2009-03-09_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (2)

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In 2005, the unpaved eastern portion of the existing parking lot (approximately 130 x 180 feet) and the mine ready-line parking area west of the operations center, were leveled and regraded, with excavated material being used to fill-in and bring low areas up to a consistent grade. Road-base material was subsequently brought in and compacted over the regraded parking areas to establish a suitable base for paving operations. These areas were then paved with approximately 3-4 inches of asphalt paving material. The existing perimeter surface drainage systems were maintained or reestablished during grading, base preparation, and paving operations. In 2007, in order to accommodate an increase in the number of employees working during each shift under a 12-hour shift schedule, TCC proposed to regrade and pave the remaining portion of the East Employee Parking Area and truck staging area, and, in conjunction with grading/paving activities, to establish an Emergency Helipad. The Helipad would be established as part of our overall emergency planning and preparedness program to facilitate rapid evacuation and transport of a sick or injured employee(s) to a suitable medical facility for emergency care. The proposed paved area was an existing graveled parking area used for overflow parking and staging/tarping of coal haul-trucks. With installation and commissioning of the Truck Loadout and West Haulroad (TR's 06-53 and 06-55) truck traffic transitioned away from the Mine Entrance/Haulroad. Paving this area would help eliminate muddy conditions during wet weather and in the winter-time, and consequent dusty conditions when the mud dries and is pulverized by traffic. Paving would require minor grading work and over-excavation of existing drainage features (drainage ditches to be retained as paved swales); base preparation, consisting of grading and placement of additional road-base; followed by placement and compaction of approximately 4 (parking area) to 6 (Helipad) inches of asphalt over an area of approximately 52,200 square feet. Prior to asphalt placement, approximately 220 feet of electrical conduit would be placed and stubbed-off to facilitate future installation of site lighting. On completion of paving operations, parking places and the helicopter landing zone would be marked with high-visibility reflective paint. In order to evaluate the existing septic system and leach field for future expansion at the mine a percolation test was conducted. Approximately six, 4-inch diameter holes, 30-48 inches deep were augured for the percolation test. After the test was completed, the cuttings were placed back in the hole. Also, an eight-foot deep backhoe pit was n TR08-64 2.05-17.2 06/17/08