2009-01-14_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (2)

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• 2.04.6 • (3)(a)(iii)(E) • M R-93 I/Iti~~ g The high ph values indicate a potential problem for mine water discharge from the B-Seam. Boron is a trace element needed for plant growth, but toxic in excess. Elevated Boron in the B-Seam roof and floor indicates that in order to vegetate refuse material, it will have to be covered with suitable plant growth media. The sodium adsorption ratio for the roof, interburden and floor and coal in the D- Seam and B-Seam exceeds the recommended value for root zone material. This indicates that in order to vegetate refuse material, it will have to be covered with suitable plant growth media. Except as noted above, no other parameters identify any physical or chemical properties which would pose a serious problem with respect to revegetation or water quality. During 2009, the Operator will wash and load E-Seam coal from West Elk Coal Company (W ECC). The following information was provided by W ECC to demonstrate the E-Seam coal does not have acid forming properties. Avera a Acid-Base PotentiaG.for E-Seam' WECC Table 64 Sulfur Form Used for Weighted-Average Location of Samples Calculating Acid-Base Potential Acid-Base Potential (t. CaCOa eq•~1000 t. material) E Seam Roof total +75.7 E Seam Floor total +16.5 E Seam Total total +54.4 According to "Applications of Environmental Chemistry: A Practical Guide for Environmental Professionals'; the acid base potential is equal to the equlivalents of Calcium Carbonates in excess of the amount needed to neutralize the acid that could potentially be produced from oxidation of pyritic sulfur. In general, if the ABP is positive, the leachate from the coal is likely to be basic. The clay content in the roof, interburden and floor is quite low ranging between 7 and 12 percent. Therefore, engineering properties of clay and clay shale in the stratum immediately above and below the coal seam to be mined is not deemed necessary. 2-04 - 21 - 01 /09