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<br />is necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity consistent with the <br />post-mining land use (4.06.20 )). <br />B. The Division approves a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with Rule <br />4.06.2(2)(a). For those areas of the surface mine where the slopes exceed 50%, <br />the operator will not be required to strip topsoil. This is necessary due to the fact <br />that soil in these areas is of marginal quality and thickness, and equipment <br />limitations and safety considerations make topsoil salvage on slopes steeper than <br />50% highly undesirable. <br />C. The Division has determined selected overburden materials may be used for, or as <br />a supplement to topsoil. The resulting soil is equal to or better than the available <br />topsoil. This determination is based on physical and chemical analyses and <br />field-site trials approved by the Division (4.06.2(4)(a)). The applicant has <br />provided physical and chemical analysis in Exhibit 6. However, at the present <br />time, the applicant has committed to re-apply a minimum of .9 feet of topsoil over <br />all disturbed areas. Therefore, it is not likely that supplement materials will be <br />utilized given the present reclamation plan. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />A. The applicant has not proposed to manage development, exploration, drill or bore <br />holes, wells or other exposed underground openings in a manner other than by <br />sealing and plugging. The Division does not approve any alternative methods of <br />managing openings. (4.07.1) <br />B. 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 />A. The Division approves blasting at times other than those described in the blasting <br />schedule due to unavoidable hazardous situations. (4.08.3(2)(b)(v) and (4.08.4(2)) <br />B. Blasts will use more than 5 pounds of explosives or blasting agent. Public notices <br />of blasting schedules are proposed in accordance with Rule 4.08.3. Surface <br />blasting activities will be conducted by appropriate personnel possessing <br />appropriate Federal and State certitication. <br />C. Blasting will not be conducted within 500 feet of an active underground mine. <br />D. Signs will be posted and maintained in accordance with Rule 4.02. <br />18 <br />