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areas at the refuse disposal site, the operator has committed, within Section V.H, to <br /> reverse the sequence of soil replacement (i.e. replace subsoil over cheatgrass infested <br /> topsoil) during refuse area final reclamation. In order to evaluate the factors that may <br /> be limiting to cheatgrass germination and establishment, the operator has committed to <br /> initiate studies, which will include field trials as described on page V-33. It is possible <br /> that internal topsoil from long-term stockpiles could be used as topdressing, due to the <br /> minor component of viable cheatgrass seed that would persist at depth in the piles. The <br /> field trial plots, which will include "subsoil over topsoil", "internal stockpiled topsoil <br /> over subsoil", and a "blended mixture of live topsoil and subsoil over subsoil", will be <br /> constructed during the next available cycle of refuse area reclamation. Handling of <br /> cheatgrass infested soils will be modified in the future if field trial results demonstrate <br /> that an alternative approach is more appropriate. <br /> The Division finds that the proposed "reverse sequence soil replacement" plan, in <br /> conjunction with the proposed field trials, is appropriate for refuse area reclamation, <br /> pursuant to 4.06.2(4)(a). This finding is based on field observations of topsoil and <br /> subsoil stockpile vegetation cover, evaluation of topsoil and subsoil chemical and <br /> physical characteristics, and observation and evaluation of RP-1 revegetation data. The <br /> subsoil will be more suitable for sustaining desired vegetation than is the available <br /> cheatgrass infested topsoil. <br /> IV. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings-Rule 4.07 <br /> Underground openings requiring sealing at the mine include mine portals, groundwater <br /> monitoring wells, and vent degasification wells. Except for wells transferred to BLM <br /> control and openings required for ventilation of the abandoned mine, all other holes or <br /> openings will be permanently sealed at the end of their useful functions. Section V.F. of <br /> the permit application package discusses sealing and abandonment plans in detail. <br /> The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be capped, <br /> sealed, backfilled or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br /> V. Coal Mine Waste and Non-Coal Processing Waste-Rule 4.10 and 4.11 <br /> Information pertaining to the handling and disposal of coal processing waste generated <br /> by the mining operation is presented in Section IV.D. of the permit application. Map 76 <br /> shows the location of the I 1 refuse disposal areas to be developed over the life of the <br /> mine. Map 77A shows the configuration of the first five sub-areas to be developed. <br /> Refuse areas RP-1, RP-2/3/4, and RP-5A were developed during previous permit terms. <br /> Refuse area RP-1 has been reclaimed; RP-2/3/4 and RP-5A are currently active. The <br /> reclaimed configuration of RP-1 is shown on Map 81, along with post-sediment pond <br /> removal perimeter ditch locations for RP-1 and RP-2/3/4. RP 2/3/4 final contours are <br /> depicted on Map 150, and RP-5A final contours are depicted on Map 77A. <br /> 29 <br />