be covered with coalbeds

a layer of soil material

to facilitate

All exposed

will be covered

by at least three feet of

The restored the lessee,

landform

shall be determined agency,

by consultations the State Lands will be frequent Prime

among Commission, enough so

the appropriate

land management

and the U.S. Geological as not to impede in grading

Survey.

Such consultations

the progress

of the mining

or reclamation.

consideration on the

and shaping

shall be catching table

and holding

of waters

falling

area to improve manner

the water

and catching areas

and holding

sediment

in such a

as to protect

downstream

from excessive

sedimentation.

VI-94

Soils Impacts authorizations to soils can be minimized by including stipulations in the

granted

by the Federal of certain

Government. land treatment practices will minimize and biologMitigating on will be

The application loss of topsoil ical properties; measures disturbed will

and productivity, soil loss by wind (1)

disruption and water

of physical, erosion,

chemical,

and compaction.

include:

Stockpiling

of topsoil

for later replacement such as scrapers

areas,

cuts, and fills. soil mixing; will minimize vehicle

Mechanized

equipment

used to minimize prior to seeding

(2) Ripping

and cultivating effects. operation

the soil surface Restriction of will

soil compaction

unnecessary minimize

off-road

use by equipment (3) Soil erosion of water

and employees

soil

compaction;

will be minimized structures

by mulching, water bars, to divert

revegetation, terraces,

and development furrows,

erosion ways,

including

contour

grassed

water

and interceptor areas. Wind with

ditches

running water minimized similar

away from unprotected up smooth

disturbed

erosion

will be or

by roughing

exposed

soil surfaces

a disk, harrow,

equipment Detailed

immediately

after

clearing

is completed. by Wyodak with prior to construcdesignated situated ~

soil inventories will

will be provided in accordance

tion.

The inventories

be conducted

standards

by the Bureau within

of Land Management area.

to map and identify

each soil series to a depth

the lease

Soil samples will be collected and chemical analyses.

of 60 inches include chloride,

or bedrock

for physical

Chemical

tests will sodium,

organic matter, calcium, exchange mechanical

pH, exchangeable nitrogen,

sodium

percentage, potash,

boron, sulfur,

selenium, capacity, analysis

phosphorous,

base saturation, include standard

cation soil

and conductivity. and engineering

Physical properties.

tests will

Soil mineralogy

and moisture

VI-95

relationships

will be determined.

Additional

soils information will be

collected after topsoil has been replaced and before seeding to determine profile, chemical, mechanical, and mineralogy changes in upper 60 inches.

Samples from overburden

formations down to coal seam will be

collected for chemical tests to determine presence or absence of toxic or undesirable elements or material. and

Results from current or past research studies on revegetation reclamation

of disturbed areas will be applied in treating the disturbed areas

onsite and offsite. Construction designs will include mechanical treatment practices such

as contour furrows, terraces, and mulching revegetation and reduce soil loss.

to retain moisture

onsite to benefit such as

Design will include control measures

diversion ditches, water ways, and water spreaders to reduce sediment yield and runoff from compacted areas or concentration investigations are presently are necessary of runoff waters. downstream Studies and soil units that

to identify productive

sustaining desirable vegetative

communities

from being deprived

of soil moisture. Disposal areas for solid and liquid wastes will be located upon sites that will not have detrimental effects upon the environment and in accordance sites for

with state and federal regulations. sand, gravel, ballast; campsites; up, scarified, and rehabilitated edges or vertical

Service haul roads; material

and equipment storage areas will be cleaned to near natural condition and revegetated. The

sides of all excavated material 3:1 slope to minimize

sites anQ borrow areas will be

sloped to a minimum Contingency

sloughing and enable revegetation. spillage of

plans must include measures

to clean up accidental

VI-96

detrimental damaged

or toxic materials

such as v,asoline, oils, and chemicals condition. that are susceptible to producing

and restore

soil to a near natural Service

and haul roads

dust and binders,

sediment

will be surfaced and surfacing

or treated with a binder materials must meet

of water.

Chemical

herbicides

state and federal locations

approval. around the

Study plots vTill be established power generating chemical plants to measure

at selected

the effect

of emissions

upon the soil from selected

and physical emissions

properties. begin

Samples will be collected baseline data.

plots before

to provide

VI-97

Water Resources Availability of water from deeper supplies aquifers by lowered water levels in the radius

Water-well influenced

affected

by dewatering quality

for mining

could be replaced

by deeper wells. is similar or of

The chemical better

of water

in the Fort Union

Formation

quality

than water

in the overlying

Wasatch

Formation.

VI-98

Monitoring

programs Monitoring programs are being established programs by companies planned planning to

mine

coal.

A number

of the monitoring Division

are being

in consultaThe

tion with programs

the Water Resources consist

of the U.S. wells

Geological

Survey.

of establishing

observation

to determine Water

water-level samples will

fluctuations be collected changes

in the coal and the overlying to determine quality the chemical after mining in backfill

overburden.

quality begins. areas

of the water As mining

for detecting observation and move-

in water

progresses,

wells will be established ment of toxic materials.

to monitor

for leaching

Vegetation The loss of vegetation and related measures replacing activities on land disturbed by coal mining, powerplants, Initial

will be mitigated

by satisfactory

revegetation.

will be started within of topsoil.

one year following efforts will that will

reshaping

of the land and

Revegetation

continue

until a satisfactory irrigation. by the in the mining that will be

stand of vegetation Plans administering plan to meet

is established

grow without

to revegetate

the disturbed

land will be approved and included stipulations

agency.

