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Based upon results from Peabody's on-site investigations and information <br />received from the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Division finds that <br />the proposed operation will not adversely affect any areas considered eligible <br />for the National Register of Historic Places. <br />The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />IV, Geology -Rules 2.04.5 and 2.04.6 <br />Information pertaining to regional and site-specific geology is contained in <br />Volume 2, Tab 6 and Volume 10, Tab 13 of the permit application. <br />The Nucla Mine is located in the northern edge of the San Juan Coal Region <br />(Nucla-Naturita Coal Field). Although the region is structurally complex, the <br />area mine site is structurally simple. <br />The Nuc1a Mine will extract the upper two coal seams within the Cretaceous age <br />Dakota Sandstone. The coal seams at the mine dip 1° to 2° southeast, and <br />strike between north 25° west and north 45° west. <br />The applicant has conducted an extensive geochemical sampling program at the <br />Nuc1a Mine site, The data obtained from this survey indicates that the <br />overburden, interburden, and underburden can be grouped into four suitability <br />classes for each of the mining areas. <br />The mining method, as described in Section XV - Operations Description, will <br />allow for the segregation of these materials during the course of mining <br />operations. By selectively handling the overburden and underburden, Peabody <br />will enhance revegetation potential and minimize potential for ground water <br />contamination. <br />Class 1 and Unit 1 materials (Volume 10, Tab 13, p. 13-2, 13-3), which are <br />found in the uppermost strata of the overburden, possess geochemical and <br />lithologic characteristics deemed favorable for plant growth. This material <br />will be replaced in the upper portion of each backfill area. <br />Deep overburden Class 2 material (Tab 13, p. 13-2) displays lithologic and <br />geochemical characteristics which make it moderately suitable for plant <br />growth. Some salinity limitations may exist. This material will also be <br />replaced in the upper portion of each backfill area. <br />Shallow overburden Unit 2 material (Tab 13, p. 13-3) may, due to geochemical <br />limitations, be unsuitable as a rooting medium. Therefore, it will be <br />replaced more than four feet below the surface of each backfill area. <br />Deep overburden Class 3 material (Tab 13, p. 13-3) consists of interburden <br />materials including some coal. Due to acidic conditions, this material will <br />be placed more than four feet below the surface of each backfilled area. <br />Shallow overburden Unit 3 material (Tab 13, p. 13-3a) displays lithologic <br />characteristics suitable for root growth material. This material will be <br />replaced in the upper four feet of each backfilled area. <br />-10- <br />