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Overburden and Topsoil Handling Plan <br />Introduction <br />This section outlines WFC's plan for removal, storage and redistribution of topsoil and <br />overburden to meet the requirement of Section 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06 for the New <br />Horizon North Mine (NHN) permit application. The plan addresses those reclamation activities <br />that are conducted during and immediately after backfilling and grading but prior to revegetation. <br />The objectives of the plan are to reconstruct plant growth and aquifer mediums that are <br />consistent with the post -mining land uses. The plan also describes the procedural aspects of <br />removal, storage, and distribution of topsoil and weathered overburden (Bench 1); and testing of <br />Bench 1. <br />Overburden and Bench 1 Handling Plan <br />The description of overburden and interburden characteristics and acid and toxic forming <br />materials for NHN Mine are presented in Section 2.04.6, Geology Description. Overburden and <br />interburden suitability and lithologic units for the NHN permit area are the same as the <br />overburden units at the New Horizon 1 Mine area. The NHN area incorporates a large portion of <br />the previously mined New Horizon 1 Mine area. <br />Weathered overburden, also called Bench 1 or free dig material (herein will be referred to as <br />Bench 1), will be mined separately from the other unweathered overburden materials (herein will <br />be referred to as overburden). The Bench 1 material is typically comprised of unconsolidated <br />material and will be mined in a single bench. It is then hauled and placed on top of the backfilled <br />overburden. All of the Bench 1 is placed immediately below the topsoil in all areas. Bench 1 in <br />its natural state, typically varies from about 20 to 30 feet in thickness within the permit area (see <br />Maps 2.04.6-4 and 2.04.6-5), but may be thinner under small drainages where it has been eroded. <br />During the reclamation process, Bench 1 will be used to cap all overburden and the carbonaceous <br />remnants of mining the UDi and LD, seams. <br />The cap of Bench 1 will reduce the potential of leachates and runoff from entering the ground <br />water system or discharging into the surface water system. No roads will be surfaced with <br />unsuitable material. <br />Prior to topsoil replacement, Bench 1 will be scarified by deep ripping on the contour at least 24 <br />inches on 24 inch centers to reduce excessive compaction; prevent potential slippage zones; <br />reduce erosion; improve water and air movement; and root growth across the Bench <br />1/overburden interface. Abandoned roads shall also be ripped prior to topsoil replacement. <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(d) Page 1 Sept. 2015 (TR -11) <br />