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proved postmining topography. Inspectors <br />shall determine whether AOC requirements <br />have been met by applying the following <br />three elements contained in the definition <br />of AOC. <br />(a) General surface configuration. The <br />reclaimed area should closely resemble the <br />general surface configuration of the land <br />prior to mining. This should not be inter- <br />preted, however, as requiring that <br />postmining contours exactly match the pre- <br />mining contours or that long uninterrupted <br />premining slopes must result in the same. <br />Rather, the general terrain should be com- <br />parable to the premined terrain; that is, <br />if the area was basically level or gently <br />rolling before mining, it should retain <br />these general features after mining. Rolls <br />and dips need not be restored in their <br />original locations and level areas may be <br />increased ... through formation of shorter, <br />steeper slopes, provided that those slopes <br />are capable of supporting the postmining <br />land use and blend with the surrounding <br />terrain. <br />(b) Drainage. The test applied to deter- <br />mine if the reclaimed area blends into and <br />compliments the drainage pattern of the <br />surrounding area is whether water inter- <br />cepted within or from the surrounding ter- <br />rain flows through and from the reclaimed <br />area in an unobstructed and controlled man- <br />ner. <br />(c) Highwalls and spoil piles. All <br />highwalls, spoil piles, and depressions, <br />except small depressions needed to retain <br />moisture, shall be eliminated in a manner <br />which blends in with the surrounding ter- <br />rain. <br />(3) Oversight of State AOC Determinations. <br />One purpose of oversight is to determine if <br />-12- <br />