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The sedimentation ponds and initial run-off control berms and ditches were completed <br />prior to the beginning of Phase I. Topsoil was placed north of Highway 133 in an area <br />known as the north soil storage area (NSSA). Subsoil from Phases I and II were used in <br />the development of the Sylvester Gulch facilities area (permit revision #7). Subsoil <br />removed in phases III and IV will be sufficient for reclamation of the RPE area itself and <br />will be placed in a stockpile to be determined prior to the beginning of Phase III. <br />The RPE area of Phases I and II is lined with high-density polyethylene liner. An <br />underdrain, designated as a rock drain, is used for collecting refuse fill drainage. The <br />liner will allow subsurface water to migrate into the rock drain system and be routed to <br />the RPE sedimentation pond. Phases III and IV subsurface will not be lined because of <br />the steeper slope grade (2.5H:1 V) and the greater clay content of the colluvium. <br />The reclamation of the RPE was approved with an average total of 18 to 24 inches of <br />subsoil and topsoil. A variance to cover the lower refuse pile was approved through TR- <br />43 in July, 1987. That variance was applied also to the RPE. As the RPE is graded and <br />covered with subsoil and topsoil, it will be revegetated with the approved permanent seed <br />mix. The seeding will be done either by broadcast or by hydroseeding and then mulched. <br />Interim and final revegetation will be conducted in the same manner as for the lower <br />refuse pile (LRP). The haul road for the RPE will be reclaimed at the end of mine life to <br />approximate original contour. <br />A small waste pile at the Lone Pine ventilation fan site was approved through Technical <br />Revision 69 on August 12, 1994. The pile stores refuse from the development of that <br />facility. It covers 0.7 acres, storing 17,000 cubic yards of refuse. A subdrain system was <br />installed. The pile was covered with three feet of subsoil and one foot of topsoil and <br />reclaimed. <br />IX. Coal Mine Waste <br />The Division proposes to approve a plan for extinguishing coal mine waste fires. <br />This plan has been approved by MSHA and contains provisions about who will be <br />involved in the extinguishing operations (4.11.1). The plan can be found in Exhibit <br />65 in Volume I 1 of the permit document. <br />2. No coal mine waste from the West Elk Mine is proposed to be returned to <br />underground workings (4.11.3). <br />3. Disposal of non-coal waste will be handled as required (4.11.4). <br />4. No dams or embankments constructed of coal mine waste have been or are <br />proposed to be constructed (4.11.5). <br />43