Stipulations

will be developed Additional

the revegetation

objectives.

considered

and included Damage

in the approved

mining

plan are listed below. by maintaining the

to native vegetation areas (powerline

will be minimized right-of-way,

acreage

of disturbed

railroad

spur right-of-way, etc.), to an

roadways, absolute

coal processing minimum. Deposition

and transporting

facilities,

buildings,

of dust,

coal dust, and harmful and installation and loading

chemicals

on vegetation

will

be reduced on mining,

by watering transporting, Completion

haul roads

of dust suppression equipment. would

controls

processing,

of a detailed plant

vegetation

survey by Wyodak

provide

protection Little

for important

communities

on or adjacent available

to the coal property.

information

on vegetation

is presently

for the area.

VI-IOO

Archeological Legislative federal commonly 431-433); license authorities

Preservation which guide issuance of

and obligations

to develop

the Powder River coal resources

are the statute

referred Wyoming

to as Antiquities statutes relating

Act of 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. to archeological and paleontological Environ-

sites (sections 36-11 to 56-13 and 18-330.7 W.S. 1957); Wyoming mental Quality Act of 1973 (Section 35-502.l2(a)(v»; 469-469c);

an act for salvage at an act for historic Environmental Policy

reservoir

sites (74 Stat. 220; 16 U.S.C.

preservation

(80 Stat. 915, 16 U.S.C. 470-47Om);

National

Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 852, 42 U.S.C.

4321 et seq); and Executive

Order 11593,

May 13, 1971 (36 F.R.-8921).
Both federal vation and collections, and state antiquities acts regulate values antiquities on public excalands.

and both protect historical imprisonment

They provide The Wyoming unique,

for fine and/or Environmental

for violators

of their provisions.

Quality Act protects archeological,

areas of the state designated scenic or natural. The

irreplacable,

historical,

reservoir

salvage act provides

for recovery

of historical

and archeological as a result a system of of

data from areas to be inundated federal historic action. The Historic

by certain water

impoundment

Preservation

Act established

preservation

in the nation and requires for review by the National 101(b)(4)

that certain federal underAdvisory Council on Historic of national

takings be submitted Preservation. environmental aspects

NEPA states in Section

that one objective cultural possible, choice."

policy is to 'preserve important heritage and maintain,

historic, wherever

and natural an environFinally,

of our national supports

ment which Executive

diversity

and variety

of individual

Order 11593 affects to cooperate

federal agencies most intimately agencies,

in that they

are instructed viduals

with the nonfederal

groups, and indito the

and to insure that federal plans and programs and enhancement of nonfederally

contribute

preservation

owned historic

and cultural

VI-lOl

values.

Agencies

are directed

to inventory,

evaluate

and nominate Places.

properties

in their jurisdiction

to the National

of Historic

Under the mandate that until inventories caution

of the Executive

Order, federal agencies must insure the agencies will use for

and evaluations

are completed,

to assure that federally to the National

owned properties of Historic

which might qualify

nomination transferred,

Places are not inadvertently altered and that federal plans of nonfederally

sold, demolished, contribute

or substantially

and programs owned sites.

to the preservation

and enhancement

The Antiquities and animal antiquities The Wyoming archeological lands statutes

Act of 1906 prohibits lands without

damage or excavation a permit

of plant

on federal require

(see 43 CFR Part 3). excavation of any

that permits be obtained deposits

before

or paleontological

on either state or federal public

(sec. 36-11 W.S. 1957). Archeological and paleontological excavations. values on federal The Wyoming lands will be Act

protected similarly permission

by surveys requires

and salvage

Antiquities

a permit

for excavation

of antiquities

on public lands,

to be granted by the State Board of Land Commissioners. The Wyoming Environmental Quality Act requires approval of any appli(g)(iv) of harm,

cation for a mining permit under the provisions this Act to assure that " ...the proposed destroy, or materially

of Section

35-502.24

operation

will not irreparably

impair any area that has been designated historical, archaeological,

by the Council scenic or

to be of a unique or irreplaceable, natural value." Surface surveys are fundamental Therefore

for evidence

of archeological stipulations

values

in the alluvium

to establishing

responsible

for their protection. that require surprotection.

those stipulations

in the mining plan and/or permit

veys will be followed

to insure archeological

and paleontological

VI-I02

No mining company Historic

plans, permits

or rights-of-way

will be approved the Wyoming

until State

the

has coordinated Preservation

its archeological Officer. Company Officer

surveys with survey reports

will be submitted approving

the State Historic plans and permits. and forwarded been conducted for additional These additional

Preservation

with a copy to agencies

The report will be certified agencies with

by the Preservation that surveys

Officer have

to the approving by competent, surveys

a statement

professional

archeologists plans

and a recommendation are approved. indicates

to be required

before

and permits evidence

surveys

may be necessary

if surface

further

evaluation

is necessary.

In addition,

approvals

will be conditioned and

to require

notification

to the Area Mining

Supervisor prior

of all archeological to disturbance

paleontological cation

sites discovered officer

during mining

and notifiof sites

to the appropriate during

of the surface prior

administrating to disturbance.

agency

discovered

right-of-way

construction statutes make

The Antiqsites

uities Act of 1906 and Wyoming which are discovered Furthermore, during the mining without

it unlawful

to excavate

a permit. that the alluvium to be displaced be coordinated with

it will be required be surveyed Preservation

operation

and that all surveys Officer to insure

the Wyoming inventories,

State Historic salvage,

competent,

professional data.

and preservation

of archeological and future

and paleontological applicants

It is recommended cost of establishing supervision archeologist advance

that all present resident

share in the under the

a full-time

basin

paleo-archeologist Officer.

of the Wyoming will

State Historic

Preservation

The basin by performing sampling

aid in reducing

lead time and development educating

delays

surveys

for support to company

facilities, discoveries,

construction

employees,

soils, responding

and conducting

salvage work.

