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was verified by sampling reclaimed areas prior to seeding with at least one hole per five <br /> acres. Results of this sampling are documented in the Annual Reclamation Reports <br /> submitted to the Division. <br /> V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br /> All exploration, drill or boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except those used <br /> solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic drainage from <br /> entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and <br /> ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in Tab 18 of the permit application <br /> package. No variance from regulatory requirements regarding sealing has been requested <br /> or proposed for approval, and so no specific findings apply. <br /> VI. Use of Explosives <br /> Blasting will not occur during the 2025-2030 permit term, as all mining has ceased. <br /> Explosives were previously used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Yoast <br /> Mine. Additional information regarding blasting operations is located in Tab 14 of the <br /> permit application package. <br /> VIL. Backfilling and Grading <br /> Backfilling and grading plans ensured that disturbed areas were returned to approximate <br /> original contour in a timely manner. Findings from the four Phase I bond release <br /> approvals indicate that Seneca Property, LLC succeeded in implementing the approved <br /> plan. Details of the backfilling and grading plan, schedule, and post mine topography are <br /> located in Tabs 19 and 20 of the permit application package. <br /> The following findings were made regarding backfilling and grading practices at the mine: <br /> o Over the course of the operations backfilling and grading was completed in <br /> 2004 through 2006 in accordance with all approved variance schedules and <br /> post mining configurations of topography. Seneca Property, LLC followed the <br /> backfilling and grading sequence shown on Exhibit 19-IA, Backfilling and <br /> Grading Plan, and the associated reclamation schedule to achieve the post-mine <br /> topography presented on Exhibit 20-2 of the permit application package. <br /> Any potentially acid-or toxic-forming spoil material were identified by sampling regraded <br /> spoil, and chemically treating or burying with a minimum of four feet of topsoil <br /> ameliorating any negative effects of problematic material as per(4.14.3(1)(a)) and <br /> ((4.14.3(2)). Seneca Property, LLC conducted the required spoil monitoring over the <br /> course of reclamation of the disturbed areas, and no acid-forming or toxic-forming <br /> materials were identified. <br /> VIII. Revegetation <br /> Information pertaining to revegetation at the Yoast Mine is found in Tabs 10, 19, and 22 of <br /> the permit application package. Section A, of this document describes the five major <br /> vegetation community types occurring within the Yoast permit area. Baseline vegetation <br /> data was collected during June 1990 and July 1992 as per DRMS Regulations. <br /> 16 <br />