Laserfiche WebLink
Rule 4.23.2(5) An auger hole need not be plugged, if the Division finds: <br />Rule 4.23.2(5)(a) Impoundment of the water which would result from plugging the hole may <br />create a hazard to the environment or public health or safety; and <br />Any impoundment of water from the plugging of holes would not create a hazazd to the <br />environment or public health or safety. Such impoundments as a result of plugging would be <br />under areas of deep overburden, with the entry faces at significant depths below the surface of <br />backfill used to bring the open pits back to approximate original contour. <br />Rule 4.23.2(5)(b) Drainage from the auger hole will not pose a threat of pollution to surface <br />water and will comply with the requirements of 4.05.1 and 4.05.2. <br />The Division fmds that drainage from a highwall entry would not pose a threat of pollution to <br />surface water and would comply with the requirements of Rules 4.05.1 and 4.05.2. The areas <br />subject to highwall mining, as aze the adjacent pits, dry. The entry openings are at depth below <br />the postmining topogaphy, and would reflect the deep groundwater anticipated to eventually <br />materialize in the backfilled pits. There is some potential that these deep groundwaters may <br />eventually reach the surface as springs from the lower sections of the backfilled pits. As there aze <br />very limited toxic- and no acid-forming materials in the backfill, such discharges would likely <br />meet cun•ently approved water quality criteria associated with other fills of the permitted mine <br />operations and reclamation plan. <br />Rule 4.23.2(6) The Division shall prohibit auger mining, if it determines that.• <br />Rule 4.23.2{6)(a) Adverse water quality impacts cannot be prevented or corrected,• <br />The Division finds no adverse water quality impacts. <br />Rule 4.23,2(6)(b) Fill stability cannot be achieved; <br />Fill stability is anticipated to be achieved. Highwall entries are driven from open-pit backfill <br />floors, and covered with additional confined backfill as the previous open pits are backfilled to <br />previously approved postmining contour. <br />Rule 4.23.2(6)(c) The prohibition is necessary to maximize the utilization, recoverability or <br />conservation of the solid fuel resources; or <br />The Division fmds that no prohibition is necessary. The proposed highwall mining accomplishes <br />recovery of coal found uneconomical by other mining methods. <br />Rule 4.23.2(5)(d) Subsidence resulting from auger mining may disturb or damage powerlines, <br />buildings, or other facilities. Highwall mining is proposed under a Tri-State 138 Kv electric <br />5 <br />