VI-103

Historical According possibility place value priate always to the Wyoming exists

Values Preservation Officer, the

State Historic

that new information unimportant site.

may be discovered

that could the appro-

on a previously

If this does occur, of action

Acts shall be used to determine jurisdiction on the land.

the course

to be taken by the

agency having

VI~104

Aesthetics The Wyodak mining Departments stipulations landscape, of Interior plan will contain stipulations visual resource guided by These

and Agriculture

standards.

will provide

that construction

design blend with the natural like silos and transmission

keeping

a low profile with structures

towers to the extent possible. Probably project is location scape. the most critical in relation factor in reducing occurring the impact of a lineal lines in the landlines already occur, at the crest of a

to naturally

Lineal projects will be located where natural contours and depressions and avoiding

following hill.

a crossing

Topsoil will be stripped forms.

off and replaced

over reshaped natural

land-

Native grasses and shrubs will be seeded to hasten the return of natural in the vegetation. Plantings will be irregularly seeded to

unbroken patterns

break the unnatural minimum and highwalls

lines of construction. back sloped

Disturbed of 3:1.

areas will be kept to a Nonreflective materials and

to a maximum

will be used on transmission crushers, e.g., unpainted

lines, towers, buildings, on the silos.

silos, conveyors,

concrete

VI-IDS

Wildlife Measures on some wildlife to attempts protection. which will species result

and Fish of mitigation of impacts

in a degree

are primarily grasslands may exist fish).

those which will for livestock

come about incidental and watershed the habitat air, water, broad and

to reestablish The potential (including

forage

to significantly Existing

improve

for some species land quality requirements of gross impacts

state and federal of impacts of water

laws will

insure

some mitigation nondegradation

through

of revegetation, These

quality,

and reduction and long-term They on

air pollution.

legal authorities rodents,

may reduce

total

on fish, waterfowl,

some birds,

and invertebrates.

can be expected other species.

to have only slight

mitigating

effects

on total impacts

Opportunities requirements, reestablish h~itats

for mitigation

of wildlife to provide

losses,

as opposed

to legal

are available. shrub and riparian

Attempts

a variety

of topography, quality aquatic at least of

land ecosystems,

and expand success

could be expected

to meet with

sufficient

to reduce

part of total long-term mining and power plant

impacts

on a variety

of species.

Due to the nature required be little to

operations

and the long time-period their mitigation would

reestablish before

these vegetative

types, period. species

realized

the end of the study A variety of native

representing Palatable

shrub,

forb,

and grass and

groups

should be well represented. as well as skunkbush

varieties

of big sagebrush would

rabbitbrush mitigate

sumac,

chokecherry,

and juniper

help Varied and

losses would

of deer, increase

antelope, habitat

sage grouse, diversity

and nongame

species.

topography abundance

and result

in greater

variety

of wildlife.

VI-I06

Power lines constructed facilities may be designed

as needed

for the power plant and other to raptors and other species

to minimize

dangers

of wildlife. Fencing reduced by using barriers and hazards using to deer and antelope fences passable movement could be and

less fencing,

to antelope

and deer, and

using various located

crossing

structures.

These measures

should be planned

on the ground with

the State Game and Fish Department

as the development

proceeds. A lake(s) irregular created as a "by-product" to create to development the maximum should have of shoreline. areas and to

shorelines

and islands slope

amount

Some shorelines encourage discourage would have value

should

gradually while

to provide

shallow,

marshy

emergent emergent

vegetation vegetation, value

others

should have

steeper

shoreline ponds

thus increasing for waterfowl

diversity. ponds

Shallow

the greatest

and deeper

the greater

for fish. Reestablished riparian vegetation result along drainage courses and around animals

aquatic

habitats with

would

eventually type

in reestablishment

of many

associated also exists

this habitat

(Table 11, Chapter which would

V, Part I). Potential losses created by

to enhance

offsite

habitat

offset

mine development.

VI-I07

Recreation If any requests for water impoundments covering federal lands or minerals recreation are made on the Wyodak lease cultural and

in areas of important and protection

values, impact assessment

can be given through the

authority granted by the Reservoir Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Salvage Act of 1960 and the National

If a reservoir planned for construction mineral and has for its use water designated project,

covers federal surface or

for another federally approved of the National Environ-

it will be assessed under the requirements

mental Policy Act and salvage requirements

under the Reservoir

Salvage Act.

If cultural values are located, the "criteria for effect," under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 2b of E.G. 11593, will

be initiated by any federal agency joined in the project. Where scenic, historic, and recreation values are impacted, either

on or adjacent to federal land, it will be required that agencies new federal aid highways study locations and alignments

constructing these

that complement

resources as stated in the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973. The Wyodak mining plan, in conjunction with land reclamation, insure enhancement for shorelines of any planned lakes or ponds by providing will

stipulations nesting. These

and slopes that improve fishing and waterfowl and hunting opportunities

will improve sightseeing

for area residents.

