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Typical overburden/interburden handling operations are described in Section 2.05.3, Operation <br />Plan and Section 2.05.4(2)(c), Backfilling and Grading. The overburden/interburden material <br />excavated by truck and shovel from the cropline pit is placed in box cut spoil stockpiles as <br />shown on Map 2.05.4-1, Operations Plan -New Horizon 2. Based upon the existing spoil <br />stockpile at New Horizon 1 mine area, the overburden/interburden will likely be stratified by <br />individual distinct lifts of different lithologic material. Lithologic Unit 1 material will typically be <br />placed near the base of the stockpile with a thin topdressing of Units 2, 3, and 4. As the <br />stockpiled material is returned to the final pit, mixed Units 2, 3, and 4 will be placed near the pit <br />base and subsequently covered with Unit 1 material. Mixed Units 2, 3, and 4 have mean pH and <br />ABP values of 6.0 and -1.8, respectively, which are both considered suitable for aquifer or root <br />growth medium material (Section 2.04.6, Table 2.04.6-3), <br />The following overburden/interburden handling Techniques are being utilized after the lower <br />Dakota Coal has been removed from the box cut pit. Initially, the upper unconsolidated <br />overburden is removed by shovel and trucks and placed into the adjacent pit void. Cast blasting <br />Is being utilized, when possible, to fracture the remaining consolidated overburden/interburden. <br />• During cast blasting, portions of Units 2, 3, and 4, in addition to the lower part of Unit 1, will likely <br />be projected into the adjacent pit. Lastly, dozers, trucks and shovel will be utilized to remove the <br />remaining overburden/interburden material down to the top of the Lower Dakota Coal. <br />Where blending or normal burial are iheffective (as defined by the Regraded Spoil Monitoring <br />Program), Unit 1 overburden will be selectively handled to replace afour-toot root growth <br />medium at the regraded spoil surface. In these situations, unsuitable spoil will be topdressed <br />with a minimum of four feet of suitable material (includes replaced topsoil thickness). <br />Lastly, ameliorating reclamation practices will primarily be utilized in those areas where <br />unsuitable spoil reaction, acid-base potential, particle size, saturation percentage, salinity, or <br />sodicity values are identified by the regraded spoil quality control program. Reclamation <br />practices will include either a selectively handled suitable spoil topdressing or incorporating <br />adequate quantities of agricultural grade limestone. <br />(Revised s-is-zoom 2.05.4(2)(d)- 3 <br />