2013-10-07_REVISION - C1981025 (8)

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The goals of the interim reclamation plan for the loadout were to minimize visual impact and to prevent the topsoil pile from becoming contaminated. Visual impact was minimized through revegetation which involved the planting of native and exotic ornamental species. Revegetation commenced in 1980 and was in a state of maintenance by 1982. Topsoil was protected from possible sources of contamination by relocating the pile to a protected area. In 1981, the topsoil stockpiles were reshaped, fertilized and planted protect them against erosion and to contamination. Additional protective measures, including drainage control and dust suppression, were used to protect stockpiles located near coal loading structures. Final reclamation of the refuse area was completed in 1986. The reclamation included regrading the top bench and covering the refuse with one foot of cover. Some of the soil used to cover the refuse pile was imported, because topsoil was not saved during the early years of mine operation. In 1987, the rest of the mine site was reclaimed. The surface facilities were removed and the portals, shafts, exploration holes, and wells were sealed. On April 28, 1988, a discharge of iron- laden water was discovered entering the creek. The discharge was traced back to the No. 1 Mine portal seal and adjacent airshaft, which were leaking as a result of increased hydrostatic pressures as the ground water was allowed to return to its equilibrium level following the cessation of pumping. The backfill in front of the No. 1 Mine portal seal was excavated to expose the seal and airshaft. Two valved pipes were installed in the portal seal to control the seepage and route it to several treatment ponds via a French drain. The seepage water entering the treatment ponds was treated with sodium hydroxide in order to increase the pH and allow the iron to precipitate before the water discharged to the creek. The treatment system was later modified to increase the residence time of the seepage water in the treatment ponds. This was accomplished by elongating the treatment ponds to increase their volume. The longer residence time resulted in the iron precipitating out of the water, to below the NPDES effluent limits, without the sodium hydroxide treatment. The chemical treatment was then discontinued. Currently, a three pond passive mine water treatment system remains in operation in the Developed Water Resources Area on approximately 4.1 acres of land near the portal of the No. 1 Mine. The water rights for the water produced from the mine workings and subsequent treatment in the Developed Water Resources area were previously obtained by the mine operator. Water Division No. 5, Case No. W-2979 granted the No. 1 Mine a water right for 101 gpm with an appropriation date of Jun 30, 1963. Water Division No. 5, Case No. W-2980 granted the No. 3 Mine a water right for 21 gpm with an appropriation date of December 31, 1962. A plan for backfilling the No. 1 Mine portal was approved with Technical Revision No. 20 on October 1, 1998. The Division's inspection of October 26, 1998 confirmed that the Mine No. 1 main adit and ventilation shaft adit were backfilled, graded and topsoiled. The final reclamation of the loadout area included grading and backfilling the disturbed areas. The area was returned to its approximate original contour and restored to support agricultural production. The loadout area reclamation was completed in 1987. 7