Laserfiche WebLink
A second facilities reclamation effort was completed during 2008-2009,with demolition and reclamation of a number <br /> of additional buildings and structures and their associated disturbance areas in the No. 5 Portal area, including; the <br /> Men's Bathhouse; Laboratory Trailer and Sample Storage Shed; rock-dust tank; and miscellaneous buildings and <br /> facilities(Compressor House and Guard-Shack and Warehouse fencing). Future facilities removal and backfilling and <br /> grading of the remaining portions of the No. 5 Mine Portal Area will balance material cuts and fills, utilizing existing <br /> materials to achieve the design postmining topography,create stable landforms,and promote effective drainage. <br /> In order to stabilize reclaimed areas and promote plant growth,approximately 6 inches of soil material or best available <br /> plant growth media has been or will be replaced on all reclaimed facility areas. The redistributed materials will be <br /> analyzed to assess fertility and determine if amendments are required. The replaced materials will be analyzed for <br /> nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium. As shown on the Reclamation Plan Map (Map 29),portions of the No. 5 Portal <br /> Area will be revegetated to one of two land uses: 1) Rangeland/wildlife habitat; or 2) Pastureland (hayland). Sloped <br /> areas, such as the No. 5 Portal face-up area, will be returned to rangeland/wildlife habitat and flatter areas will be <br /> returned to a pastureland(hayland)land use. Generally,revegetation seeding will be completed using a rangeland seed <br /> drill. If it is necessary to broadcast seed,the seeding rate will be doubled. Straw mulch,applied at the rate of two tons <br /> per acre,was applied over the seeded areas,and either crimped in or applied with a tackifier to minimize wind loss. For <br /> all future reclamation, cover crop seeding will be used to stabilize re-soiled areas and provide a stable seedbed. For <br /> those facilities and associated disturbance areas reclaimed in both 1996-1998 and 2008-2009, soil material replacement <br /> and revegetation seeding were completed at the time of reclamation. <br /> The sediment ponds and associated drainage structures will remain in-place until final release, and will then be <br /> removed. Soil materials salvaged from the pond areas will be used to reclaim the ponds. The ponds will be graded <br /> to blend into the natural topography and seeded with the pastureland (hayland) seed mixture. <br /> No. 5A/6 Mine Portal Areas <br /> The No. 5A Mine Portal was developed off a highwall from an abandoned surface strip mine to access the "F" Coal <br /> Seam. Subsequent development of rock slopes and shafts within the mine provided access to the lower "E" Seam <br /> workings of the No. 6 Mine. When operations ceased,and the Mine was placed in Temporary Cessation status in 1995, <br /> temporary seals were placed on all mine openings to prevent unauthorized access. The previous surface mining predated <br /> the present laws and regulations. As such, surface facility development and construction did not include salvage of soil <br /> materials for later reclamation. This soil material deficiency was addressed by conducting an overburden-sampling <br /> program(developed in consultation with the CMLRD)to determine if any ofthe overburden materials would be suitable <br /> plant growth media. The results of the overburden-sampling program are provided for reference in Exhibit 27,No. 5A <br /> Portal Overburden Sampling Results. The results indicated that the top six inches of weathered overburden could be <br /> removed and stockpiled for later use as suitable plant growth media. <br /> All surface structures and facilities have been demolished and removed with the exception of the multi-services building. <br /> This included the removal of the ventilation fans, electrical substations, fuel island, compressor building and any <br /> miscellaneous materials. Generally, salvageable materials and any non-inert wastes will be removed from the site for <br /> salvage or disposal, as appropriate. Inert wastes, including concrete demolition and other debris is being placed either <br /> in the No. 5A underground workings near the portal or at the toe of the face-up area prior to backfilling. The portal <br /> entries have been sealed consistent with the approved MSHA sealing plans. No toxic or combustible materials will be <br /> used as sealing materials. <br /> The portal face-up area will be backfilled with the material from the facilities pad and by grading in the highwall. Prior <br /> to initiating backfilling and grading operations, the upper 6 inches of vegetated overburden will be salvaged and <br /> temporarily stockpiled adjacent to the site for replacement as suitable plant growth media. On completion of backfilling, <br /> the portal area will be rough graded to establish a stable configuration. Contour ditches or furrows will be constructed <br /> on the reclaimed slope to reduce erosion and provide for effective drainage. These ditches or furrows will be <br /> approximately 20 to 50 feet apart and have check-dams placed at periodic intervals. The ditches will be maintained <br /> until the vegetation becomes established. It is anticipated that the ditches would fill with sediment in the initial years <br /> MT8 2.05-27 Revised 02/28/22 <br />