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IV. Topsoil <br />Baseline soils information, topsoil removal and redistribution plans are found in pages 3-54 to 3-61, <br />4-45, 4-55 to 4-56 and 4-63 in permit Volume I, as well as Appendix 3.5-1 in Volume II of the PAP. <br />The two soil types occurring within the proposed area are the Heldt Silty Clay with an average <br />salvage depth to 60 inches and the Nihil Stony Loam with an average salvage depth to 12 inches. <br />Most of the surface and subsurface soil horizons rate fair to good as a source of topsoil material, <br />exhibiting both low electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratios. <br />All available topsoil within the disturbed area was salvaged. The topsoil has been replaced following <br />backfilling and grading of the reclaimed areas. The two remaining topsoil stockpiles were used <br />during reclamation of the sediment pond in the fall of 2015. <br />A. The Division makes no approval of provisions for alternative methods of stored topsoil protection to <br />those of Rule 4.06.3 [4.06.1(2)]. <br />B. No additional clearing of vegetation or removal of topsoil is proposed. Thus the Division makes no <br />waiver of requirement for clearing of vegetation cover prior to topsoil removal [4.06.2(1)]. <br />C. No removal of topsoil is proposed for the forthcoming permit renewal term. Thus the Division makes <br />no approval of a variance for topsoil removal [4.06.2(2)(a)]. <br />D. No additional earthwork is proposed (no new disturbance). Thus the Division makes no approvals <br />regarding segregation of B horizon and C horizons [4.06.2(3)]. <br />E. The Division has determined selected overburden materials shall be used for topsoil (seed bed <br />material) for reclamation of the remaining surface facilities (as was done for previous reclamation). <br />This determination is based on physical and chemical analyses approved by the Division [4.06.2(4)(a)]. <br />F. There is no remaining topsoil stockpiled on site for reclamation. The Division makes no approvals of <br />alternative methods to vegetation protection [4.06.3(2)(a)]. <br />G. The Division makes no approval of alternative treatments to eliminate slippage surfaces, relieve <br />compaction, and provide for root penetration [4.06.4(1)]. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />A. The applicant has not proposed to manage development, exploration, drill or bore holes, wells or <br />other exposed underground openings in a manner other than by sealing and plugging (4.07.1). The <br />closure of the mine portals has been carried out in compliance with all relevant local, State, Division <br />and Federal regulations. The design shown in figure 4.4-1 and 4.4-2, specifically designed for the <br />portals #I and #2, respectively, has been followed. A minor variation of the plans, replacing the <br />concrete block walls with solid concrete walls, has been approved by MSHA. <br />Coal Ridge Mine <br />Permit Renewal No. 7 16 December 5, 2016 <br />