GENERAL47948

• Permit No: C1981013
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 12/15/1982
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance
• Permit Index Doc Type: Findings
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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The applicant mentions that the coal processing
in conformance with M.S.H.A. specifications, as
the Federal Coal Regulations. The applicant is
compliance with Rule 4.10.4 of the regulations.
difference between these M.S.H.A. specifications
M.S.H.A. allows variance of facial slope angles
whereas Rule 4.10.4 of the regulations does not.
~~
waste pile will be constructed
listed in 30 CFR 17.215(h) of
responsible, however, far
The only significant
and Rule 4.10.4 is that
and maximum lift thicknesses,
Table 15 lists all three proposed waste piles planned during the life-of-mine
at the Maxwell Mine, targeting all three waste piles for reclamation within
the year 2021, following cessation of activities at the mine site. No
approval is being granted within this findings document for waste piles II or
III, and no disturbance will be allowed in either of these areas until proper
plans have been reviewed and approved by the Division. Refuse pile I should
be reclaimed immediately following its completion.
Cross-sections contained in section 2.05 and Map 14 do not indicate the
existing waste pile nor is there a discussion in the above section as to how
the existing pile is to be reworked to conform with the proposed plan for
additional waste disposal, or what affect, if any, the existing pile will have
on the proposed pile if it is allowed to remain in its current position.
The chemical and physical analyses of the strata immediately overlying and
underlying the Maxwell coal seam indicates a high sodium absorption ratio
which could result in problems with revegetation. This material is indicative
of the coal waste that is currently disposed at the site, as well as any
additional waste to be disposed of. The operator must cover the coal waste
pile with sufficient soil and non-toxic non-combustible material to minimize
the effects of the high sodium level, Rule 4.10.4(4) requires that a minimum
of 4 feet of non-toxic, non-combustible material be placed over coal waste
piles unless the Division allows a lesser cover based on physical and chemical
analyses which show that the revegetation requirements of Rule 4.15 will be
met.
Since the applicant has not presented any evidence that successful
revegetation, in accordance with Rule 4.15, can be attained with a cover depth
of less than 4 feet, and the applicant has not committed to placing 4 feet of
cover over the coal waste pile, the following stipulation is necessary in
order to comply with Rule 4.10.4(4).
Stipulation No. 23
WITHIN 120 DAYS OF PERMIT APPROVAL, THE PERMITTEE MUST EITHER; A) SUBMIT
A PLAN TO THE DIVISION FOR DEMONSTRATING THAT SUCCESSFUL REVEGETATION
CAN 8E ACHIEVED WITH LESS THAN FOUR FEET OF 7HE BE57 AVAILABLE
NON-TOXIC, NON-COMBUSTIBLE COVER MATERIAL; OR B) SUBMIT A PLAN FOR
RECLAMATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL PILE USING FOUR FEET OF THE BEST
AVAILABLE NON-TOXIC, NON-COMBUSTIBLE COVER MATERIAL. THIS PLAN MUST
INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE FOUR FEET OF COVER MATERIAL TO BE USED
INCLUDING, AT A MINIMUM, SOURCE AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
EITHER PLAN WILL BE SUBMITTED AS A REVISION, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE
DIVISION AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE PERMITTEE DURING 7HE RECLAMATION
OF THE PILE.