2010-05-07_PERMIT FILE - C2006085 (2)

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Backfilling and Grading Plan . Backfilling and grading operations will start on mine disturbance areas following removal of most or all of the mine facilities. Disturbed areas will be backfilled and graded in order to establish a postmining configuration that is stable and blends with the surrounding undisturbed and reclaimed areas, provide soil cover on any exposed coal seams and demolition debris, and to reestablish drainage patterns approximating those that existed in the pre- mining site condition. The designed postmining configuration, shown on the Postmining Topography Map (Map 11), is intended to meet these goals while minimizing any additional disturbance and maintaining moderate surface gradients similar to the surrounding area. At the facilities area, backfilling operations will include covering the bench area and remaining active areas of the refuse pile to reduce both the proposed cut and fill slopes. These operations will involve movement of materials over limited distances. Backfill material will be moved utilizing on -site and leased equipment including wheel loaders and trucks, tractor- scrapers, tracked dozers, motor compactor, backhoes, and motor - graders as appropriate. As areas are backfilled as designed, final regrading operations will be accomplished to leave the areas in a roughed condition to the extent operationally feasible. The roughened surface will enhance bonding of the applied topsoil and allow available water to penetrate to greater depths to promote vegetation reestablishment. The proposed postmining topography and cross- sections for the main facilities area are shown on Map 11. Backfilling operations will require handling and placement of approximately 40,000 cubic yards of overburden material, including a portion of the mine excavation material initially produced from construction of the slope and shafts. Sediment ponds and associated drainage structures will be backfilled and graded when approval is granted for their removal. Reclamation of these drainage structures will not occur until approximately five to ten years after mine closure and completion of initial site reclamation, and vegetation has been established and meets minimum regulatory standards. For the proposed facility area sediment pond, backfilling will involve grading the pond embankment into the pond basin after draining the pond, then final grading the site to blend with surrounding undisturbed and reclaimed areas. Collection and diversion ditches not reclaimed during initial reclamation or when the pond is removed will be reclaimed prior to the end of the liability period. Diversion ditches constructed as permanent diversions, 2.05.4 -5 Revised 12/04/09, TR -01