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., <br />The Moffat Area of the Edna Mine is geologically, topographically and <br />hydrologically similar to the South of Shop Area, as evidenced in permit <br />documents reviewed by the Division. In addition, the proposed mining and <br />reclamation methods for both areas are similar. Given these similarities, and <br />the fact that the reclaimed slope at the South of Shop Area failed, the <br />Division had reason to believe that Pittsburg and Midway could not ensure that <br />the reclaimed slope at the Moffat Area would meet the reclamation requirements <br />of the law. Therefore, the Division found that it was necessary to prevent <br />mining of the Moffat Area until Pittsburg and Midway could comply with the <br />Act. Therefore, the Divlsion issued the following stipulation on May 20, 1986: <br />PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF SURFACE COAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN THE MOFFAT <br />AREA OF THE EDNA MINE, THE PITTSBURG AND MIDWAY COAL MINING COMPANY MUST <br />DEMONSTRATE THAT SURFACE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION OPERATIONS IN THE <br />MOFFAT AREA CAN BE FEASIBLY ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT INDUCING MASS <br />MOVEMENTS. THIS DEMONSTRATION WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE USE OF <br />APPROPRIATE GEOLOGIC, GEOTECHNICAL AND HYDROLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS. THE <br />MINE PLAN AND THE MINING METHOD ARE TO BE ANALYZED TO QUANTIFY THE <br />RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXTRACTION OF THE WADGE SEAM COAL, THE STABILITY <br />OF THE HIGHWALL AND UPSLOPE AREAS, AND THE STABILITY OF THE POST-MINING <br />BACKFILL. <br />NO DISTURBANCE OF THE MOFFAT AREA SHALL TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO THE DIVISION <br />REISSUING WRITTEN FINDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 2.07.6(2) THAT SURFACE <br />COAL MINI1~ AND RECLAMATION OPERATIONS CAN BE FEASIBILITY ACCOMPLISHED. <br />On June 9, 1986, Pittsburg and Midway contested the imposition of the <br />stipulation, and the matter was indefinitely continued by the Mined Land <br />Reclamation Board. On December 18, 1986 Pittsburg and Midway withdrew its <br />objection from the Board thus accepting the stipulation without further <br />protest. <br />Subsequently, Pittsburg and Midway prepared and submitted to the Division <br />geologic, geotechnical and hydrologic investigations pertaining to the Moffat <br />Area. Based upon the submitted information, the Division finds that surface <br />coal mining and reclamation operations can be feasibly accomplished within the <br />Moffat Area without inducing mass movements. Based on this finding, the <br />Division determines the aforementioned stipulation has been adequately <br />addressed as of November 19, 1987 and is no longer required. <br />-41- January 13, 1988 <br />