2007-10-22_PERMIT FILE - C1981014A ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1981014A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 10/22/2007
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05.4 Reclamation Plan
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

• For progressive disturbance associated with the permanent coal refuse
stockpile this commitment to timely reclamation translates into regrading,
topsoil replacement, and revegetation of completed stockpile areas as soon
as possible after refuse placement activities achieve the design
elevation. At current and projected future rates of coal refuse
placement, EFCI generally completes a refuse stockpile area ranging in
size from 2 to 4 acres during each calendar year. In order to achieve
optimal reclamation success, seeding of reclaimed areas during mid to late
fall is the determining factor in scheduling and sequencing all other
preceding reclamation activities. By seeding in the fall, seed materials
are allowed to winter over in order to take advantage of elevated soil
moisture levels resulting from winter snow pack and runoff in the spring.
With seeding scheduled for mid to late fall, topsoil removal and
replacement will normally occur during late summer or early fall.
Scheduling of topsoil removal and replacement activities during this time
interval offer several significant benefits;
•
o Favorable ground conditions allow for efficient equipment
operations with minimal potential for rutting, erosion, or
adverse impacts to the surface water hydrologic system
o Seedheads for most native and introduced species mature during
mid to late summer. Where live topsoil handling may be
utilized, early fall topsoil removal results in increased
recovery of viable seed and biomass
Placement of topsoil and subsequent seeding will result in some
unavoidable compaction. By completing these activities in the fall,
freeze and thaw cycles which occur during late fall, winter and spring
will tend to alleviate the effects of compaction through frost heaving and
other natural mechanisms.
EFCI has committed to maintain a minimum 15 foot buffer zone between spoil
placement and undisturbed or newly topsoiled areas. Topsoil replacement
and revegetation, which will occur each fall, will extend to within 15
feet of the active coal refuse placement crest. Given that coal refuse
2.05.4-3