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1. The applicant requested additional time for backfilling and grading following coal <br />removal in an area strip mine. A detailed written analysis under 2.05.4(2)(c) <br />demonstrated that additional time was necessary based on coal production rates. <br />Therefore, the Division approved the additional time for the Wolf Creek and Wadge pit <br />areas, and the non-coal waste disposal site. The Wolf Creek and Wadge pit areas were <br />reclaimed within 180 days of initial disturbance, but were regraded within 4 spoil ridges <br />of the active pit. This delay was necessary because of production rates and pit <br />sequencing. In some cases, it took four spoil rows to create sufficient spoil area to <br />allow final grading to "daylight" and blend into the surrounding topography. All <br />highwalls have been regraded at the Seneca II Mine site. <br />The Division approved backfilling, grading and final reclamation ofAuger Area E to be <br />completed in 1998. The solid waste disposal site, a previously mined Wadge area pit <br />was still being utilized for mining operations at that time. Reclamation of the area has <br />been completed. (4.14.1) <br />2. The Division approved the retention of box cut spoil or initial cut spoil outside the pit <br />area since the applicant demonstrated that such material was not required to achieve <br />approximate original contour in accordance with 4.09.1. Excess spoil was generated in <br />the Wolf Creek Area, and was placed in a fill adjacent to the initial box cut. <br />Information concerning the fill is located in Tab 12 of the permit application. <br />3. Small depressions in the backfill will be used to minimize erosion, create or enhance <br />wildlife habitat, conserve soil moisture, and promote revegetation. Seneca Coal <br />Company has included in the postmine grading operation the use of very small swales <br />and stock tanks. Twenty-one stock ponds were constructed throughout the life of mining <br />in the reclaim areas. Seneca Coal Company has retained twelve of the stock ponds as <br />permanent features. These twelve stock ponds meet the design criteria of 4.05.9 for <br />permanent impoundments. The impoundments will serve as a water supply for <br />livestock and wildlife in the area. Details of the construction and location of these <br />impoundments aze located in Attachment 7-2 and Appendix 13-9 of the PAP. <br />(4,14.2(3)). <br />4. The Division approved the applicant's plan for disposal of debris, acid-forming or toxic <br />materials, or materials constituting a ftre hazard in a manner designed to prevent <br />contamination of ground or surface waters. A contingency plan has been developed to <br />prevent sustained combustion of flammable materials. Details ofthe mitigation plan for <br />acid-forming spoils encountered in the Wolf Creek mining area are located in Tab 6 of <br />the permit application package. (4.14.3(1)(a)). <br />Spoil materials with pH values of less than 5 and an acid base potential (ABP) of less <br />than -5 were covered with two to three feet of suitable spoil material, or were treated <br />with application of lime. <br />33 <br />