Laserfiche WebLink
1996. The disturbance azea requiring soil replacement totals 607.4 acres. It was <br />estimated that 0.5 feet of suitable soil is available to be replaced on the disturbed azea. <br />The soil replacement thickness for the remaining permit term is approved to be 12.2 <br />inches. Because SCC failed to provide additional information regarding the suitability of <br />0.5 feet of topsoil replacement, the Division required SCC to submit a topsoil mitigation <br />plan. <br />A stipulation (No. 34) was placed on the pemut to require SCC to provide a mitigation <br />plan in the form of a technical revision addressing the topsoil deficit at the Seneca II <br />Mine. Technical Revision No. 31, Final Reclamation -Management Plan was submitted <br />by SCC, and subsequently approved by the Division in December, 1447.Therefore, this <br />stipulation has been complied with and removed. <br />The Division has made the following fmdings concerning topsoil salvage and <br />replacement: <br />The Division proposes to waive the requirement for cleazing of vegetation cover <br />prior to topsoil removal. The applicant has demonstrated that inclusion of vegetative <br />cover in salvaged topsoil is necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity <br />consistent with the post-mining land use. Shrubs and trees will be removed prior to <br />topsoil removal. All other vegetation will be incorporated into the topsoil so that <br />organic matter and seed supply are enhanced. (4.Ob.2(1)). <br />2. The Division is proposing to grant a variance from topsoil removal in accordance <br />with Rule 4.06.2(2)(a). Where steep slopes (40-60%) aze encountered, topsoil will <br />not be removed. Details of this variance aze located in Tabs 9 and 12 of the permit <br />application. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />Ali 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 />from entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic <br />balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan aze located in Tab 18, Volume 12 <br />of the permit application package. No vaziance 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 />Explosives will be used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Seneca II Mine. <br />Seneca Coal Company typically will use ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) for this <br />purpose, primed with cast primers and detonated with detonating cord. A certified blaster <br />will be in charge of all blasting operations to ensure compliance with State and Federal <br />32 <br />