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VIII. Backfilling and Grading Details of the backfilling and grading plan at the Seneca II Mine aze found in Volume 10, Tab 12 and Volume 12, Tab 13 of the permit application. A backfilling and grading timetable is presented on Exhibit 13-2, and in the permit application. All azeas affected by surface coal mining operations, except specifically exempted by the Division, will be returned to approximate original contour as shown on Exhibit 12-9. This includes the drainage channels which aze returned to approximate original locations to help maintain appropriate downstream water rights. The spoil is cast by the dragline into the adjacent open pit and compacted by the reclamation equipment. All spoils will be graded, highwalls reduced and spoil piles and depressions eliminated except those depressions that existed prior to mining. Cut and fill terraces aze not proposed at the Seneca II Mine. The following fmdings were made regazding backfilling and grading practices at the mine: The applicant requested additional time for backfilling and grading following coal removal in an azea strip mine. A detailed written analysis under 2.05.4(2)(c) demonstrated that additional time is necessary based on coal production rates. Therefore, the Division approved the additional time for the Wolf Creek and Wadge pit areas, and the non-coal waste disposal site. The Wolf Creek and Wadge pit azeas were reclaimed within 180 days of initial disturbance, but were regraded within 4 spoil ridges of the active pit. This delay was necessary because of production rates and pit sequencing. In some cases, it took four spoil rows to create sufficient spoil azea to allow final grading to "daylight' and bland-into Ute surrounding topography. All highwalls have been regraded at the Seneca II Mine site. The Division approved backfilling, grading and fmal reclamation of Auger Area E to be completed in 1998. The solid waste disposal site, a previously mined wadge azea pit is still being utilized and has not been reclaimed at this time. Deadlines for backfilling and grading of these azeas are presented on Exhibit 13-2. (4.14.1) 2. The Division has approved the retention of box cut spoil or initial cut spoil outside the pit area since the applicant has demonstrated that such material is not required to achieve approximate original contour in accordance with 4.09.1. Excess spoil was generated in the Wolf Creek Area, and was placed in a fill adjacent to the initial box cut. Information concerning the fill is located in Tab 12 of the permit application. Small depressions in the backfill will be used to minimize erosion, create or enhance wildlife habitat, conserve soil moisture, and promote revegetation. Seneca Coal Company has included in the postmine grading operation the use of very small 34