2019-04-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (6)

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RULE 2 PERMITS Topsoil will be removed in the permit area by bulldozers, loaders or scrapers as described in Section 2.05.3. The sequence and timetable for all topsoil redistribution and revegetation activities is found on the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28 and 28A). This drawing also shows the location of the topsoil stripping activities for the current term and future terms. A life -of -mine topsoil balance is estimated in Table 2.05-1. The time period during the year when topsoil removal, distribution and revegetation operations take place depends solely on the weather. Generally, topsoil removal and distribution operations will begin in the spring when soil conditions allow the movement of topsoil, and may continue until late fall until weather conditions prohibit any further topsoil handling. Revegetation, typically, will take place during the early spring or fall. Topsoil in excess of the demands of the direct haul operation to regraded spoil is placed in topsoil storage stockpiles. The topsoil storage stockpiles for the mine plan area are shown on the Topsoil Handling Maps 28 and 28A. As can be seen, topsoil stockpiles have been constructed in the permit area to handle material which is in excess of current redistribution needs. The excess topsoil has been removed from the mining areas, from haul roads and from mine facility locations. The planned contemporaneous stockpiling and reapplication will eliminate the need to move topsoil stockpiles from one area to another prior to reapplication onto graded spoil. Stockpiles are specifically located to avoid erosion from wind and water and additional compaction or contamination. As can be determined from the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28), all stockpiles are located within stable areas. The piles will be protected from wind erosion by planting a perennial mixture as explained in Section 4.06.3 as soon as conditions allow. Proper seasons of planting will be early spring or late fall. In addition to the planted material, a considerable amount of volunteer growth can be expected to grow on all stockpiled topsoil. External erosion will be controlled through proper location of the stockpiles. No permanent topsoil stockpiles will be placed in a drainage bottom where external erosion might pose a potential threat. Unnecessary compaction will be avoided by keeping all but essential traffic off the stockpiled areas. Topsoil signs will identify topsoil stockpiles. Contamination of the stockpiles will be eliminated by the careful selection of sites that are distant from the areas where actual mining activities are occurring. Drainage ways and areas near spoiling and blasting will be avoided where possible. Overburden and Coal The complete description of the removal, handling and storage of all overburden material within the permit area is described under the Production, Methods and Equipment Section found at the beginning of Section 2.05.3. The mining sequence for the planned operation is shown on the Mine Plan Map (Map 23). Cross sections showing the mining operation during the "steady-state" operation are found on the Mining Range Diagram Map 24. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-12 Revision Date: 5/25/18 Revision No.: RN -07