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in 1994. Since 1986 and inclusive of 1988, coal was removed at a combined total of 311,750 tons <br /> from four different areas.. <br /> Prior to the mine temporarily ceasing operations in 1983,coal was [Wined using two 5-yard draglines <br /> to remove overburden. Since reactivation of mining operations in late 1996, Peabody changed to <br /> using dozers and scrapers for overburden removal activities. Two coal seams were removed from <br /> Mine Areas 1 and 4, whereas one coal seam was removed from Mine Areas 2 and 3. The upper coal <br /> seam was previously mined by Peabody in Mine Areas 2 and 3 under interim permit 75-36 issued by <br /> the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board. <br /> After the coal seams were recovered, the pits were backfilled and graded. The regraded area roughly <br /> approximates the original surface contours. The area has been topsoiled and revegetated. To date, <br /> only a Phase 1 bond release has been requested and approved for this area. <br /> In February 1993,Western Fuels of Colorado commenced surface mining at the Mine 2 area. The <br /> annual production is approximately 400,000 tons per year. At this time, active mining and <br /> reclamation activities are concurrent. Topsoil salvaging depths and plans are detailed in section <br /> 2.04.9 of the permit application. Actual topsoil recovery has been less than originally projected due <br /> to discrepancies found in the Peabody topsoil depth estimates. A mitigation plan was approved by <br /> the Division and implemented by the mine in 1996. <br /> When possible,topsoil is live hauled to active reclamation areas. However, this is not always possible <br /> and some topsoil will be stockpiled. Stockpiled topsoil will be protected from wind and water <br /> erosion by roughening and ditching around the pile,establishing an annual cover crop,or establishing <br /> a perennial grass cover, depending on the length of time a stockpile will be in place. <br /> Excavation is performed by dozers, trucks and shovel. <br /> &GFapar iud doz s. The anticipated mining schedule for each area where mining will occur is <br /> graphically shown on Map 2.05.3-1 in the permit document. Overburden is removed by a shovel and <br /> trucks after an area has been drilled and shot. An ANFO slurry is the primary agent used in the blast. <br /> All shots are monitored with seismographs located at structures nearest to the blast. Blasting <br /> schedules are published in the local newspaper. Most blasting occurs mid-day eC�ttf}y the week. <br /> a urrs <br /> The primary coal seam to be recovered is the Lower Dakota seam; however,the Upper Dakota seam <br /> will be recovered if it is thick enough and of sufficient quality. Maximum overburden depth will <br /> cavations will develop pits having a generally north-south orientation which approach 120 feet. Ex <br /> progress westward. See ru &. A' ,w."I .SC 2 o S , 3 05 � » 10 - 85 <br /> PJII vm. Sforc�T- <br /> rMining along the eastern subcrop of the New Horizon Mine 2 area and uses a panel mining <br /> velop the pits (see Map 2.05.31). The panels will vary in length and width according <br /> , but will average approximately 2400 feet long and 120 feet wide. The mine will <br /> have up to two pits actively working in order to effectively mine the two seams. A third <br /> has been approved to remain at the northern end of the mine in preparation for when <br /> the mine completes the eastward migration of the mine and prepares to mine south to north . The <br /> mine is currently bonded to have a pit disturbance of 260' by 2500' and a box cut pit roughly 1200' <br /> by 150'. Currently mining progresses east to west with the long axis of the pits north to south. The <br /> 9 <br />