APPCOR12906 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-19- Although the operations will potentially degrade the quality of this ground water, the net effect ioould be insignificant. The water within these strata are naturally of such pour quality and low availability that they are not particu- larly useful for many purposes. Any aquifers of high potential for regional beneficial use are hydrologically isolated from the mine zone. At this time, there are no other coal mining operations within the area of the Hayden Gulch coal mine which would produce cumulative impacts on the hydro- logically adjacent area. All other activity is essentially hydrologically separated from the Hayden Gulch mine. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), the assessment of the probable cumulative impacts of all anticipated coal mining in the general area on the hydrologic balance, as described in Rule 2.05.6(3), has been made by the Division, and the operations proposed under the application have been designed to prevent damage to the hydro- logic balance outside the proposed permit area. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. ion and Air Resources - Rules 2.04.8, 2.05.4(2)(h) and Baseline information presented in Section 7_.04.8 (Volume I) and an adequate air quality analysis in Appendix J (Volume IV) of the application were reviewed by the Division for compliance. The applicant has supplied all of the informa- tion required by the Rules and Regulations. The operation is .in compliance with the requirements of this section. XI. Toysoil - Rules 2.04.9, 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d) and 4.06 Sections 2.04.9, 2.05.3, 2.05.4 (Volume I), Aooendix F (Volume III), and Appendix L (Volume V) of the application contain the information pertinent to these requirements. Review of these materials and correspondence with the applicant satisfied all problems identified. During the review process the applicant was advised that the stripping depth map provided with the application would not be adequate for use at the mine site during the topsoil stripping phase. The applicant responded that this was not the intended use of the map and that operationally it is standard pro- cedure for a soil scientist to supervise topsoil stripping and to stake out . areas of approximately equal topsoil depth. Visits to the site by Division staff have also verified H-G Coal Company's contention that soil horizons are easily differentiated at the site on the basis of color. Operational asoects of this section of the application are, therefore, acceptable. The applicant initially contended that 27" of topsoil will be available for reclamation. Based on information supplied by the applicant, this thickness of available topsoil was not justified. The Division requested that the applicant reevaluate available topsoil volumes [o assure that enough topsoil exists for successful reclamation. H-G Coal Company responded caith projections of available topsoil volumes which were based on site-specific observations. It has been shown that enough topsoil is available [o replace a depth of 19.4 to 22.7 inches over the entire site. This is acceptable to the Division.