Laserfiche WebLink
Contemporaneous reclamation is discussed in detail under Section 780.18 and in the section addressing <br />groundwater mitigation measures. The direct placement mining method utilized in the Eckman Par operation <br />.facilitated contemporaneous reclamation. Each of the various phases of the reclamation, including backfilling, <br />recountouring, rough-grading, topsoil redistribution, contour furrowing, and revegetation, were specifically <br />designed to minimize erosion and establish a postmining topography and environment which approximates pre- <br />mising conditions. The reclamation method resulted in asurface-drainage configuration, which approximates pre- <br />mining conditions and limits the time exposure and related severity of potential surface water impacts. <br />The practice of contour furrowing limits surface erosion and increases surface infiltration, thereby facilitating <br />revegetation and providing a stable surface environment until vegetation becomes established. Other localized <br />erosion control practices are designed to achieve the same result. Such practices include seeding of topsoil <br />stockpiles. construction of small check and filter dams, and construction of water bars. Such localized erosion <br />control practices will be used on a limited "as needed" basis to control erosion, limit overland flow, and increase <br />surface infiltration. The effects of increased surface permeability and infiltration have been discussed in relation <br />to potential groundwater impacts. With limitations on the total area of disturbance and the relative time interval <br />behveen overburden removal and vegetative re-establishment, the effect of temporary increases in surface <br />permeability and infiltration are minimized. In the interim period between disturbance and final reclamation, <br />.contour fiirrowiitg and similar erosion control measures are important in limiting contributions of suspended solids <br />to the surface water system. <br />Revegetation and contour furrowing as the final steps in the reclamation processes are designed to provide <br />effective, permanent surface erosion control. Once the postmining vegetation becomes established, surface runoff <br />and infiltration characteristics, as well as the levels of dissolved and suspended solids in the surface runoff, should <br />approach the <br />• <br />1996 Permit Ren. Permit Renewal 780-144-10 Revised 3/18/97 <br />