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All exploration,drill or boreholes,wells, or other underground openings except those used <br /> solely for surface blasting and the water supply well located in TSN, R88W SW 1;4NW <br /> 1;4 Section 22 will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic drainage from entering the <br /> groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and ensure <br /> safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in Tab 18, Volume 12 of the permit <br /> application package. No variance from regulatory requirements regarding sealing has <br /> been requested or proposed for approval, and no such specific findings apply. The <br /> Division requires that each hole, well or underground opening be capped, sealed, <br /> backflled or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br /> VI. Use of Explosives <br /> Explosives were used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Seneca IIW Mine. <br /> The Operator typically used ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) for this purpose, <br /> primed with cast primers and detonated with detonating cord. A certified blaster was in <br /> charge of all blasting operations to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws. <br /> Additional information regarding blasting operations is located in Volume 11,Tab 14 of <br /> the permit application package. <br /> SPL submitted a revision to the permit application to establish maximum allowable ground <br /> vibrations from blasting, as a result of damage to private property, including oil tanks and <br /> an oil well. SPL maintained peak particle velocities at the oil well site of five inches per <br /> second (ips) or less, and utilized a seismic monitor at the well site to verify maximum peak <br /> particle velocities. SPL also increased the borehole column stem in areas where mud <br /> seams were encountered in the upper strata. These plans were implemented within 1,000 <br /> feet of the Meridian Oil Well. <br /> VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br /> There are no excess spoil disposal areas associated with this operation. <br /> VIIL Coal Mine Waste Banks <br /> There are no coal mine waste banks or coal refuse piles associated with this operation. <br /> IX. Coal Mine Waste <br /> No coal mine waste or coal refuse remain on the site. <br /> X. Backfilling and Grading <br /> The pit progression design was based on standard mining practices. The backfilling and <br /> grading plan comprises Volume 13, Tab 20. The reclamation schedule, including a <br /> request for a variance from the contemporaneous reclamation requirements of Rule 4.14 <br /> makes up Volume 12,Tab 19. <br /> In the first permit term, the Division approved a reclamation plan allowing a delay in <br /> contemporaneous reclamation under Rule 4.14.1(1)(c). Pit development in both the north <br /> and south blocks began with an initial box cut. Development progressed from each box cut <br /> in opposite directions at different times during the operations plan. The sequence of pit <br /> development did not allow for backfilling and grading to be completed within 180 days <br /> of coal removal. At the point of maximum disturbance, there were projected to be two <br /> Page 28 of 37 <br />