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V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br /> 1. The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be <br /> capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br /> VI. Use of Explosives <br /> 1. Mining techniques used at the West Elk Mine do not require blasting as part of <br /> the regular extraction cycle. Occasionally, explosives are used for underground <br /> construction purposes. These uses only require small quantities of explosives. <br /> MCC's Explosives Handling and Blasting Procedures is presented in Exhibit 41 <br /> of the permit document. Map 53 shows the location of the powder magazine. <br /> Limited application of explosives may be necessary for additional future surface <br /> construction. Pursuant to Rule 4.08.1(2), blasts that use more than five pounds <br /> of explosives or a blasting agent will be conducted according to the blasting <br /> schedule required by 4.08.3. As appropriate, a pre-blasting survey will be <br /> performed (4.08.2). <br /> VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br /> 1. The West Elk Mine will not require a disposal area for excess spoil (4.09). <br /> VIII. Coal Mine Waste Banks <br /> The West Elk Mine is currently approved for three refuse disposal areas - the Upper <br /> Refuse Disposal Area the Refuse Pile Expansion Area and the Lower Refuse Disposal <br /> Area. The upper pile has not been constructed and construction is not planned for this <br /> permit term. MCC has postponed its construction indefinitely, and must address <br /> several stipulations before construction can begin. The upper pile will not be covered <br /> in this document; however, specific information is contained within Exhibit 50 of the <br /> permit document. The lower pile is currently in use and specifics regarding the design <br /> are located in Exhibit 51 of the permit document. <br /> The lower waste pile is located adjacent to Highway 133, at the west side of the mouth <br /> of Sylvester Gulch. MCC initially proposed the disposal of waste rock within two <br /> waste piles in the original permit application. One pile, the "initial waste rock pile," <br /> would contain approximately 1.25 million cubic yards and would be located on the <br /> lower facilities bench (the current location of the shop). Subsequent to permit <br /> approval, this initial waste rock pile was deleted from MCC's permit. The second <br /> waste pile, the "upper waste pile," would be significantly larger and be located on the <br /> bench above the portal area, and as previously mentioned will not be constructed <br /> during this permit term. <br /> In the fall of 1985, Mountain Coal Company submitted a permit revision application <br /> requesting approval of a permanent lower waste pile to be located adjoining the mouth <br /> 49 <br />