2022-04-08_PERMIT FILE - C1981044 (4)

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