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solids, total iron and total manganese. More specific details <br />regarding MCC's water monitoring plan can be found in the <br />permit in section 2.04.7. <br />3. Summary and Findings <br />The Division has examined the Probable Hydrologic Consequences due to <br />mining operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the <br />West Elk Mine. The Division finds that underground mining at the West <br />Elk Mine will not have a significant impact on these water systems. The <br />mine will take the necessary measures to ensure that mining will not affect <br />the hydrologic regime (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br />IV. Topsoil <br />Baseline soils information can be found in Section 2.04.9 in Volume 1 in the permit <br />document. A suitability analyses of the topsoil was performed before the site was <br />disturbed. In most areas topsoil quality as seedbed material is considered moderate to <br />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 2.05.4. <br />Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53, 53A and 53B. <br />Topsoil will be removed ahead of surface disturbance activities. Any vegetative cover <br />that would interfere with topsoil removal will be removed first. The West Elk Mine <br />had already completed the majority of topsoil and vegetation removal when the mine <br />facilities were constructed in 1981. Since the majority of reclamation will occur upon <br />completion of mining, topsoil stockpiles have been designed and maintained so as to <br />minimize wind and water erosion and to preserve the seedbed material. Stockpiles in <br />place for five years or more have been or will be seeded 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 and Refuse Pile Expansion areas will be <br />replaced with 18 to 24 inches of topsoil and subsoil. A variance to the four feet of <br />nontoxic cover has been granted to the West Elk Mine. This variance is discussed <br />further in Section VIII, Coal Mine Waste Banks in this Findings Document. After the <br />soil has been replaced, the surface is loosed and roughened by disking, harrowing, or <br />dragging, which will increase infiltration, thereby reducing surface runoff. Various <br />conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify seedbed conditions, or enhance <br />vegetative cover. <br />46 <br />