Laserfiche WebLink
of excess spoil would be generated. The applicant used a swell factor <br />of 19.8 percent based on actual pre-mining and post-mining volumes <br />using a computer program called STOCK. The excess spoil volumes were <br />generated from a 148.58 acre area depicted in Figure 12-1x. A fill was <br />designed for compliance with Rule 4.09.1(3). <br />PCC proposed to open a box cut adjacent to an ephemeral drainage. <br />Excess spoil was proposed to be disposed of in this drainage. The <br />applicant submitted slope stability analyses for this fill area on <br />Pages 12-13 through 12-17. Cross-sections and diagrams were submitted <br />on Exhibits 12-ES1, 12-ES2 and 12-ES3. Computer data were submitted in <br />Appendices of Tab 12. Slake durability analyses were submitted in <br />Appendix 12-5. <br />The applicant applied appropriate slope stability analyses using two <br />computer programs, the SWASE program (Sliding Wedge Analysis of <br />Sidehill Embankments) and the REAME program (Rotational Equilibrium <br />Analyses of Multilayered Embankments). Computations indicated that the <br />minimum factor of safety was 1.6 static and 1.27 seismic, which were <br />within the requirements for long-term stability. <br />An underdrain and a lateral drain to drain the seeps and springs within <br />the drainage were proposed. Drainage designs were found in Table 12 <br />and were based on measured and projected flow rates. PCC stated that <br />the drain would be constructed of natural sandstone rock no larger than <br />5 feet in diameter and that no more than 10 percent of the rock would <br />be less than 12 inches in size. The applicant further stated that the <br />drains would be free of coal, clay or shale. <br />The toe of the underdrain was designed to discharge into the coal seam, <br />and the applicant stated that during wet periods the coal seam may not <br />absorb all of the underdrain flow. Ground water levels within the <br />underdrain would rise and then flow into the existing spoils, resulting <br />in possible base saturation of the existing spoils. The stability of <br />the existing spoils was not addressed in the revision application, and <br />the Division determined that any discharge which may result in base <br />saturation should be alleviated or addressed in terms of geotechnical <br />stability. MLRD field observations indicated that there was an <br />existing enclosed impoundment which exhibited swampiness in the area <br />where the drainage ended. This impoundment was located at the toe of <br />the proposed fill. Therefore, a stipulation was attached to the permit <br />revision approval requiring that "WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE PERMIT APPROVAL <br />THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT AN ADEQUATE DESIGN FOR A SURFACE DISCHARGING <br />DRAIN TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE TOE OF THE PROPOSED FILL. SHOULD THIS <br />SURFACE DRAIN FLOW INTO AN EXISTING SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM THE <br />APPLICANT SHALL DISCUSS THE EFFECT ADDITIONAL FLOW WILL HAVE ON THE <br />HYDROLOGIC SYSTEM." Peabody Coal Company submitted the required <br />designs within the 90 day timeframe, thereby resolving the requirements <br />of the stipulation. <br />