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7 of the Division's February 19, 1999 mid-term review document, disposal within the mine is <br /> limited to rock generated during the normal course of mining operations, in accordance with <br /> standard industry practice, and in compliance with applicable MSHA requirements. Return of <br /> coal mine waste from the surface to underground workings is not approved. <br /> Non-coal waste(e.g. trash and non-coal combustibles)are stored in a dumpster on site and hauled <br /> off for permanent disposal by a commercial trash company. There is no permanent disposal of <br /> non-coal waste material on-site. <br /> VI. BACKFILLING AND GRADING <br /> Information relevant to backfilling and grading is presented in Sections 3.0 and 3.3-1, of the <br /> application. Postmining contour maps and cross sections are included as Figures 3.1-1 and 3.1-2, <br /> premine topography is depicted on Figure 3.1-3, and a stability analysis section is depicted on <br /> Figure 3.14. <br /> The lower portion of the affected area will be returned to approximate original contour(AOC),but <br /> the mine bench area will not be returned to AOC. The operator submitted information in the <br /> original permit application,and in association with the 1985 permit renewal demonstrating that the <br /> mine bench area qualified as steep slope mining pursuant to 2.06 and 4.27. The Division approved <br /> a limited variance to the AOC requirements of 4.14 and 4.27.3, to allow for backfilled slopes of <br /> lesser steepness, which would meet applicable stability criteria and support the approved post- <br /> mine land use. Average slopes in the mine bench area prior to mining ranged from 80%to 85%, <br /> whereas the backfilled valley side slopes will range from approximately 40% to 60%. The <br /> post-mine topographic configuration will be similar to premine, and stable drainage channels will <br /> be reconstructed in their approximate original locations. The highwall will be completely <br /> backfilled,with the natural sandstone outcrop which forms a near vertical face above the portals to <br /> remain undisturbed. The existing cut slope along the south side of the mine bench area will be cut <br /> back a short distance to tie in with the backfill, and ensure a stable configuration. Stability <br /> analyses performed by the operator indicate that the reclaimed slopes will achieve the required 1.3 <br /> factor of safety. <br /> The Division has previously approved a variance from the general grading requirements of 4.14.2 <br /> for reclamation to approximate original contour because the requirements of 4.27.1 and 4.27.4 <br /> have been met. Please see Section B.VII of this document. <br /> VII. OPERATIONS ON STEEP SLOPES <br /> The Division proposes to approve a variance from meeting approximate original contour for <br /> reclaimed areas. This variance is proposed following a demonstration that the requirements of <br /> Rule 2.06.4 and 2.06.5 have been met (4.27.3). In addition the Division finds the applicant has <br /> demonstrated that the requirements of Rule 4.27.4 will be met. <br /> Information upon which the above finding is based can be found on pages 3-2 through 3-5 of the <br /> permit application. The landowner request from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), <br /> pursuant to Rules 4.27.4(4) and 2.06.5(2)(e), is included in Appendix K, of Volume IV, of the <br /> permit application. <br /> 21 <br />