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VI. Use of Explosives <br />Blasting operations are described in Section 2.05 of the permit application. Explosives may <br />be used occasionally for fragmenting rock in the portal face-up area or for other construction <br />and operational activities. A certified blaster will be in charge of all blasting operations to <br />ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The operation plan provides for signs and <br />notifications consistent with the requirements of Rule 4.08.4. <br />VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br />Mining in the Wolf Creek Area at the Seneca II Mine resulted in the generation of excess <br />spoil material. The Wolf Creek area is part of the lands proposed for transfer to the PSCM. <br />In 1986, the Division approved placement of excess spoil in an ephemeral drainage adjacent <br />to the initial box cut. The findings document for the Seneca II Mine contain the following <br />findings for the Wolf Creek spoil material fill: <br />1. The Division has approved the use of a disposal area for excess spoil. (4.09.1(1)). <br />2. The Division has reviewed and approved the designs for the fill. (4.09.1(2)). <br />3. The Division has approved the use of vegetation and organic material as mulch or as an <br />amendment to topsoil to control erosion, promote growth, or increase moisture <br />retention. (4.09.1(4)). <br />4. The Division has approved of the location of the disposal area. (4.09.1(6)). <br />5. The applicant has proposed an alternative method for disposal of excess durable rock by <br />gravity placement in single lifts. The alternative method is certified by a qualified <br />registered professional engineer as resulting in a fill which will be stable and will meet <br />all other applicable requirements, including Rules 4.09.1 and 4.09.3. The excess rock <br />spoil consists of at least 80% by volume, durable non-acid and non-toxic forming rock <br />that does not slake in water and will not degrade to soil material. The fill is designed to <br />attain a minimum long-term safety factor of 1.5 and an earthquake safety factor of 1.1. <br />Surface water runoff from areas adjacent to and above the fill shall be diverted away <br />into stabilized channels designed to meet the requirements of 4.05.3 and safely pass a <br />100-year, 24-hour precipitation event. Therefore, the Division has approved use of the <br />alternative method for rock disposal. (4.09.4). <br />Construction of the underdrain and placement of fill was completed in August 1987. At <br />that time, inspection reports regarding construction of the underdrain were conducted by <br />Seneca Coal Company and required reports were submitted to the Division. Final <br />reclamation of the fill has been completed. Quarterly inspections of the fill were <br />conducted by Seneca Coal Company during reclamation activities and for at least one <br />year following revegetation. <br />Peabody Sage Creek Mine 27 May 7, 2010