Laserfiche WebLink
SECTION V - PERMIT VARIANCES AND SPECIFIC APPROVALS <br /> The Division previously granted a variance from contemporaneous reclamation at the Seneca II- <br /> W Mine. Although this variance no longer applies to the current pit operations, a summary of <br /> the variance approval follows. <br /> The Division approved a reclamation plan for delay in contemporaneous reclamation, as allowed <br /> under rule 4.14.1(1)(c). The approval was granted due to the nature of the operation plan which <br /> entails concurrent mining of two separate mining areas (north and south) with a single dragline. <br /> Pit development in both the north and south blocks begins with an initial box cut. Development <br /> proceeds from each box cut in opposite directions at different times during the operations plan. <br /> The sequence of pit development would not allow for backfilling and grading to be completed <br /> within 180 days of coal removal. At the point of maximum disturbance,there would be two <br /> open pits within each mining block. <br /> Pursuant to Rule 4.14.1(1)(c),the Division approved a variance from the requirement that rough <br /> backfilling and grading be conducted within 180 days following coal removal. This variance <br /> applied to the entire permit area. In addition, a variance from the requirement that there be no <br /> more than 4 spoil ridges behind the pit currently being work is approved for a 25.5 acre area of <br /> the north block and a 41.8 acre area of the south block. Within these areas, as depicted on <br /> Exhibit 19-1, up to I I spoil ridges was allowed between the two open pits in the north block and <br /> up to 11 spoil ridges will be allowed between the two open pits in the south block, to allow for <br /> sufficient operational area to allow for highwall reduction grading. The additional spoils have <br /> been accounted for in the reclamation cost estimate for the reclamation bond. <br /> SECTION VI - BONDING SUMMARY <br /> The Division holds approved bonds on behalf of the Seneca Coal Company for the Seneca II-W <br /> Mine. The bonds are corporate sureties, numbers 259743, 239942, 333695, 336393, and <br /> 9264403, for$4,800,000.00, issued by the Seaboard Surety Company and National Fire <br /> Insurance Company of Hartford. Pursuant to Rule 3.02.2(4), the Division has initiated a review <br /> of the Seneca II-W bond liability. <br /> 9 <br />