Agriculture Livestock Grazing Measures livestock procedure. The coal to be produced figure will annually increase requires about four acres annually and this grazing that may be taken to minimize should be initiated the affects of mining on

at the appropriate

stages

of the mining

in two stages until Temporary

approximately fences should

36 acres are required be erected around the

within

eight years. involved

areas actively available

in mining

so that the remainder

of the area will be and mining equipment

for livestock minimized.

use and the hazards

from highwalls

to livestock

Topsoil ment

will be stockpiled

in sufficient

amount

to provide This will

for placeenhance

on spoil piles at a depth not less than six inches. for livestock operations forage during required

plant growth

reclamation. drainage or sedimenta-

Where

could result

in acid or saline will be made adjacent

tion of adjoining Impoundments tribute

land or streams,

provisions

for impoundments. landowners or con-

will be designed pollution.

so as to not affect Water capable

to water

of supporting

fish and other aquatic erosion control and

life should be the goal of any impoundment. flood control structures should be built

When feasible, to starting

prior

excavations. and spontaneous with suitable

All operations combustion. practices to slopes Open burning

will be conducted of all materials and control.

to avoid wildfire

will be in accordance Abandoned highwalls

for fire prevention no steeper

will be reduced

than 33 percent. to slopes no steeper than 33 percent and

Spoil piles will be reduced topsoil spread

at a depth not less than six inches

and revegetated

as soon as

VI-I09

practical. runoff,

Denuded

areas will be mulched

and disked

on the contour practices

to reduce will also

erosion

and sedimentation. owner.

Surface manipulation

be prescribed

by the surface

l1etal and all other nonmineral buried or removed. Noxious and toxic

material

waste will be disposed

of,

species

of invader

plants vlill be conat the activity.

trolled by using appraised price

approved

herbicides.

The owner will be reimbursed destroyed within by mining

for the loss of all facilities

Prepared topsoiling acceptable

spoil areas will be revegetated Revegetation

one year following by a standard stand

and reshaping. method.

will be accomplished until

Revegetation vegetation

shall be attempted is achieved

a satisfactory

and cover of perennial

and maintained. plan for the north unit,

Since vlyodak has proposed rehabilitation These measures will be in accordance are essential

no rehabilitation vlith the previous rehabilitation

mitigating

measures. to

if adequate

is to be achieved

VI-110

make

the land useable

for livestock

grazing. shown

Special

attention 1.

should be

given to the cut and spoil bank profiles be smooth avoided. surface or rolling topography

in Figure

Final shape will

surface.

Flat top piles will be

Farming Measures that will minimize timed. plan. for mining economic should be posted one year prior summer to the effect of mining measures activity on

farming must be adequately minimal in an adequate Acreages to anticipated

The following

will be considered

mining

to be prepared

activity

to prevent

loss due to unnecessary crops. Written

fallow operations operator

or destruction

of growing

notification

of cropland

will be sufficient. route will be maintained to protect to each cropped crops from destruction by mining activity.

No less than one access field. Temporary

fencing will be installed when permanent fencing

by drifting

livestock

is destroyed

Active highwall Abandoned Abandoned erosion highwalls

areas will be posted with hazard warning to a grade not exceeding areas will be mulched or water. areas,

signs.

will be sloped and denuded

30 percent. accelerated

spoil piles

to reduce

and sedimentation material

due to wind surface.

The mulch

shall be disked

into the mineral be treated

Active

such as haul roads, will level.

to reduce windborn

mineral

particles

to an acceptable

VI~lll

»< ~

/,-/~
v

v _--_-----

»>
,/

v'v~---~
?j/j/S

--~

Co o lso::c'TI-

-------------

ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY FIN"'L CUT OPEN FOR LAKE

----S~;iOOTH

---------

SURFACE

FlilAL

CUT FILLED

Figure Typical Cross Sections of

1 From Six or Jlr.ore Cuts

Graded Spoil

VI-HZ

Transportation To mitigate will be necessary road until alternate impacts on traffic traffic flow due to highway relocation, it

to allow

to travel undisturbed

over the existing to provide that will

the realignment routes of access

is completed. to any ranching

It will be necessary or other

local operations lease.

be isolated

due to obliteration

of roads within

the mining

VI~113

CHAPTER V PROBABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONtlENTAL EFFECTS Air Quality Adverse Wyodak mine mining mined About impacts on air quality be avoided. resulting from development of the WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED

property

cannot

Some coal and soil dust created by a total of 2,482 acres period will (1,470 occur.

165.4 million

tons of coal, disturbing construction),

- 1,012 powerline 36 surface

over the 38-year in anyone

acres will be disturbed time. controls,

year and 100 acres may be

bare at anyone

Even with proper and pollution quality

emissions occur,

from vehicles causing

and equipment, in air

from accidental

fires will

a reduction

on the lease site and downwind. Construction and operation of the new 330-~M power particulates, operation present plant (plus

conversion

of unit oxides

5) will

add some additional

sulfur dioxide, of the new plant in

and nitrogen

to the atmosphere. emission

However,

1977 with proposed

controls will reduce (Table 1). With

particulate

emissions plant

by over 2,300 tons per year by 1985, emissions the 1974 amount will

construction

of the 450-~

increase, Simpson.

but particulate Table

emissions

will remain below cumulative emissions

for Neil

1 gives potential

for 1985 that would

be unavoidable. of pollutants, existing including trace elements, cannot be on air air

Stack emissions completely quality quality eliminated with

technology with

so some adverse controls,

effects ambient

will be unavoidable. standards stack are proposed emissions Region.

However,

planned Table

to be met.

