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VII. Backfilling and Grading <br />Backfilling and grading plans will ensure that disturbed areas are returned to <br />approximate original contour in a timely manner. Details of the backfilling and <br />grading plan; schedule, and post mine topography are located in Tabs 19 and 20 of <br />the permit application package. <br />Seneca Coal Company will generate a topographic map, using photogrammetric <br />methods, of backfilled and regraded areas on an annual basis. The map will be used <br />to determine whether regraded areas are consistent with the approved postmining <br />topography. The map will be submitted to the Division in the Annual Reclamation <br />Report. The following findings were made regarding backfilling and grading <br />practices at the mine: <br />The applicant requested additional time for backfilling and grading following <br />coal removal in an azea strip mine. A detailed written analysis under <br />2.05.4(2)(c) demonstrated that additional time was necessary to <br />accommodate highwall mining and coal haulage access. Therefore, the <br />Division approved backfilling and grading beyond 180 days following coal <br />removal for select areas of final dragline pits in existing and future mining <br />areas. <br />With Permit Revision No. 2, a revised variance request has been approved. <br />After encountering limited success with the highwall miner operation, the <br />mining was terminated eazlier than originally anticipated. This elimination of <br />the highwall miner operation resulted in significant scheduling changes to <br />the mine plan and the backfill and grading schedule. The revised variance <br />azeas are described below and aze depicted on Exhibit 19-1A, Backfilling and <br />Grading Plan. <br />North Valora Pit (directly east of Pond 012) -Lower 1,800 feet of pit area to <br />be final graded and topsoiled in 2006 when the haul road is removed and the <br />lower end of Channel YPM-6 is constructed (the material removed from the <br />haul road and channel area will need to be placed against the northern side <br />slope to achieve PMT). The actual final dragline pit in this azea has been <br />backfilled and rough graded. <br />Wolf Creek Pit -The entire Wolf Creek coal recovery azea is long and nan•ow <br />and the dragline alternated between various pits in this azea. Dragline and <br />coal haulage access must be maintained until all coal is removed. Final pits <br />(approximately 2,400 ft) to be backfilled and graded in 2006. <br />Yoast Mine 33 February 28, 2006 <br />