2008-12-04_PERMIT FILE - C1994082 (37)

Home Browse Search

Topsoil material redistribution and associated graded spoil suitability determinations (Tab 21) follow the same timetable as salvage operations. If ground conditions permit, topsoil material redistribution may be conducted in months other than the primary months indicated on Figure 19-1, Reclamation Timetable. Tillage and seedbed preparation (when necessary), cover cropping, and seeding of topsoiled areas is conducted in the next favorable planting season after topsoil redistribution, weather permitting (see Tab 22). Therefore, the schedule for these activities may parallel the topsoil redistribution schedule in many cases. Tree and shrub planting is performed during the late winter/early spring and fall as dormant plantings. Tab 22 details the Revegetation Plan. Fence construction is generally performed from April to November. Construction is interrupted only by inclement weather or snowpack. Maintenance and management activities are conducted throughout the year, weather and snowpack conditions permitting. The timing of these activities is dependent upon the specific activity. Fence maintenance and removal of any trespass livestock are generally conducted from mid-spring through fall. Intprseeding and any necessary reseeding is conducted in the next favorable planting season following the decision to interseed or reseed. Erosion monitoring is conducted after snowmelt and heavy rains, with any required repairs carried out from late spring through fall. Surface stabilization and the plan for rill and gully monitoring and repair are presented in Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. Occasionally, the operations outlined above will be completed during winter months when mild weather persists. Under normal conditions, the schedules are as presented. Projected Backfilling and Grading Schedule The projected backfilling and grading schedule for the remainder of the Yoast mine life is presented on Exhibit 19-1 A, Backfilling and Grading Plan. The projected disturbed and graded acres, by time period, are included in Table 19-1, Projected Reclamation Schedule. The projections of acres graded are based upon certain basic considerations. First, the bac~lling and grading schedule is based upon the operation plan, coal excavation cyGe times, and pit configuration. Cycle times are dependent upon factors such as pit configurations, excavator performance, and customer demand. The operations plan begins with a box cut within the resource area. The box cut material is usually side cast behind the pit adjacent to the crop line. Due to the steep slopes in the box cut area, some of this material will be spoiled ahead of the operation and rehandled during the next cut. The result is areas • on each side of the box cut TR-25 3 Revised 6104