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Because of the limited available area at the Orchard Valley West Mine, topsoil is stored in two areas - outslopes of the portal bench and a topsoil stockpile north of the portal bench. Topsoil on the bench outslopes was spread to a depth of approximately four feet, seeded and stabilized with an erosion control blanket. The topsoil stockpile is protected from erosion by seeding and mulching. Details are located in the approved permit application, Volume lA, Section 2.05.4. During initial development of the West Ridge waste disposal pile, approximately 24 inches of topsoil was salvaged. As waste pile expansion occurs, soil material will be analyzed to determine optimal salvage depths. Currently, eight to nine inches of topsoil is salvaged from this area. Topsoil is stockpiled and protected from erosion by seeding and mulching. Of the four feet of cover placed over this waste disposal pile, the outer eight to nine inches is topsoil. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. Sealing of Drilling Noles and Underground Openings Information describing sealing of the Orchard Valley Mine portals and well holes is found in the approved permit application, Volume lA, Section 2.05.4(2)(8) and in Volume 6, Figure 2.05.6. The operator has committed to sealing of entries and shafts in accordance with the requirements of Rule 4.05.10 and 4.07.1-4. VI. Use of Explosives The Orchard Valley Mine is an existing underground operation. No regular surface blasting occurs. There is a slim chance that surface blasting will be utilized during construction of the rock slope tunnels. If material larger than what conventional earth- moving equipment can accommodate is found, less than five pounds of explosives would be used to break up the material. The operation is incompliance with all requirements related to explosives use. VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil Disposal of excess spoil will not occur at Orchard Valley Mine. VIII. Coal Mine Waste Banks The operator, in response to Stipulation No. 16 of its original Permit No. C-038-81, obtained approval for an underground development waste pile at the Orchard Valley Mine. Designs and text regarding the waste pile can be found in the approved permit application, Volume lA, Section 2.05.3(9), and Volume 6A. Briefly, the plan consists of three phases. pile to be constructed on the "West Ridge" the southwestern toe of the lowest existing Phase I consists of waste site, immediately adjoining fill bench at the Orchard -32-