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During the active mining phase, and until sufficient vegetation can be established on <br />disturbed lands, sediment yields above pre-mining levels are expected. Throughout <br />mining, Ponds 002, 003 and 004 have ensured compliance with effluent limitations <br />prior to discharge from the mine site, and only once during the last ten years have <br />limitations for total suspended solids been exceeded. This occurred in June 2006, at <br />Pond 003, as a result of an algae bloom. The total suspended solids value on June 7, <br />2006 was 36 mg/1; the standard is 35 mg/l. <br />IV. Topsoil <br />Baseline soils information is provided in Exhibit 2.04.9-E1 and on Map 2.04.9-M1 in the <br />permit application. Exhibit 2.04.13-E2 shows the thicknesses of topsoil replaced on the <br />lands that will be transferred from the Seneca II Mine permit area to the PSCM permit area. <br />The average depth was 15.6 inches as indicated by 933 samples taken over 1,793.5 acres (one <br />sample per 1.9 acres). <br />During mining operations at the PSCM, available soil or suitable growth materials will be <br />salvaged prior to disturbing lands. Section 2.04.9 and Exhibit 2.04.9-E1 identify target <br />topsoil salvage depths. Large shrubs will be removed prior to soil removal; smaller <br />vegetation will be removed during soil salvage and will be incorporated into the topsoil as <br />organic matter. Heavy clay soils will be recovered only if there are sufficient non-clay soils <br />(loams and sandy soils) for blending. <br />Approximately 140,000 cubic yards of topsoil will be salvaged during construction of the <br />PSCM portal facilities and associated roads. The salvaged topsoil will be stockpiled near <br />the PeCoCo pond in the stockpile area shown on Map 2.05.3M1A. The stockpile will be <br />seeded for erosion control with a temporary reclamation seed mix that is listed in Table <br />2.05.4-TI. <br />Following final grading during reclamation operations, approximately 12 inches of soil will <br />be placed on disturbed areas. The surface of the replaced topsoil will be left in a roughened <br />condition to promote infiltration, minimize runoff, and provide a good seedbed for <br />revegetation. Replaced topsoil will be stabilized by contour tilling, seeding, and establishing <br />vegetative cover soon after topsoil replacement. Replaced soil will be sampled following <br />the soil testing plan described in Section 2.05.4(2)(e)(vii) of the permit application. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />All drillholes or boreholes, wells, and portals or other underground openings will be sealed to <br />prevent acid or toxic drainage from entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the <br />prevailing hydrologic balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in <br />Section 2.05.4(g) of the permit application. No variance from regulatory requirements <br />regarding sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and so no specific findings <br />apply. <br />Peabody Sage Creek Mine 26 May 7, 2010