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in 1994. Since 1986 and inclusive of 1988, coal was removed at a combined total of 311,750 tons <br />from four different areas.. <br />Prior to the mine temporarily ceasing operations in 1983, coal was [Wined using two 5-yard draglines <br />to remove overburden. Since reactivation of mining operations in late 1986, Peabody changed to <br />using dozers and scrapers for overburden removal activities. Two coal seams were removed from <br />Mine Areas 1 and 4, whereas one coal seam was removed from Mine Areas 2 and 3. The upper coal <br />seam was previously mined by Peabody in Mine Areas 2 and 3 under interim permit 75-36 issued by <br />the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. <br />After the coal seams were recovered, the pits were backfilled and graded. The regraded area roughly <br />approximates the original surface contours. The area has been topsoiled and revegetated. To date, <br />only a Phase 1 bond release has been requested and approved for this area. <br />In February 1993, Western Fuels of Colorado commenced surface mining at the Mine 2 azea. The <br />annual production is approximately 400,000 tons per year. At this time, active mining and <br />reclamation activities are concurrent. Topsoil salvaging depths and plans are detailed in section <br />2.04.9 of the permit application. Actual topsoil recovery has been less than originally projected due <br />to discrepancies found in the Peabody topsoil depth estimates. A mitigation plan was approved by <br />the Division and implemented by the mine in 1996. ~~ -~-v~SU ~ I ~~J 0 <br />When possible, topsoil is live hauled to active reclamation areas. However, this is not always possible <br />and some topsoil will be stockpiled. Stockpiled topsoil will be protected from wind and water <br />erosion by roughening and ditching around the pile, establishing an annual cover crop, or establishing <br />a perennial grass cover, depending on the length of time a stockpile will be in place. <br />Excavation is performed by dozers, trucks and shovel. <br />~e~apeGS ~~~ rimP s. The anticipated mining schedule for each area where mining will occur is <br />graphically shown on Map 2.05.3-1 in the permit document. Overburden is removed by a shovel and <br />trucks after an area has been drilled and shot. An ANFO slurry is the primary agent used in [he blast. <br />All shots are monitored with seismographs located at structures nearest to the blast. Blasting <br />schedules are published in the local newspaper. Most blasting occurs mid-day the week. <br />aurrs <br />The primary coal seam [o be recovered is the Lower Dakota seam; however, the Upper Dakota seam <br />will be recovered if it is thick enough and of sufficient quality. Maximum overburden depth will <br />approach 120 feet. Excavations will develop pits having a generally north-south orientation which <br />progress westward. See cu.~n,.,,~h ,w.~,'.~ .SC 2 ~ o S , 3 (3 ~ » I o - 85 <br />Mining began along [he eastern subcrop of the New Horizon Mine 2 area and uses a panel mining <br />method to develop the pits (see Map 2.05.3-1). The panels will vary in length and width according <br />to conditions, but will average approximately 2400 feet long and 120 feet wide. The mine will <br />occasionally have up to two pits actively working in order to effectively mine the two seams. A third <br />"box cut" pit has been approved to remain at the northern end of the mine in preparation for when <br />the mine completes the eastward migration of the mine and prepares to mine south to north . The <br />mine is currently bonded to have a pit disturbance of 260' by 2500' and a box cut pit roughly 1200' <br />by 150'. Currently mining progresses east to west with the long axis of the pits north to south. The <br />