2016-12-08_PERMIT FILE - C1981014 (5)

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Average replacement thickness of topsoil in the mine facilities area is calculated to be approximately 0.5 feet. While topsoil replacement thickness will be limited by soil availability, existing surficial material in this area should provide a suitable vegetative growth medium. In order to promote infiltration and encourage root penetration, EFCI will rip regraded facilities areas to a depth of approximately two (2) to three (3) feet prior to topsoil replacement. Given the limited amount of topsoil available for replacement, physical manipulation of topsoil subsequent to placement will be minimized to prevent mixing of soil and overburden materials. Sedimentation Ponds Nos. 1 and 5 are in the mine facilities area and will not be reclaimed until the end of the bond liability period. Consequently sufficient topsoil will be retained in Stockpile M-1 to complete reclamation of these ponds. As noted in section 2.05.3, Operation Plan - Permit Area, reclamation of the permanent coal refuse stockpile is an ongoing activity with progressive reclamation of regraded stockpile areas occurring on an annual basis. Approximately 23.6 acres of the coal refuse stockpile have been reclaimed with placement of four (4) feet of soil material. Current operations involve the expansion of the coal refuse stockpile to the west. The final refuse pile configuration is shown on the Mine Area Post-Mining Topography map (Map 28). The modified refuse pile configuration will cover approximately 38.0 acres when complete. Of the 38.0 acres, 26.6 acres have been capped with four feet of suitable soil material and revegetated. The remaining 11.4 acres of refuse pile surface will require placement of approximately 18,400 cy of topsoil and 55,200 cy of subsoil. This material will come from the subsoil Stockpile M-2 (13,100 cy), topsoil Stockpile M-3 (14,700 cy), a remaining undisturbed area (approximately 5.9 acres) 2 acres within the footprint of the designed refuse pile and 3.9 acres from the refuse borrow area (3,700 cy topsoil and 42,100 cy subsoil). These two areas contains approximately 6,850 cy of topsoil and 46,100 cy of subsoil assuming an average recovery depth of 5.1 feet. If necessary, EFCI can excavate deeper than 5.1 feet to make up for any losses due to holders or other unforeseen problems and still maintain positive drainage of the refuse pile subgrade. 2.05.4-14 Revised - June 2000