Laserfiche WebLink
<br />• NEW ELK MINE <br />SUMMARY <br />This section addresses outstanding stipulations and permit conditions for the New <br />Elk Mine. The outstanding stipulations and conditions deal primarily with future <br />reclamation activities. Information is provided in regard to preservation of the essential <br />hydrologic functions of the Stonewall Valley, soil sampling and redistribution for <br />revegetation; clarification of post-mining land uses as these uses relate to pre-mine <br />vegetation studies; revegetation monitoring and success criteria; and reclamation of <br />roads. <br />A critical point to this evaluation is the Division's interpretation of reclamation <br />liability and the performance standards under Section 4.15 of the regulations. Page 54 of <br />the Findings Document states, 4.15.10 only applies to those areas which have been l~~ <br />previously mined and abandoned, not in areas where mining has been conducted ~~ <br />continuously and by the same operator. This mine was acquired by WFC in December <br />• 1983; therefore, 4.15.10 applies to all areas except those which have been or may be <br />disturbed by WFC. At present, this includes those areas of new disturbance and areas <br />redisturbed under the New Elk Permit Revision No. 1 and the proposed noncoal waste <br />disposal area near the West Portal. These areas would be evaluated under current <br />performance standards of Section 4.15.8. <br />For purposes of this discussion the New Elk surface facilities have been divided into <br />the West Portal Area (WPA) and East Portal Area (EPA), Figure 1. The east-west <br />departure is the CdcW Roundhouse. The WPA is for the most part inactive. Disturbance <br />consists of roads, storage buildings, abandoned structures, parking and scrap storage <br />areas. WFC will continue to maintain the west portal fan and noncoal waste disposal <br />area. Reclamation of the WPA is proceeding as private contractors are currently <br />dismantling and salvaging scrap metal. Revegetation will commence after scrap is <br />removed. The WPA will remain active for the life of the mine; therefore, reclamation <br />will be limited to stabilization of areas which no further disturbance is planned. The <br />actual areas and reclamation timing is impossible to determine at this time. <br />u <br />-1- <br />