2 compares

the projected Intrastate

unavoidable Air Quality

with

the 1970 quantities

for the Wyoming

Control

VI-115

Table 1 Predicted Emissions for Power Plants at Wyodak

Estimated Plant Existing 30 MW* (in 1974) New 330-MW plus Unit 5 (in 1977) New 450-MW*** (in 1982) Totals by 1985

Emissions

- to~s/year Sulfur Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides

Particulates

3,929Mc

2, 177 ~~*

1 ,888~'o~

1 ,600~h~

15 ,700~'c*

12, 400~~*

2,100 3,700

19,000 34,700

14,500 26,900

*Units 1, 3, and 4 to be retired when new 1977 plant is activated; current emissions based on 100% load. **Source of data - Environmental Report dated May 1973, Black Hills and Pacific Power and Light Companies. ***Emissions estimates based on maximums permitted under compliance with NSPS and Wyoming Air Quality Emission Standards.

VI-1l6

Table 2 Predicted 1985 Emissions Versus 1970 Total Emissions for Wyoming Intrastate Air Quality Region (tons /year)

1970 Type Particulates Sulfur Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Base 26,510 38,202 38,647 Total* 26,281 70,725 63,659

1985 Percent Increase

-
0.9% +85.1% +64.7%

~~ase plus Wyodak

stack emissions.

VI-117

Topography A reduction overburden will range in altitude caused by mining thick beds of coal with thin

cannot be avoided. from a maximum 66 feet.

The decrease

in altitude

over the lease area Average drop

of 79 feet to a minimum

of 58 feet.

will be about

Destruction Even though cliffs

of some natural topography presently

features

of the landscape

is unavoidable. at a lower level,

the general

of the area can be restored a part of the topographic of the present

and abrupt breaks, The exact slope within Change

scene,

cannot be

restored. restorable

and altitude limits. channel

topography

is only

practical

in the drainage

of Donkey

Creek cannot be avoided.

VI-lIB

Soils Disturbance of topsoil on a total of 2,597 acres corridor - 55 housing) (transmission Disturbance (1,470 mined -

60 power plant - 1,012 transmission Loss from productivity facilities - housing of 1,125 - lake)

canot be avoided. line - power plant

acres of soil

is unavoidable.

of topsoil will

lower to some degree mixing natural soils,

the natural and causing

soil productivity accelerated

of the area by compaction,

soil erosion. complete destruction which Present of all

On the area to be mined, soil horizons, parent material, of geologic will

1,470 acres,

and soil characteristics time cannot be avoided. Once mining to start

have developed soil biota and

over long periods soil forming

processes

be terminated. will have

is completed

and the

area reclaimed,

soil development

again. unlike

As an end result, the ones existing

new soils will be formed with prior to mining. Reduction is unavoidable. amount

characteristics

totally

of soil productivity, in erosion

permeability

and infiltration rates will

rates

Increase

and sedimentation

occur, but

of soil loss through

time cannot be determined.

VI-119

Mineral The mining and proposals. Thus, and removal

Resources under present mining plans

of coal cannot be avoided

to the limit of coal removed adverse effect

the proposed

activity and

will have an unavoidable coal reserves depleted.

on the coalbeds, mineral

coal resources, commodity

in that deposits on company

of a nonrenewable an estimated

will be

Based

plans,

165.4 million

tons of coal will economiand

have been mined by 2012 which cally recoverable Converse portation Counties. operations strippable

comprises

1.3 percent

of the estimated

coal reserves amounts

thus far identified of coal in mining,

in Campbell loading,

Loss of minor

and trans-

is unavoidable.

VI-120

Water The amount lost. The amount lost. Leaving to evaporational (agriculture of water

Resources in mine operations Aquifers removed will be unavoidably by llliningwill be extent. add

consumed

cannot be quantified. However, the effect

permanently

of this loss will be of local streamflows

the final pit as a lake may deplete loss of water which

and will

then is not available

for other uses

- stream habitat). in water quality from increased erosion and sedimentation

A reduction will occur

to some degree.

The amount or degree

cannot be estimated.

VI-121

Vegetation Vegetation and permanently operations, plant will be temporarily on 1,125 acres. disturbed These or destroyed associated population, on 1,470 with acres

removed

losses

mine

transmission

line construction,

increased

and power

construction

cannot be avoided. of areas disturbed However, success by rights-of-way will occur shortly

Reclamation after disturbance. mined

of revegetating

the severely

disturbed

area is unknown All plant

at this time. is unavoidably succession destroyed at the time of disturbfor these areas

succession or more

ance.

Fifty years

of plant state

will be required soil structure

to return have been

to their present changed

as existing

and microclimate

and altered. that are successfully reclaimed, a 50 percent loss in

Even on areas productivity has been

projected.

VI-122

Archeological Subsurface most reponsible face activities material

and Paleontological

Values or destroyed under the

and sites will be damaged with much more

mining

program,

lost to indifference

from sur-

of population removal

expansion. of 55 acres evidence, to regional expansion, will be personnel to

Some losses, expected conduct

from lack of surface regional surveys.

time, money,

and trained

An appreciation for preservation

for archeological

values

and a sense responsibility information.

will be hampered

by the lack of educational

VI-123

Aesthetics The added structures, intrusions texture adverse added to the natural power plants, landscape. unavoidably. landscape. the disturbed areas will be discernible for powerlines will be discordant landscape (shape -

The natural To some,

- color) will be changed alteration of the natural

this will be an

Even after reclamation, a long period of time.

