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Description of the Operations and Reclamation Plan <br /> New Horizon Mine I <br /> The presently permitted New Horizon Mine 1 encompasses 327 acres of which 145.7 acres were <br /> affected by mining activities. Several areas of ungraded "pre-law" spoils existed when Peabody <br /> acquired the mine in 1963. These areas were subsequently reclaimed by the Inactive Mining <br /> Program in t994. Since 1986 and inclusive of 1988, coal was removed at a combined total of <br /> 31 1,750 tons from four different areas. <br /> Prior to the mine temporarily ceasing operations in 1983,coal was reined using two 5-yard draglines <br /> to remove overburden. Since reactivation of mining operations in late 1986, Peabody changed to <br /> using dozers and scrapers for overburden removal activities. Two coal seams were removed from <br /> Mine Areas 1 and 4, whereas one coal seam was removed from Mine Areas 2 and 3. The upper coal <br /> seam was previously mined by Peabody in Mine Areas 2 and 3 under interim permit 75-36 issued <br /> by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. <br /> After the coal seams were recovered, the pits were backfilled and graded. The regraded area roughly <br /> approximates the original surface contours. The area has been topsoiled and revegetated. To date, <br /> only a Phase 1 bond release has been requested and approved for this area. <br /> New Horizon Mine 2 <br /> In February 1993, Western Fuels of Colorado commenced surface mining at the Mine 2 area. The <br /> annual production is approximately 400,000 tons per year. At this time, active mining and <br /> reclamation activities are concurrent. Topsoil salvaging depths and plans are detailed in section <br /> 2.04.9 of the permit application. Actual topsoil recovery has been less than originally projected due <br /> to discrepancies found in the Peabody topsoil depth estimates. A mitigation plan was approved by <br /> the Division and implemented by the mine in 1996. <br /> When possible, topsoil is live hauled to active reclamation areas. However, this is not always <br /> possible and some topsoil will be stockpiled. Stockpiled topsoil will be protected from wind and <br /> water erosion by roughening and ditching around the pile, establishing an annual cover crop, or <br /> establishing a perennial grass cover, depending on the length of time a stockpile will be in place. <br /> Excavation is performed by dozers, trucks and shovel. The anticipated mining schedule for each area <br /> where mining will occur is graphically shown on Map 2.05.3-1 in the permit document. Overburden <br /> is removed by a shovel and trucks after an area has been drilled and shot. An ANFO slurry is the <br /> primary agent used in the blast. All shots are monitored with seismographs located at structures <br /> nearest to the blast. Blasting schedules are published in the local newspaper. Most blasting occurs <br /> mid-day early in the week. Daily notifications are made to certain individuals that request this <br /> service prior to each blast. <br /> The primary coal seam to be recovered is the Lower Dakota seam; however, the Upper Dakota seam <br /> will be recovered if it is thick enough and of sufficient quality. Maximum overburden depth will <br /> approach 120 feet. Excavations will develop pits having a generally north-south orientation which <br /> progress westward. <br /> It <br />