REV105700 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2.06.9 Auoerino 2.06.9 applies to any person who conducts or intends to conduct surface coal mining and reclamation operations utilizing augering operations. The operator has chosen to apply the requirements of this section to the proposed highwall mining in new Attachment 12-4, due to the similarity of the mining method and potential impacts to auger mining operations. We concur with this approach, given Division precedence and the fact that the rules do not specifically address highwall mining. Items 8 through 17 below are our review comments on the highwall mining operational plan as presented in Attachment 12-4. 8. Rule 2.06.9(2) requires that the application contain a description of the augering methods to be used and the measures to be used to comply with 4.23. The operational description lacks necessary detail, and there is one conflict in the descriptions of which coal seams are to be mined by the highwall mining method. On page 12-4-1 highwall mining is proposed in the Wadge and Wolf Creek coal seams. On page 12-4-2, highwall mining is proposed in the Wadge, Sage Creek and Wolf Creek coal seams. Please amend the text to be consistent regarding which coal seams are to be mined by the highwall miner. Please expand the proposed mining plan description of multiple-seam highwall mining to include the vertical relationships of mining activities. Please indicate on Exhibit 12-3 those areas of multiple-seam mining, including the identity of the seams. Please identify to which seam the currently drawn proposed penetrations and limits of highwall mining apply, and provide a cross section that illustrates the staggering, if any, of lines of highwall hole face- ups and limits of penetration. Rule 2.06.9(3) states that no permit shall be issued for any operations covered by 2.06.9 unless the Division or Board finds, in writing, that in addition to meeting all other applicable requirements of these Rules, the operation will be conducted in compliance with 4.23. Rule 4.23.1 establishes environmental protection performance standards in addition to those applicable performance standards in Rule 4, to prevent any unnecessary loss of coal reserves and to prevent adverse environmental effects from auger mining incident to surface mining activities. 9. Rule 4.23.2(1) requires that auger mining (interpreted by the Division to include highwall mining), shall be conducted to maximize recoverability of mineral reserves remaining "' after mining activities are completed. To this end, the rule further specifies that areas of undisturbed coal be left in place in accordance with specifications listed in 4.23.2(1)(a), (b), and (c), to provide access for removal of those reserves by future underground mining activities, unless the Division determines that the coal reserves have been depleted or are limited in thickness or extent to the point that it will not be practicable to recover the remaining coal reserves.