Laserfiche WebLink
XIX. Mountaintop Removal <br /> There were no mountaintop removal operations associated with the Roadside Portals <br /> Mine. <br /> XX. Operations on Steep Slopes <br /> Steep slopes as defined in Rule 1.04(125) exist in the South Portal disturbed area and <br /> they are depicted on Exhibit 6C. As allowed for in Rule 2.06.5, SCC requested an <br /> AOC variance (PR-3) for these steep slopes to allow for an alternative commercial <br /> postmining land use. <br /> Within PR-3, SCC requested, and the Division approved, a variance from the <br /> approximate original contour restoration requirements for steep slope mining, <br /> pursuant to Rules 2.06.5 and 4.27.4. Approval of the variance has allowed SCC to <br /> retain the flat mine bench, the existing shop and warehouse, an access road and <br /> parking areas for the approved commercial postmining land use at the South Portal <br /> facilities area. The specific findings required by Rule 2.06.5 and by Rule 4.27.4 for <br /> the South Portal area are provided in Section B. VIII of the Proposed Decision and <br /> Findings of Compliance for Permit Revision No. 3 dated July 30, 2007. <br /> A. The Division proposes to approve a variance from meeting approximate <br /> original contour for reclaimed areas. This variance is proposed following a <br /> demonstration that the requirements of Rule 2.06.4 and 2.06.5 have been met <br /> (4.27.3). In addition the Division believes that the applicant has demonstrated <br /> that the requirements of Rule 4.27.4 will be met. <br /> B. The applicant has proposed to dispose of woody plant materials in the backfill <br /> beneath the highwall. The Division does not believe this practice will <br /> deteriorate the stable condition of the backfilled area, and therefore proposes <br /> to approve of this practice (4.27.3(6)). <br /> C. The Division proposes to approve of the construction of an unlined or <br /> unprotected drainage channel on backfill. This proposal is based on a <br /> demonstration that the channel will be stable and not subject to erosion <br /> (427.3(7)). <br /> D. The applicant has proposed alternative specifications and practices for <br /> operations on steep slopes and reclamation of these operations. This proposal <br /> has been accompanied by a thorough analytical demonstration that use of the <br /> alternates will result in reclaimed areas as environmentally sound and <br /> structurally stable as would result using the standards set in 4.27 (4.27.3(8)). <br /> E. Land above the highwall shall be disturbed in order to blend the highwall and <br /> backfilled area, control runoff, provide access to the area above the highwall <br /> 68 <br />