Laserfiche WebLink
-88- <br />XXIII. Special Categories of Mining Other Than AVF and Prime Farmland - Rules <br />2.06, 4.22, 4.23, 4.26, 4.27, 4.29, and 4.29 <br />Since this is an underground mine, provisions pertaining to mountain top removal, <br />underground mining adjacent to surface mining, and angering operations are not <br />applicable. Mining of the Bear No. 2 and the Bear No. 3 portals which involves <br />face-up areas and portal benches constructed on the steep valley slopes south of <br />the North Fork is classified as steep slope mining. Bear Coal Company has requested <br />a variance from the approximate original contour requirements of Rule 9.27.3(3) as <br />provided by Rule 4.27.4. <br />As a result of geotechnical analyses conducted by the applicant, a number of alternative <br />portal stabilization techniques and backfilling plans were proposed. The Division <br />has granted a variance from the approximate original contour requirements, to allow <br />for a partial backfilling scheme which will insure stability of the reclaimed surface <br />at both the Bear No. 2 and No. 3 portals. The specifics of the proposed reclamation <br />and portal stabilization plans are discussed in Section XVI (Backfillirig and Grading) <br />of this document. <br />