Laserfiche WebLink
to good, with a few areas that are considered poor. Soil mapping and physical <br /> descriptions of the soil are based on SCS soil surveys completed for the area. <br /> The operator's topsoil salvage and redistribution plan can be found in Section <br /> 2.05.4. Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53. <br /> Topsoil will be removed ahead of surface disturbance activities. Any vegetative <br /> cover that would interfere with topsoil removal will be removed first. The West Elk <br /> Mine had already completed the majority of topsoil and vegetation removal when the <br /> mine facilities were constructed in 1981. Since the majority of reclamation will <br /> occur upon completion of mining, topsoil stockpiles have been designed and <br /> maintained so as to minimize wind and water erosion and to preserve the seedbed <br /> material. Stockpiles in place for five years or more have been or will be seeded <br /> with the permanent seed mix. <br /> Subsoil not fully suitable for seedbed material is also excavated, as necessary, for <br /> construction purposes. Topsoil consisting of all of the A horizon and part of the B <br /> horizon of each soil series present is stripped before construction begins. <br /> The operator will distribute 12 to 18 inches of topsoil over the entire disturbed area. <br /> However, the Lower Refuse Disposal Area will be replaced with 18 to 24 inches of <br /> topsoil and subsoil. A variance to the four feet of nontoxic cover has been granted <br /> to the West Elk Mine. This variance is discussed further in Section VIII, Coal Mine <br /> Waste Banks in this Findings Document. After the soil has been replaced, the <br /> surface is loosed and roughened by disking, harrowing, or dragging, which will <br /> increase infiltration, thereby reducing surface runoff. Various conditioners and <br /> neutralizers may be used to modify seedbed conditions, or enhance vegetative cover. <br /> 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 /> 42 <br />