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IV. Topsoil <br />A. The Division waives the requirement for clearing of vegetation cover prior to <br />topsoil removal on areas that will be treated using the Rotoclear machine. The <br />applicant has demonstrated that inclusion of vegetation cover in salvaged topsoil <br />is necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity consistent with the <br />post- mining land use (4.06.2(1)). <br />B. The Division re- approves a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with <br />Rule 4.06.2(2)(a). For those areas of the surface mine where the slopes <br />exceeded 50 %, the operator was not required to strip topsoil. This is necessary <br />due to the fact that soil in these areas was of marginal quality and thickness, and <br />equipment limitations and safety considerations made topsoil salvage on slopes <br />steeper than 50% highly undesirable. <br />C. The Division has determined selected overburden materials may be used for, or <br />as a supplement to topsoil. The resulting soil is equal to or better than the <br />available topsoil. This determination is based on physical and chemical analyses <br />and field -site trials approved by the Division (4.06.2(4)(a)). The applicant has <br />provided physical and chemical analysis in Exhibit 6. However, at the present <br />time, the applicant has committed to re -apply a minimum of .9 feet of topsoil <br />over all disturbed areas. Therefore, it is not likely that supplement materials will <br />be utilized given the present reclamation plan. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />A_ The applicant has not proposed to manage development, exploration, drill or <br />bore holes, wells or other exposed underground openings in a manner other than <br />by sealing and plugging. The Division does not approve any alternative methods <br />of managing openings. (4.07. 1) <br />B. The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be <br />capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />No plan for blasting is proposed or contemplated since the permit is a reclamation <br />only permit at this time. <br />VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br />A. The Division approves the use of disposal areas for excess spoil. (4.09.1(1)) <br />B. The Division has reviewed general and detailed design plans for Fills 1 -9 and <br />approves them. <br />17 <br />