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disposal area (RDA) which was permitted in 1989. The following <br />• discussion addresses the soil handling practices in the RDA and a <br />plan for topsoiling all surface disturbed areas at the New Elk Mine. <br />RDA soils inventory results estimated 6 to 12 inches of <br />topsoil could be removed from the area. Table 24, Soil Balance for <br />Refuse Disposal Area, represents a topsoil balance for the life of <br />the refuse pile. In calculating the soil balance presented in Table <br />29, Basin utilized an average stripping depth of 13 inches. It was <br />further assumed that 9 inches of topsoil would be used in <br />reclamation, to accommodate slopes and benches within the area. The <br />0.75' of topsoil will be placed on 3.25' of non-toxic growth medium <br />acquired from below the topsoil. <br />WFC initiated removal of topsoil in the RDA. Topsoil <br />salvaged to date has been hauled to the topsoil pile west of the <br />refuse belt (Map 11, Surface Facilities and Roads - East Portal). <br />During initial topsoil stripping operations WFC had a problem of <br />mixing topsoil with refuse and as a result WFC came up with the <br />following plan for salvaging topsoil to satisfy the Division. <br />1. The operator was committed to salvaging as much "topsoil" <br />as reasonably possible without endangering men and equipment. <br />Salvaging depths will vary from zero to 60 inches depending upon <br />• slope and aspect. This will more than likely include topsoil, <br />subsoil and parent material. <br />2. In order to improve workability of refuse, WFC will <br />utilize parent material (greater than 18 inch depth). The actual <br />volume required will depend upon reject fines, inherent refuse <br />moisture and rainfall. <br />3. WFC will construct salvage pads approximately 50 to 100 <br />feet wide, 3 to 9 inches deep to provide a buffer between in-place <br />refuse and newly stripped topsoil. These pads will be constructed <br />from parent material. Topsoil will be either pushed downslope to <br />the pad or recovered with a backhoe. If feasible; topsoil will be <br />loaded directly into a haul truck and transported to the topsoil <br />stockpile. If not, topsoil will be loaded with a front end loader <br />for transport. <br />9. The operator will, at all times, maintain a minimum <br />vertical buffer zone of 2 feet between in-place refuse and <br />undisturbed topsoil. <br />As operations progress in the RDA more efficient methods <br />may be developed to handle topsoil in this area. <br />2.05-21 (revised 11/12/97) <br />