2018-08-08_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (4)

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The pad area on the north side of the rail spur was reduced in size by removing the accumulation of coally material, and regrading and reseeding part of this area, leaving only an access road along the north side of the spur. The drainage configuration of the remaining pad was modified by filling a low area and placing a berm to direct all drainage to the collection sump. The sump capacity and function were expanded by constructing a second sump in series, removing accumulated sediment from the existing sump, and rebuilding the rock perimeter filter. The control capacity of the rail spur collection ditch was increased by excavating several sediment traps in the ditch and adding additional rock check dams. As a very limited disturbance area (approximately 1.2 acres) the Loadout area disturbance meets the applicable criteria for a Small Area Exemption, the proposed drainage control measures should be effective in controlling runoff and sedimentation, and construction of full-scale drainage and sediment control structures is neither needed nor justified. (5) Topsoil A narrative explaining the method of removal and the amount to be removed and the plan for storage of topsoil subsoil and other material within the permit area subject to requirements of the topsoil removal performance standards of 4.06.2. This narrative shall specify the depth of material to be salvaged from all disturbed areas based on the soil information required by 2.04.9 and shall specify the volume of each type of material to be salvaged A map of any proposed storage structures shall accompany the narrative The maps shall be prepared according to the requirements of 2.10. RESPONSE In general, available suitable soil materials will be recovered from planned disturbance areas prior to other disturbance, with either direct replacement on active reclamation areas or placement in temporary stockpiles so that the soil materials are available for future reclamation of mine disturbance areas. Soil material recovery will typically involve clearing and grubbing of trees or large vegetation that could hinder soil recovery operations, removal of suitable soil materials and incorporation of any smaller vegetation, and either direct placement or stockpiling of the soil materials. Normally, tractor-scrapers, tracked or rubber-tired dozers, or wheel-loaders will be used to remove and stockpile the soil materials. Soil recovery depth will be determined in the field using color, texture, and rooting depth as field indicators of soil suitability. Soil stockpiles will be placed and configured to minimize the potential for disturbance and erosion, with suitable drainage controls, and will be seeded with a quick-growing vegetative cover to protect the soil resource from wind or water erosion and loss. Following backfilling, grading, and establishment of appropriate drainage control features, soil materials will either be directly replaced, or recovered from stockpile and replaced on reclaim areas. Reasonable efforts will be made to replace and grade soil materials to a uniform depth, and the replaced soils will be left with a roughened surface to minimize erosion and facilitate water capture and infiltration. The following sections and Section 2.05.4, Reclamation Plan, provide details for specific areas of the Fodiel Creek Mine relative to soil recovery and replacement. TC does not propose to disturb any additional land within the Fish Creek Tipple Area. The Fish Creek Tipple and adjoining haulroad were constructed prior to the promulgation of regulations mandating topsoil salvage and storage. Thus, the best plant growth medium available is a mixture of spoil and soil materials which will be substituted for topsoil. This situation is further discussed in the Fish Creek Tipple/Loadout Appendix, pages 2.04-36 through 2.04-38 and pages 2.05-37 through 2.05-38 of Volume Vlll. Eastern Mining District Dewatering Facility - The Eastern Mining District Dewatering Facility will require salvaging and stockpiling approximately 13,360 CY of topsoil from the access road and the facility site. During upgrading of the road, approximately 3,600 CY of topsoil will be windrowed to the side of the road. The topsoil along the length of the road is approximately 30 inches deep. The facility site will require salvaging and stockpiling approximately 8,300 CY of topsoil. The topsoil from the site area is approximately 30 inches deep. A test pit will be dug to verify the topsoil depth obtained from previous soil mapping work. The stockpiled topsoil, which is located within the pad area, will be stabilized with the topsoil stockpile stabilizing seed mixture. Additionally, approximately 6,295 CY of topsoil will be salvaged from the treatment pond site. This site has been relocated closer to the road to facilitate delivery of chemicals. Bleeder Fan - The bleeder fan facility will require salvaging and stockpiling approximately 4,700 CY of topsoil from the access road and the facility site. During the upgrading of the road, approximately 2,800 CY of topsoil will be windrowed to the side of the road and left in place. The 1,200 CY that will be salvaged from the road extension will be placed in the stockpile that will be established on the fan pad. In addition to the topsoil stockpiled from the road extension, approximately 740 CY will be salvaged and stockpiled from the pad. The soil resources RN 17-07 2.05-84.11 02/15/18