Wildlife and Fish Loss of habitat wildlife and reduction in population will occur. The smaller

(reptiles, amphibians,

invertebrates,

rodents and other burrowing An estimated 25 antelope and

animals) which cannot flee will be destroyed. some sage grouse will be displaced Destruction

and probably lost.

of 1,470 acres of habitat will reduce the carrying in this area. Successful return of wildlife (Figure 7,

capacity of wildlife habitat habitat

for most animals will require a period of from 20 to 50 years The permanent

Chapter V, Part I). unavoidable.

removal of 1,125 acres of habitat will be

Increased population This will adversely

will intensify recreational wildlife habitat.

use of the area.

impact additional

VI-125

Recreation Loss of an estimated a potential of 200 hunter 100 hunter days of use per year on the site and the area cannot be avoided. and quality will lessen use,

days of use around habitat,

Reduction hunter which opportunities.

of wildlife Increased

population, will

population

intensify quality

recreational

could cause adverse

reduction

of recreation

and deterioration

of facilities.

VI-126

Agriculture Permanent Destruction loss of 1,125 acres of forage and 304 AUMs cannot be avoided. and one well is unavoidable. Reduction of live-

of four reservoirs

stock water will result in a loss of grazing capacity. replaced after completion of mining.

The well may be

The creation of a lake would mitigate

loss of the reservoirs. Temporary Reduction loss of forage during mining operations 50 percent in carrying capacity cannot be avoided.

of an estimated

after reclamation

cannot be avoided. assuming

This will cause an annual overall yearly loss of 77 AUMs, revegetated. to provide pasture elsewhere is

the entire area will be successfully The necessity of the rancher having

unavoidable.

The added economic

cost of the rancher having to provide new cannot be avoided.

water sources for his livestock

VI-127

Transportation Increased increase and these will begin traffic in 1975.

Networks facilities cannot be avoided. will The

on all existing

Road maintenance

costs and frequency

increase

costs cannot be avoided. Temporary inconvenience and poor travel conditions caused during con-

struction impacts

of such facilities

as the transmission

lines are unavoidable. time span.

These

will be minor

and occur only over a short

VI-128

Socio-Economic Unavoidable quantified Part I. adverse effects

Conditions of the proposed impacts action cannot be in Chapter VII,

at this level.

The cumulative

are analyzed

VI-129

CHAPTER ALTERNATIVES

VI ACTION

TO THE PROPOSED Plan

Reject Mining Rejection of the Wyodak mining

plan would result and they would owner

in no environmental continue in their

impact on the leased lands not already mlned present condition or be modified Resources

by the surface Development

to meet

other uses as may a new mining 2nt of

be determined. plan, challenge

Wyodak

Corp. could least

submit

the rejection, the mining

or abandon--at

temporarily--develo[

the lease. sources

Should

plan be rejected,

the development

of alter.__te

of energy or a reduction Wyodak Resources

of energy consumption

could be required. mining operations

Development owned

Corp. may also continue

on its 200 acres of privately with the same primary federal

coal adjacent impacts

to its existing

south pit

and secondary coal.

as those evolving coal could result

from the mining production on (1)

of both

and private

This private

sustain

at proposed privately increase following

levels for about 9 years.

This would

in a small mine and would

owned coal lands leaving extraction costs; (2)

the federal

coal untouched mining

result

in increased owned

problems

and costs if, and

reclamation,

the federally

coal were

later extracted;

(3) result in a loss to the state and county loss of the state's with the Mineral share of federal Act. royalty

of a long-term revenue

tax base and a in accordance

distributed

Leasing

In addition,

reclamation

and enforcement

requirements

under

state

laws could be either more or less stringent Government thereby affecting the restoration

than those required of mined areas.

by the Federal

In the event Wyodak consequence of rejection

chose not to mine on privately plan on the federal from another

owned

land as a coal for

of a mining

leasehold,

the power plants would have be obtained

source.

VI-131

Approve

the Mining

Plan After Modification and discussed to require in Chapter VII could be

Some of the impacts avoided natives if the mining discussed

identified

plan were modified In addition,

use of one or more altercould be added to must

below.

special

stipulations

the plan to mitigate be reasonable not developing

some secondary

effects

of mining.

Such conditions

and, if unacceptable the area with

to the lessee,

could result in the lessee under the heading

the resultant

impacts discussed

"No New Development"

in Chapter

VIII, Part I.

Different

rate of production Wyodak Resources Development Corp. is currently supplying 700,000 tons

of coal per year and Light Rapid Company

to the onsite Neil and offsite

Simpson

power plant of Black Hills Power in Osage, Wyoming, and Lead and will require time the

power plants

City, South Dakota. production

The proposed

new power plant expansion

a total yearly proposed Another

rate of 2.5 million

tons in 1977 at which

plant will be in operation power plant scheduled

and will use the additional

coal produced.

for completion

in 1982 will burn the production tons in 1982. or downward would alter in it

resulting

from an increase Any change

to five million

in production

rate either upward impacts

the rate or intensity this statement. would create

of the environmental in proposed

discussed

previously

If a reduction

production

rate were required,

a shortage

of fuel at the power plants power production when

in the area of consumption, is increasing would unless

resulting substitute mining lessen

in decreased sources

consumption A reduction

of supply were

obtained. prolong

also prolong is completed time,

activity

on the leasehold, at the mine,

the time until

restoration at anyone

employment

lessen

the acreage

disturbed

and lessen annual federal leases.

tax and royalty

returns

to the state and county from Wyodak's

VI-132

If the company were required proposed, elsewhere it would increase in the statement,

~o increase production and severity

above the level

the intensity

of the impacts described

decrease_ the length of time for mining and reclamaleases.

