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mined, due to coal quality, the inner portion of the mine plan area was left as a "center core" and <br />not mined. This center core was surrounded by highwalls and spoil was backfilled against the <br />highwalls to eliminate them. Originally, the post-mining topography of the ridgeline was <br />planned for reconstruction to AOC. However, due to early termination of mining, reconstruction <br />of the ridgeline to approximate premising topography was not possible. The mine applied for, <br />and received approval for, a modification to the post-mining topography (TR-11) and completed <br />all backfilling, grading, and drainage control in accordance with the approved plan. <br />Other areas of the regraded surface were granted a variance from approximate original contour. <br />These areas include the spoil fills lying below the lowest coal seam to be mined, the fill areas <br />immediately above the spoil fills, and the relatively flat or gently sloping areas of the <br />mountaintop. These areas are not required to be returned to approximate original contour and <br />were not returned to AOC. Spoil fills were engineered and constructed using standazd terrace <br />widths, 2.5:1 bench outslopes, and engineered downdrains to divert flow both from the fill and <br />above the fill. Underdrains were constructed to intercept any ground water build-up from <br />beneath the fill. Areas immediately above the fills were reconstructed with shallower slopes as <br />originally planned. Gently sloping areas lie below steeper slopes and geomorphic changes that <br />limit the production of sediment through rill and gully development. Long-term improvement in <br />the vegetative cover on all slopes will further increase the stability of the backfilled and graded <br />lands. <br />Observations of the Division <br />The applicant has completed the backfilling, grading, and drainage control in accordance with the <br />approved plan and consistent with the expectations and findings of the Division regarding the <br />applicable portion of the reclamation work completed. Ground inspections were conducted on <br />three occasions, April 6, 2004, June 14, 2004, and July 21, 2004. <br />Undisturbed areas blend into reclaimed areas without interruption and slopes, while steep, <br />approximate the steep, rocky, pre-mine slopes. Cut and fill terraces exist on each of the three <br />excess spoil fills. These terraces were included and approved as part of the design plan for these <br />constructed fills. Terraces were found in good condition following minor improvements at the <br />intersection with fill downdrains. Terrace slopes were measured during ground inspections and <br />found to be typically less than 40%. No highwalls exist anywhere and none were retained as part <br />of any terrace. <br />Above Excess Spoil Fill 8 where the mined area is nearly flat, water ponds in small puddles after <br />rainfall events. These areas provide vegetation diversity and sources of periodic water for plants <br />and small animals. Bed coal from the loadout was buried in a small area of area S-4 as shown on <br />Map 2.05.3-5, Soil Sample Location and Soil Distribution Plan. The coal was covered with a <br />minimum of four feet of overburden. Combustion should not occur due to the significant cover <br />over the coal. The coal and overburden at the site is not acid Forming or does it produce toxic <br />byproducts. Testing and analysis of the coal and overburden was included in the original <br />permitting information at the site and is included in the PAP. <br />7 <br />