2007-06-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981022A (2)

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Saliar - 2.05.3 Rettun of Coal Refuse to Abandoned Wodtines • To the extent feasible, coal mine refuse including mine development refuse and roof fall material is placed in mined-out areas in conjunction with ongoing underground muung operations. These activities are not, however, designed as a backfilling method and the provisions of Rule 2.05.3(9) are therefore not applicable. 2.05.4 -RECLAMATION PLAN The following sub-sections describe ongoing and platttted reclamation activities designed to tttitigate the effects of mining-related surface disturbance and return disturbed areas to a configuration and condition compatible with the proposed postmirting land use of undeveloped ]ands for rangeland, wildlife habitat, and dispersed recreation. Generally, all mine disturbance areas will be returned to the proposed postmining rue unless a suitable alternative postmining land use has been identified and approved. The reclamation plans described in this section reflect consideration of premirting baseline conditions as described in Settion 2.04, Information on Environmental Resources, by incorporating proven reclamation techniques and methods. To the extent reasonably feasible, OMI has incorporated ongoing advances in reclamation methods and technology in order to optimize reclamation results and success. As future developments and innovations in reclamation technology and methods occur that may be applicable and beneficial relative to enhancing site reclamation, they will be evaluated and maybe incorporated, as appropriate, in site reclamation plans through the permit revision process. Compliance with Environmental Protection Performance Standards • The reclamation plans presented in the following sub-sections and in the related referenced supporting materials address applicable regulatory provisions of both Rules 2.05.4, Reclamation Plan, and relevant portions of Rule 4.0, Performance Standards. Reclamation Plan Information Surface disturbance associated with previous historical mining activities, as described in Sectioa 2.04.3, Site Description and Land Use, has generally either been reclaimed by the DMG under iu Abandoned Mined Lands Program or redisturbed in conjunction with more recent mining activities. The Somerset Mme ceased production at the end of 1985. The Somerset Mme B and C Seam portals were sealed and backfilled and associated facilities and disturbance areas in the Beaz and Hubbard Creek drainages were paztially or fullyreclaimed. Rert+~~~ing facilities and disturbance areas associated with the Somerset Mme are identified and described in Section 2.05.3, Mme Facilities, and shown on the General Facilities Map, (Map 2.05-M1). The active Sanbom Creek Mine is supported by existing surface facilities including the mine portals and nearby substation and ventilation installation; office building; shop/warehouse; coal handling, storage, and loadout facihties; material storage yards; coal mine waste disposal areas; roads; powerlines; miscellaneous ancillary facilities; and the Substation No. 3 and the GGulch ventilation installation. These existing facilities are identified and described in Section 2.05.3, Mme Facilities. The Sanbom Creek Mute/Ells Creek Facilities Area surface facilities and associated disturbance area are located north of the relocated railroad sub-grade as shown on the General Facilities Map, (Map 2.05-M1). The proposed Elk Creek Mute will be supported by limited new surface facilities in Elk Creek Canyon • and the existing support and coal handling facilities in the Elk Creek Facilities Area. The existing and proposed facilities and associated disturbance areas are identified and described in Section 2.05.3(3), Mtne Facilities, and shown on the General Facilities Map, (Map 2.05-M1). Rema;n;~g surface disturbance areas from the Somerset Mme and existing and proposed dituriance areas for the active PR04 2.05-48 Revised August 2000