tion, and increase

annual tax and royalty returns from Wyodak's

Different Underground

methods mining

of mining

Substitution disturbance

of this method

of mining would result unsupported

in less initial pillars

of the land surface, collapse because

however,

mine roofs between strength

would ultimately overburden depressions

of the lack of structural

in the thin

resulting

in a partly subsided greater

land surface degraded

by numerous is more costly

and openings;

costs because underground

mining

than surface mining; accident

a decrease

in mine safety as indicated

by the fatal compared to

rates in 1972 of 0.42 per million tons for surface mining;

tons mined underground and higher incidence

0.07 per million accidents

of non-fatal related

due to roof and coal falls, fires, explosions, (black lung disease). federal leasehold the coalbed

and problems

to dust inhalation

On Wyodak's Assuming

averages

84 feet in thickness. methods

that a 10-foot section

could be mined safely by underground

and that 50 percent

of coal in the mined area was left in place to provide of surface subsidence, coal in place. coal extracted would This rate compares coal in

support and lessen the probability represent about 6 percent

of the available

to a present recovery place at Wyodak.

of approximately

95 percent

of the available

VI-133

In-situ

production Techniques for the economical gases are still burning of coal in-situ stages. and capture Present of

the released indicates amount Impacts

volatile

in experimental

knowledge

that energy

recovery

levels of in-situ

production

are low and the unpredictable. of

of surface associated

subsidence with

in areas of thin overburden production would include

is highly

in-situ

the possibility

destruction

of a coalb( gases.

,uifer, pollution

of ground water,

and air pollution

from escaping

For in-situ for increased could recovery

production

to be a viable

alternative

technique,

methods

of volatile production methods.

gases must be developed. to compare favorably with

Such increases the high recovery

then allow

in-situ mining

of coal by surface

Alternate

reclamation Instead

objectives a lake in the reclaimed area, an alternative original because (84 contour. mining at the is

of creating

to backfill This grading Wyodak

the pit area and grade would

it to the approximate if not impossible, of coal

be very difficult, the removal parting)

site involves a 16-inch

of large amounts

feet thick

including Returning

compared

to an average hauling

of 30 feet of overburden. large amounts of material to the

to original

contour would

require

from other sources mined pit would

to fill the open pit.

Returning which

only the overburden

leave a large depression Other reclamation Part I.

could create a marshy and their impacts

area of

little value. in Chapter

alternatives

are discussed

VIII,

Different

utilization To supply coal to other offsite of transferring electrical power generating and other end-use plants impacts

would

have

the effect

transporation

VI-134

elsewhere. impacts proposed duration

These impacts have been described . ., Wlt h mlnlng and reclamation

heretofore would

in the statement . the same if the the severity and

The

associated production

remain

rate was not increased. also be increased.

If increased,

of these would

Different Pipeline

methods

of coal transport

transportation Transporting coal in a pipeline An advantage as a slurry could be required pollution as a

possible blown

alternative.

would be less surface cars.

by windcost of

coal or coal spilled and constructing

from railroad a pipeline

The time and capital

planning plants

from the Wyodak mine Based

to the three power

in Wyoming

and South Dakota

is unknown.

on the Black Mesa pipeper mile (Love 1969). due to the right-offor slurry per ton of of

line, however,

the cost would

be in excess would

of $128,000 be surface

Impacts construction

of this alternative

disturbance along

of the pipeline

and in-line

support

facilities

way to the power plants; preparation coal; water and pipeline

the consumption transportation, disturbance

of large volumes about 240 gallons with

of water of water

the additional and slurry

surface

associated

the construction facilities

storage

facilities,

additional

processing

at the

mine to prepare facilities pipeline

the coal for transmission the influx

as a slurry of workers effects

and the de-watering necessary to construct along the the loss to other the

at the power plants;

and the resultant

socia-economic tonnage

on communities

right-of-way;

the loss of a large

of steel pipe to other uses; pipeline

of the energy required

to construct

and run such a coal slurry spillage and rupture

uses; and the possibility local areas.

of pipeline

which

could degrade

VI-135

Highway

transportation Substitution

instead

of railway

transportation haulage would not cause of

of truck haulage

for railroad

additional

surface

disturbance

at the proposed

mine except in the vicinity

a truck loading tation would highways

facility.

The load size of coal trucks for highway The maximum gross

transpor-

be limited.

load limit for trucks on Wyoming to be in the permit is

is 79,900 pounds

or 39.95 tons so truck size would have Above 79,900 pounds a special overload

range of 30 to 35 tons. required and a special

use tax is assessed. time, about 554,000 in Wyoming tons per year are supplied by

At the present

rail to the three power plants tonnage were hauled require about 18,470

and South Dakota.

If this yearly it would 35-ton

to the powe~ plants 30-ton truckloads

by truck from the mines, (77 per working 100-ton day),

15,830

truckloads day).

(66 per working

day) or 5,540

truckloads

(23 per working

County, rebuilt

state,

and federal

roads would

have

to be redesigned truck traffic.

and The

to withstand

the stress

of constant

coal loaded noise,

large number emissions, increased would

of trucks would

create

increased

pollution

from truck of fuel

increased spillage

safety hazards

for the public, coal.

and the possibility of diesel

of the transported greater

The consumption

also be considerably by rail haulage.

by truck

than the 0.002 gallons

per ton-mile

attainable

VI-136

CHAPTER

VII

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY Mining will result plants, natural and powerlines in the introduction of additional roads, power

into an area already mining

changed

to some degree

from its

state by the existing

activities. to coal production levels. soil and rocks will be removed and rangeland recreation for owing for a period of

The lease area will be committed about 38 years based on anticipated

production

As the coal is mined, and the affected a period

the overlying

acreage will be lost to grazing except

of five or six years of a series arising

for the permanent lakes.

loss of 900 acres

to the creation

of small

Impacts minimized

from the short-term extent practicable

use of the environment consistent with modern ridges

will be mining

to the greatest practices.

and reclamation topography placement mined

Grading consistent

of spoils will reduce with surrounding

to a rolling areas. Re-

aesthetically

undisturbed

of soil material

and establishment

of vegetative

cover will

return

land to grazing Mining will

as soon as possible temporarily disrupt

following

extraction

of the coal. water. Ground of aquifers flow-

the flow of surface of the removal

water

levels may be lowered material,

locally because sandstone,

of parts

in unconsolidated ing into the mined spoils, creating

and coalbeds. be retained

Rainwater

and water into the

area will probably water tables.

by infiltration

perched

The preceding

indicates

that short-term

use of parts

of the leasehold and

for mining will be accompanied

and followed

by a period

of reclamation

VI-137

revegetation.

