Laserfiche WebLink
mining operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the West <br /> Elk Mine. The Division finds that underground mining at the West Elk Mine <br /> will not cause material damage outside the permit area and hydrologic impacts <br /> will be minimized within the permit area. (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br /> IV. Topsoil <br /> Baseline soils information can be found in Section 2.04.9 in Volume 1 of the PAP. A <br /> suitability analysis of the topsoil was performed before the site was disturbed. In most <br /> areas topsoil quality as seedbed material is considered moderate to good, with a few <br /> areas that are considered poor. Soil mapping and physical descriptions of the soil are <br /> based on SCS soil surveys completed for the area. <br /> The operator's topsoil salvage and redistribution plan can be found in Section 2.05.4. <br /> Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53. <br /> Topsoil will be removed ahead of surface disturbance activities. Any vegetative cover <br /> that would interfere with topsoil removal will be removed first. The West Elk Mine had <br /> already completed the majority of topsoil and vegetation removal when the mine <br /> facilities were constructed in 1981. Since the majority of reclamation will occur upon <br /> completion of mining, topsoil stockpiles have been designed and maintained so as to <br /> minimize wind and water erosion and to preserve the seedbed material. Stockpiles in <br /> place for five years or more have been or will be seeded with the permanent seed mix. <br /> Subsoil not fully suitable for seedbed material is also excavated, as necessary, for <br /> construction purposes. Topsoil consisting of all of the A horizon and part of the B <br /> horizon of each soil series present is stripped before construction begins. <br /> The operator will distribute 12 to 18 inches of topsoil over the entire disturbed area. <br /> However, the Lower Refuse Disposal Area will be replaced with 18 to 24 inches of <br /> topsoil and subsoil. A variance to the four feet of nontoxic cover has been granted to <br /> the West Elk Mine. This variance is discussed further in Section VIII, Coal Mine Waste <br /> Banks in this Findings Document. After the soil has been replaced, the surface is <br /> loosened and roughened by disking, harrowing, or dragging, which will increase <br /> infiltration, thereby reducing surface runoff. Various conditioners and neutralizers may <br /> be used to modify seedbed conditions, or enhance vegetative cover. <br /> V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br /> 1. The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be <br /> capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br /> VI. Use of Explosives <br /> 1. Mining techniques used at the West Elk Mine do not require blasting as part of the <br /> regular extraction cycle. Occasionally, explosives are used for underground <br /> construction purposes. These uses only require small quantities of explosives. <br /> 49 <br />