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West Elk Mine <br />As stated in the "General Construction Procedures" discussions above, the "Hydrologic <br />Protection During Construction" discussions below, and the "Reclamation Plan" discussions in <br />section 2.05.4 of this permit document, the reclamation of all areas will be such that the areas <br />will be stabilized, the hydrologic balance not impacted, topsoil salvaged, stored and replaced, <br />and disturbed areas revegetated. The soils that are salvaged will be stockpiled in windrowed <br />berms along the accesses and/or pads or stockpiled nearby. To reclaim these sites, the soils will <br />be returned and compacted in most areas to the approximate original contours. Topsoil salvaged <br />from the sites will be redistributed as evenly as possible over the recontoured areas and accesses. <br />The soil surface will be scarified, if need be, and seeded with MCC's approved seed mixture per <br />Table 37. <br />For soil and geotechnical borehole sampling, soil auger diameters are typically 10" and bedrock <br />test holes are typically 4" in diameter. These boreholes will vary in depth, but are typically less <br />than 50' deep. Ventilation boreholes, gas or water monitoring wells will also vary in diameter <br />and depth. Specific information on the configurations of these facilities will be provided in <br />subsequent revision applications that will be included in Exhibit 80 after approved. As further <br />described in section 2.05.4(6) of this permit document, drill holes and other borings will be <br />sealed, backfilled and reclaimed in accordance with Rule 2.05.4(2)(g). Soil and geotechnical <br />boreholes are backfilled by returning rock cuttings and soil materials into the boreholes. <br />Borehole and drill hole sealing is also aided by natural healing through soil bridging. <br />As stated in section 2.05.5 "Post Mining Land Uses", wildlife and livestock grazing will <br />predominately be the post-mining land-use. As also discussed in that section, should these sites <br />later be utilized as a coal refuse pile, the reclaimed area will also serve the same post-mining <br />land use. <br />Because most of these sites and accesses are located in remote areas and/or not on previously <br />disturbed ground, alternative sediment control measures will be utilized, including best <br />management practices such as straw bales, silt fence and/or excelsior waddles. If a sediment <br />pond is in the vicinity of the site, drainage could be routed to the pond. <br />(4) Ponds. Impoundments, and Diversions <br />During the course of construction and operation of the mine facilities at West Elk Mine, every effort <br />is made to minimize water pollution. It is MCC's intent to discharge water from sediment ponds, <br />Small Area Exemptions, and from the mine in compliance with all applicable effluent limitations. <br />To fulfill this commitment, all surface drainage from the affected mine area is collected and treated <br />prior to being discharged from the permit area. All surface runoff from undisturbed areas is directed <br />away from the affected mine area through diversion channels. Maps 54, 54A, and 54B show the <br />distribution of sediment control structures at West Elk Mine. Map 54 and Map 54A identify the <br />sub-watershed drainage basins, tributary drainage basin information, and ditch/culvert layouts in <br />conjunction with the main surface facilities area and Lone Pine Gulch, respectively. Maps 1E, 2E <br />and 3E in Exhibit 66 identify the watersheds in the Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area. Map 54B <br />shows the ditch and culvert locations in conjunction with the Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area. The <br />2.05-28a Rev. 06/05, 01/06,03106,04/06 & 05/06- PR10; 01/09- MR-350; 04/09- TR 116; 04/09- MR353; 05109- MR354