Although

the land's

appearance

will be permanently

changed,

its attractiveness long-term

should not be adversely

affected.

Other potential of heavy industry, housing

land uses may be impaired and development will

by introduction

developments, power

of other resources.

In addition,

coal used for use. each

generation

not be available

for other uses or for future acres will be disturbed grading 150 acres.

Thirty-five year with

to 100 additional

by mining

an equal number

of acres undergoing will be about

and planting. Since final

At anyone reclamation wild-'

time the total area disturbed of a particular

area is estimated

to lag about five years behind for at least that period for mining

mining,

life and livestock In summary, grazing

will be displaced

of time. than for time

the land will be used habitat for a period to its former of heavy dust,

coal rather

and wildlife

of five to ten years or other designated equipment,

at which uses.

the land should be restored Disturbed facilities, duration. principal surface

land, presence noise,

other mine-related will be only of short are completed, the and

and associated After mining,

and solid waste

reclamation,

and revegetation

long-term

changes will be local modification and loss or reduction that total productive

of the topography capacity.

drainage

systems

of productive capacity

It is estimated reduced 50 percent

of the land will be is successful. any

over present

levels even if revegetation climate have ratios. which depend

Reclamation

techniques

in this semiarid

to be tested before

final predictions Wildlife (antelope-sage Figure which

can be made habitat

as to success

for those animals

on a sagebrush

type

grouse)

will be destroyed

for a period

of 20 to 50 years.

7 in Chapter is required

V of Part I shows

the time span from point of disturbance habitat for various animal

for replacement

of adequate

groups.

VI-138

Mining Under regain

of this area will conditions productive

involve

a long-term

loss in productivity. the area may never is sufficient in the

the climatic its present

which

prevail

for this area, quality

capacity.

If water

lake, long term aquatic

habitat

productivity

may be enhanced.

VI-139

CHAPTER IRREVERSIBLE The major 165.4 million represents Eastern AND IRRETRIEVABLE of resources

VIII COM}IITMENTS OF RESOURCES is the mining and consumption This loss of the of

commitment

tons of coal over the 38-year 1.3 percent

life of the mine. strippable

about

of the economically

reserves

Powder

River Coal Basin. amount of sand and gravel facilities and clinker occur. for

Use of an indeterminable aggregate in the construction deposits

of power plant

will

Clinker, other spoil

sand, and gravel

mined with

the overburden

and moved with

will be irretrievably

lost. aquifers that will be irreversibly removed during mining. operations, committed Adjacent but water The

The only ground water are those aquifers parts levels

that will be physically will be affected to normal

of these aquifers are expected quality

during mining

to return

after mine dewatering will not be changed. of disturbed

stops.

chemical

of water

in the aquifers

The extraction require

of coal and reclamation power, lubricants, explosives, buildings.

areas will including materials diesel for

the use of electrical ammonium

liquid fuels and structural

fuel and gasoline, construction in mining

nitrate

and repair

of surface would

Chemicals

and materials

used

and reclamation

also be lost for other in the mining

uses. and associated rates suffer injur-

Loss of life will with increased vehicular

occur both and train

operations

traffic.

Based on fatal

accident

experienced a fatal ies will

in the strip mining for every

industry

during

1972, one employee

will

accident occur

14.3 million

tons of coal produced. man hours worked.

Disabling

at the rate of 9.24 per million

Therefore,

VI-14l

during

the life of the mine if the 1972 fatality lose their lives. This would

rate persisted

an estimated commitment of

12 people would human resources.

be an irretrievable

Any destruction an irreversible recorded, commitment

of archeological of resources

and paleontological

sites will be excavated,

if not properly

surveyed,

and salvaged

as appropriate. that total reestablishment on disturbed eliminate areas of the complex area. native Strip mining commu-

It is doubtful plant community

is possible activities

of the mined

and associated nity which

will

a portion

of this life-support in the area. lost include

is the major Wildlife

irreversible

impact

to wildlife

resources

that may be irretrievably Animals

individual

animals

and habitats

that are destroyed. habitats during

and plants

that would have operation if the to repromay

reproduced

in the affected lost.

the life of the mining

also be irretrievably species and habitat

Most wildlife

losses may be reversible that their ability

are not impacted

to the point

duce is seriously

impaired. capacity of the land may not be possible Any reduction capacity in productive on land of

Full productive severely disrupted

by strip mining.

capacity

the revegetated trievable

land over the previous

has to be considered

an irre-

loss of resources. The annual forage production which the area could have produced Production will

be lost during

the time that mining annually.

takes place.

could be lost on

100 to 150 acres commitment

This increment forage.

of production

lost is an irreversible

of the livestock The productive

area lost to the projected commitment

900 acres of lakes probably to another

should be considered use.

an irretrievable

of land resources

VI-142

Breathe Theme |