Laserfiche WebLink
has committed to replacement of varying topsoil thicknesses (ranging from 1 foot to 4 <br />feet) within designated zones on the regraded area. <br />The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />All exploration, drill or boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except those <br />used solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic <br />drainage form entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing <br />hydrologic balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in Tab 18, <br />Volume 12 of the permit application package. No variance from regulatory <br />requirements regarding sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and no <br />such specific findings apply. The Division requires that each hole, well or underground <br />opening be capped, sealed, backfilled or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />Explosives will be used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Seneca II-W <br />Mine. Seneca Coal Company typically will use ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) <br />for this purpose, primed with cast primers and detonated with detonating cord. A <br />certified blaster will be in charge of all blasting operations to ensure compliance with <br />State and Federal laws. Additional information regarding planned blasting operation is <br />located in Volume 11, Tab 14 of the permit application package. <br />Seneca submitted a revision to the permit application to establish maximum allowable <br />ground vibrations from blasting, as a result of damage to private property, including oil <br />tanks and an oil well. Seneca will maintain peak particle velocities at the oil well site of <br />five inches per second (ips) or less, and will utilize a seismic monitor at the well site to <br />verify maximum peak particle velocities. Seneca also increased the bore hole column <br />stem in areas where mud seams are encountered in the upper strata. These plans are <br />implemented within 1,000 feet of the Meridian Oil Well. <br />VII. Backfilling and Grading <br />The application states that the mining plan for the Seneca II-W Mine was developed in <br />conjunction with the Seneca II Mining Plan. The pit progression design was based on <br />standard mining practices, tried and proven at the analogous Seneca II Mine. The <br />backfilling and grading plan is found within Volume 13, Tab 20. The reclamation <br />schedule, including a request for a variance from the contemporaneous reclamation <br />requirements of Rule 4.14 is contained within Volume 12, Tab 19. <br />Seneca R-W Findings Document 48 November 17, 2004 <br />Permit Revision No. 4 <br />