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four different areas. It is projected that coal yields from the New Horizon <br />Mine 2 area in 1993 through 1998 will total 373,600 tons per year. <br />Prior to the mine temporarily ceasing operations in 1983, coal was mined using <br />two 5-yard draglines to remove overburden. Since reactivation of mining <br />operations in late 1986, Peabody changed to using dozers and scrapers for <br />overburden removal activities. Two coal seams were removed from Mine Areas 1 <br />and 4, whereas one coal seam was removed from Mine Areas 2 and 3. The upper <br />coal seam was previously mined by Peabody in Mine Areas 2 and 3 under interim <br />permit 75-36 issued by the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. <br />After the coal seams were recovered, the pits were backfilled and graded. The <br />regraded area approximates the original surface contours. The area has been <br />topsoiled and revegetated; however, additional earthwork is required to insure <br />positive drainage at the pit located in the Rice property. To date, no bond <br />release has been requested. <br />New Horizon Mine 2 <br />Prior to any disturbance at the New Horizon Mine 2 area, Sediment Pond 007 and <br />the associated collection ditch along the southern permit area boundary will <br />be constructed. Then, in advance of the mining pit, brush will be cleared and <br />topsoil salvaged in either a double or mixed lift operation, depending on soil <br />type, quality, and depth. Topsoil salvaging depths and plans are detailed in <br />Tab 9 of the permit revision application. <br />Whenever possible, topsoil will be live hauled to active reclamation areas. <br />However, this is not always possible and some topsoil will be stockpiled. <br />Stockpiled topsoil will be protected from wind and water erosion by roughening <br />and ditching around the pile, establishing an annual cover crop, or <br />establishing a perennial grass cover, depending on the length of time a <br />stockpile will be in place. <br />Mining at New Horizon Mine 2 will follow the pattern shown in Map 2.05.3-1 of <br />the permit application. No overburden removal or coal mining will take place <br />at the New Horizon Mine 1 area; however, reclamation will continue to be <br />carried out at New Horizon 1. <br />Mining activities will begin in early 1993. Excavation will be performed by <br />dozers, trucks and shovel. Some excavation may be carried out by scrapers and <br />dozers. The anticipated mining schedule for each area where mining will occur <br />is graphically shown on Map 2.05.3-1. Overburden will be removed by a shovel <br />and trucks and/or scrapers after an area has been drilled and shot. <br />The primary coal seam to be recovered is the Lower Dakota seam; however, the <br />Upper Dakota seam will be recovered if it is thick encugh and of sufficient <br />quality. Maximum overburden depth will approach 90 feet. Excavations will <br />develop pits having a generally north-south orientation which progress <br />westward. <br />Mining will begin along the eastern subcrop of the New Horizon Mine 2 area and <br />use a panel mining method to develop the pits (see Map 2.05.3-1). The panels <br />will vary in length and width according to conditions, but will average <br />approximately 500 feet long and 120 feet ~dide. Mining will generally progress <br />