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With the submittal of PR-01, SCC further evaluated the probable hydrologic <br />consequences of proposed Yoast mining operations in the Sage Creek <br />watershed. This evaluation occurred prior to any mine related disturbance in <br />that watershed. <br />Based on SCC's evaluation, the Division finds that although SCC has <br />predicted that salinity levels in Sage Creek may exceed the Division's <br />conductivity threshold of I.0 mmho/cm, the effects to ranching/agricul[ural <br />operations along Sage Creek are deemed to be insignificant. The Division <br />finds that the proposed coal mining operation would not interrupt, <br />discontinue, or preclude fazming on the potential alluvial valley floors that <br />have been identified along Sage Creek, downstream from the proposed <br />mining operation. The Division's findings in regard [o impacts to alluvial <br />valley floors are presented in Section B,X of this document. <br />SCC projected electrical conductivity values for Sage Creek in excess of the <br />suspect level for material damage in the original Yoast application. SCC <br />presented analyses of impacts of elevated conductivity levels in terms of <br />material damage in PR-01. The Division agrees with SCC's analyses and <br />finds that[ the Yoast permit application package now complies with Rule <br />2.07.6(2)(c)&(k) which were the subject of Stipulation No. 7. The Division <br />also finds that the permit application package now complies with Rule <br />2.06.8(4) which was the subject of Stipulation No. 9. Therefore, Stipulation <br />Number 7 & Shave been complied with and removed. <br />IV <br />Topsoil <br />Baseline soils information is found in Tab 9 of the permit application package. Mine <br />soil reconstruction is discussed in Tab 21. <br />All available, suitable topsoil will be salvaged from areas to be disturbed by mining <br />and either stored in a stockpile or irrunediately redistributed on regraded areas. <br />Thirteen topsoil stockpiles were used during the first five-year permit term. Twelve <br />of these stockpiles still exist. Four additional topsoil stockpile sites are proposed for <br />the second five-year permit term. These topsoil stockpile locations are shown on <br />Exhibit 12-1. Stockpiles are seeded following construction, to protect the topsoil <br />from erosion. and are marked with identification signs. Topsoil will not be salvaged <br />from approximately 69 of the 989.6 affected acres at the Yoast Mine. Topsoil will <br />not be salvaged from these areas because, l.) steep slopes make salvage operations <br />unsafe, 2.) rock outcrops or unsuitably high clay content preclude use of the material, <br />and/or 3.) the area has been disturbed prior to mining or is under water. <br />Soil salvage operations will be monitored by Seneca Coal Company in the field to <br />verify removal of all available topsoil. Replaced topsoil thickness will be verified <br />by sampling reclaimed areas prior to seeding with at least one hole per five acres. <br />Yoitt Mine ~(~ March 6, ?001 <br />