The Falkirk Mine is located in the Sentinel Butte Formation of the Fort Union Group which is one of the most prolific lignite-bearing stratum in the state. The economically minable coals in the reserve occur in the Sentinel Butte Formation (Paleocene) and the Bullion Creek Formation (Paleocene) and are unconformably overlain by the Coleharbor Formation (Quaternary). The Sentinel Butte Formation conformably overlies the Bullion Creek Formation. Paleocene deposition was initiated by an influx of coarse sediment dispersed eastward and southeastward, in deltaic fashion, across early Bullion Creek swamps. The paleoslope appears to have been variable, both in magnitude and in direction, and reflects Paleocene tectonism to the west and northwest. The elevation of western North Dakota, relative to base level, increased during Sentinel Butte time and probably reflects increased deposition to basinal subsidence. The reserve area is situated on a glacially modified upland drainage divide of relatively low relief. The reserve is defined on the south and west by the present day Missouri River Valley. The northern and eastern extents of the field are defined by pre-glacial channels that have subsequently been modified by glacial and interglacial activity. The valley to the east is incised by a glacial meltwater channel (Coal Lake Coulee). The valley bisecting the reserve, whose surface is now occupied by the Weller Slough Complex, appears to have been a main tributary of the pre-glac ........

The Falkirk Mining Company’s Falkirk Mine is a surface lignite mining operation. This operation is a multiple seam mining operation, which is projected to ultimately produce approximately 7.0 million tons per year through 2031. The lignite coal is shipped by conveyor to the CCSPP, located six miles south of Underwood, North Dakota. The lignite at the Falkirk Mine surface mining operation is uncovered using dragline, dozer, and conventional truck and shovel mining methods due to the proximity of the lignite to the surface and the physical characteristics of the deposit. TYPE AND GENERAL MINING METHOD The primary coal bed is the “Hagel” which is divided into the Upper Hagel (A-1) and Lower Hagel (A-2). These two seams are coincident throughout most of the permit, but are sometimes separated by a clay parting. The Hagel coal bed is overlain in a portion of the permit area by the Kinneman Creek (KNC) seam. This coal seam averages 2.7’ in thickness and ranges from 2.0’-4.3’ within the estimated economically minable area. The KNC seam lies an average of 65’ above the Hagel seam, but varies greatly, from less than 25’ to over 88’ above the Upper Hagel seam. Below the Lower Hagel is a layer of interburden and the final minable “B” seam. The Upper Hagel seam averages 8.5’, and ranges from 3’-9’ in thickness. The parting varies from 0’-3’ in thickness, and averages less than 1’. Thickness on the Lower Hagel seam ranges from 0’-5’ and averages less than 1’ .Throughout most of the pre ........

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