GENERAL40341 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

SECTION IV -PERMIT YARIANCES The majority of runoff from disturbed areas at the mine site is routed through sedimentation ponds in order to reduce degradation of water quality in Trout Creek and Oak Creek. Certain small areas are exempted from this requirement. These are areas of minor disturbance on the fringes of mining activity or adjacent to buildings at the mine site that comprise small acreages and/or are located on drainage divides. Alternative sediment control is provided by contour furrowing, revegetation and straw bale filters. The Division granted, during the previous permit term, an exemption from the requirements of 4.05.2(1) for the following areas: Area Acreage Location Map West Ridge 14.5 Ex. 4.6-17 West Ridge 9.5 Ex. 4.6-17 Center Ridge 2.1 Ex. 4.6-23 Center Ridge 0.7 Ex. 4.6-23 Tipple Area 0.8 Ex. 4.6-21 Tipple Area 0.5 Ex. 4.6-21 Moffat Area 6.5 Ex. 4.6-2 The exemption has been granted in accordance with Section 4.05.2(3) based on the finding that: 1) the construction of sediment ponds is either impractical or unfeasible; or, 2) the area of disturbance is sufficiently small such that alternative sediment control measures are adequate to meet effluent limitations. No land within 100 feet of a perennial stream may be disturbed unless the Division specifically authorizes surface coal mining activities closer to the stream upon finding that the original stream channel will be restored, that the water wi]1 not be adversely affected, and that the reclamation plan will restore the appropriate riparian vegetation. Many areas at the Edna Mine, both disturbed and to be disturbed, lie within 100 feet of either Trout Creek or Oak Creek. Areas which have been or are proposed to be disturbed within 100 feet of the creeks are depicted on Exhibit 1.01-1 of the permit application. An exemption from the stream buffer zone requirement was requested for both creeks on page 3.6-5 of the permit application. The Oak Creek stream channel was relocated by the railroad in 1908. The only disturbance to the Oak Creek stream channel by the mining operation was the installation of a culvert. The reestablishment of the drainage in this case was addressed. The applicant is found to be in compliance with 4.05.17(1 )ia). -5-