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-34- XV. Prime Farmlands - Rules 2.04.12, 2.06.6, and 4.25 The Division has made a negative determination on the presence of prime farmlands within the proposed permit area. The decision was based on evidence provided by the Soil Conservation Service on pages 3-171 to 3-173 in Volume I of the application. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XVI. Operations Description - Rules 2.05.2, 2.05.3(1), 2.05.3(2), and 4.01 Information on the proposed operation plan is located on pages 4-1 through 4-64 of Volume I. Hydraulic mining is to be conducted in the Wheeler Seam. Initially, twin rock tunnels will be driven to the Wheeler Seam. Once the seam is accessed, a roadheader will be used to drive entryways. Coal mined by the roadheader will be flumed to the preparation facility. A hydraulic monitor which mines using a high-pressure water jet will be used to mine the coal after entries are driven. All coal will be flumed to the preparation plant. It is projected that coal production will be approximately 250,000 tons per year during this permit term. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XVII. Explosives -Rules 2.05.3(b) and 4.08 The section on use of explosives in Section 4 of Volume I of the permit application was reviewed for compliance. The applicant proposed to conduct limited blasting operations during construction of the portal face-up and site preparation for the facilities. Explosives will be stored in the bunker as shown on Figure 4.2-3. Storm King Mines has committed to performing pre-blast surveys in the "general proximity of the blasting area" outside the strictly required one-half mile limit. The proposed operation is in compliance with blasting requirements. XVIII. Backfillina and Grading - Rules 2.05.2(6)(b), 2.05.4(2)(a), The permit application includes a discussion of backfilling and grading on page 4-70. The surface facilities to be constructed will be located on a gently sloping area containing only small ephemeral drainages. Minimal cut and fill work will therefore be required. This will mean also that minimal grading will be required during reclamation. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section.