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at the sandstone bedrock contact or when a characteristic reddish brown clay subsoil is <br />encountered. <br />In response to the salvage variance concerns, various tables, exhibits and text sections <br />were revised to indicate that all suitable topsoil would be salvaged and that no salvage <br />variances were being requested. The proposed soil replacement depth was changed from <br />1.1 feet to 1.3 feet. <br />Certain statements in Tab 21 indicate that topsoil in map units 101, 103 and 5103 may <br />be of questionable suitability based on rock fragment content. Current information <br />indicates that topsoil in the subject map units is suitable and will be salvaged. If the <br />topsoil is subsequently determined to be unsuitable, appropriate documentation will be <br />provided to the Division. All suitable soils will be salvaged, unless specific variances <br />pursuant to Rule 4.06.2(2) are approved prior to disturbance of the subject soil map units. <br />Soil stabilization methods proposed by the operator consist primarily of minimal seed bed <br />preparation (resulting in a roughened soils surface) and use of either a straw mulch or a <br />quick growing annual grain cover crop on all topsoiled areas. Reclaimed areas will be <br />inspected annually by the operator as required by the proposed rill and gully maintenance <br />plan, and additional stabilization measures will be implemented if results of the annual <br />evaluation warrant such modifications. Graded spoils with excessive clay content as <br />detected by monitoring described in Section III.E, above, will be deep ripped to relieve <br />compaction, pursuant to 4.06.4(1). <br />A topsoil amendment program will be initiated if visual observation or annual vegetation <br />monitoring indicates symptoms of nutrient deficiency within reclaimed vegetation stands. <br />Generally, native species are adapted to the fertility levels of the replaced topsoils, and <br />fertilization has not been shown to be of significantlong term benefit in the region. Since <br />the initial permanent reclamation was completed in 1994, fertility evaluations described <br />in the reclamation plan will be initiated in 1997. <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 drainage <br />form entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic <br />balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in Tab 18, Volume 12 <br />of the permit application package. No variance from regulatory requirements regarding <br />sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and no such specific findings apply. <br />The Division requires that each hole, well or underground opening be capped, sealed, <br />backfilled or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />Seneca 11-W Findings Document 34 June I5, 2001 <br />Permit Renewal No. 3 <br />