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Prior to submittal of the application for the first 5-year permit term, the <br />predominant land use classifications on the permit area were twofold: <br />11 rangeland/grazing for domestic livestock and wildlife; and, 2) previous <br />mining related disturbances that were being gradually reclaimed for grazing <br />purposes. The proposed post-mining land use of rangeland/grazing for domestic <br />livestock and wildlife was approved by the Division at the time of permit <br />issuance. It was determined that this designation met the requirements of <br />Rule 4.16 of the Regulations. <br />At the time of issuance of the first 5-year permit, a stipulation was attached <br />to the approval requiring that Peabody Coal Company submit comments from the <br />legal or equitable owners of record of the surface of the proposed permit area <br />regarding the proposed post-mining land use. This stipulation was <br />subsequently resolved as noted in March 31, 1982 Division correspondence. <br />Information submitted in the application for permit renewal indicates that the <br />proposed post-mining land use will remain as rangeland/grazing for domestic <br />livestock and wildlife. Therefore, pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(1), the <br />Division finds that the proposed post-mining land use of the permit area meets <br />the requirements of Rule 4.16. <br />The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />III. Cultural and Historic Resources - Rules 2.04.4 and 2.05.6(4). <br />Information pertaining to cultural and historic resources at the Seneca II <br />Mine is presented in Volume I, Tab 5 of the original permit application. <br />Archaeological sites are depicted on Exhibit 5-1. <br />The Seneca II Mine has undergone six archeological investigations since 1978. <br />Seven sites were identified during these investigations; two of which were <br />thought to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic <br />Places: 5RT 139 - Camp site lithic scatter; and 5RT 142 - Sparse lithic <br />scatter, possibly a camp site. A testing program of these two sites was <br />developed in conjunction Y;ith the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) <br />and conducted in t•1ay, 1980. A determination was made that site 5RT 142 was <br />not significant and further investigation was not warranted. Several stone <br />hearths were uncovered during testing of site 5RT 139. A complete mitigation <br />plan was developed for site 5RT 139 and sampling was completed in September, <br />1980. <br />Some undisturbed portions of the permit area were not covered by an <br />archeological survey. The applicant has submitted a map, Exhibit 5-1 (revised <br />6/17/81), that delineates the undisturbed areas that have not been surveyed <br />for cultural resources. The applicant has stated that these areas will not be <br />disturbed during the mining operation. Representatives of the SHPO visited <br />the Seneca II Mine on May 16, 1981 and determined that there is potential for <br />additional sites on the unsurveyed areas. These representatives also noted <br />the presence of rock shelters within the unsurveyed areas. As a result, a <br />stipulation was attached to the initial 5-year permit approval requiring that <br />-7- <br />