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salvaging in steep slope areas. To mitigate the heavy clay concentration, Seneca Coal <br />Company proposed stripping topsoil in single lifts to mix different soil orders and to <br />dilute the heavy clay concentration. This salvaged topsoil was either taken directly to <br />regraded spoils or to a topsoil stockpile. This practice promotes the natural <br />regeneration of existing species. <br />Seneca Coal Company was originally (1981) approved to return approximately 1.4 feet <br />(15-18 inches) of highly suitable topsoil to regraded areas. As addressed in the Wolf <br />Creek Permit Revision and approved by the Division, the depth of topsoil replacement <br />was reduced to approximately 12.2 inches. To verify compliance of this topsoil <br />replacement depth, Seneca Coal Company committed to a final topsoil balance survey <br />for the duration of mining. To verify compliance, Seneca Coal Company expanded <br />the quality control program as addressed on pages 9-40 and 9-41 of the revised permit <br />document with a commitment to annual topsoil balance surveys. <br />The Division has made the following findings concerning topsoil salvage and <br />replacement: <br />1. The Division previously waived the requirement for clearing of vegetation cover <br />prior to topsoil removal. The applicant demonstrated that inclusion of vegetative <br />cover in salvaged topsoil was necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity <br />consistent with the post-mining land use. Shrubs and trees were removed prior to <br />topsoil removal. All other vegetation was incorporated into the topsoil so that <br />organic matter and seed supply were enhanced. (4.06.2(1)). <br />2. The Division granted a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with Rule <br />4.06.2(2)(a). Where steep slopes (40-60%) were encountered, topsoil was not <br />removed. Details of this variance are located in Tabs 9 and 12 of the permit <br />application. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />All exploration, drill or boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except those <br />used solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or toxic <br />drainage from entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the prevailing <br />hydrologic balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are located in Tab <br />18, Volume 12 of the PAP. No variance from regulatory requirements regarding <br />sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and no such specific findings <br />apply. The Division requires that each hole, well or underground opening be capped, <br />sealed, backfilled or otherwise properly managed (4.07.3). <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />Explosives were used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Seneca II Mine. <br />Seneca Coal Company typically used ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) for this <br />22