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ofthese stockpiles still exist. Four additional topsoil stockpile sites are proposed for <br />the second five-yeaz permit term. These topsoil stockpile locations aze shown on <br />Exhibit 12-1. Stockpiles are seeded following construction, to protect the topsoil <br />from erosion, and aze mazked with identification signs. Topsoil will not be salvaged <br />from approximately 69 of the 989.6 affected acres at the Yoast Mine. Topsoil will not <br />be salvaged from these areas because, 1.) 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 by <br />sampling reclaimed areas prior to seeding with at least one hole per five acres. <br />Regraded pit areas will be covered with an average of 1.8 feet, and a minimum of 1.0 <br />Foot of topsoil. Areas where shrub or tree islands aze to be established will be <br />covered with 0.5 feet of topsoil. The facilities azea, where subsoils will not be <br />disturbed, will be covered with an average of I . I feet, and a minimum of 0.5 feet of <br />topsoil during reclamation. No topsoil substitute materials aze proposed for use in <br />the Yoast reclamation plan. <br />Reclaimed areas will be monitored annually for the presence of rills and gullies. The <br />location ofthese erosional features will be indicated on a map, and a report will be <br />generated to describe the features noted and any necessary mitigation. A copy of the <br />map and report will be submitted to the Division for its review. Details regazding the <br />rill and gully survey and reporting aze located in Tab 22 of the permit application <br />package. <br />V". Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />All exploration, drill or boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except those <br />used solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic <br />drainage from entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing <br />hydrologic balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan aze located in Tab <br />18 of the permit application package. No variance from regulatory requirements <br />regarding sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and so no specific <br />findings apply. <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />Explosives will be used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Yoast Mine. <br />Seneca Coal Company typically will use ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) for <br />this purpose, primed with cast primers and detonated with detonating cord. A <br />certified blaster will be in chazge of all blasting operations to ensure compliance with <br />state and federal laws. Additional information regarding planned blasting operations <br />is located in Tab 14 of the permit application package. <br />Yoazt Mine 31 August 3, 2005 <br />