From: "Shannon Heafey" <sheafey@mde.state.md.us>

To: "Gary Granger"

Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 9:29 AM

Subject: Re: Maryland Energy Resources, LLC Permit No. 023-0156-6-0130

Good morning Mr. Granger,

Thank you for contacting the Department with your questions on the MER LLC Casselman mine project. The questions and concerns you have submitted are fairly broad in scope, some of which are outside the confines of this Air Quality Permit to Construct. Your comments and questions will be submitted formally into the public record, which means they will be addressed in the

Response to Comments Document that the Department is preparing at this time in order to address other comments and answer questions submitted during the public hearing.The Department received many comments during the public hearing and is in the process of addressing them at this time. It may take several weeks to address the questions and concerns stated which are not air quality permitting issues, however the Department strives to answer as many of the concerns raised as possible during the permit to construct permit issuance process.
Thank you for your interest,

Shannon L. Heafey,Title V Coordinator

Air Quality Permits Program

Air and Radiation Management Administration

410-537-4433

Dear Ms. Heafey,

In reference to the above referenced permit, I have a few questions. First, I am neither for nor opposed to the operation of the proposed mine as long as it does not affect the quality of life we enjoy in the Casselman Valley. I am however, particularly concerned about the air quality in our

immediate area. Is the coal screen a pre-manufactured device, which will be purchased and brought to the mine site? Are any specifications including make, model, year, etc. of the portable coal creen available ? Has this particular device been tested and approved in any other operations to be in compliant with state and federal law? How much water does a wet suppression system require for the proposed tonnage to be processed?  Will the State of Maryland or EPA conduct any regularly scheduled tests of the operation independent of the tests mandated by the permit? If so, at what intervals? If not, is there any way the permit can be modified to cause mandatory periodic testing by a government agency? If we, as local residents, suspect the operation is outside of the tolerances allowed, who should we contact and how soon will we get a response to a complaint? What would be the procedure if the operation is outside the tolerances allowed? Who regulates the possible contaminatation from water run off from the wet suppression system and/or the wetting of the roads to control dust? I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but there are many of us trying to

remain open about the proposed mine. We are sincerely concerned about our quality of life and any impending circumstances or actions that may afffect it. I am appreciative of this opportunity to write to you and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Gary and Renee Granger