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areas. The locations of the sixteen topsoil stockpiles used during mining <br />operations are shown on Exhibit 12-1. Five topsoil stockpiles remain, with a total <br />combined volume of 70.5 acre feet. Stockpiles were seeded following <br />construction, to protect the topsoil from erosion, and are marked with <br />identification signs. Topsoil was not salvaged from approximately 69 of the 989.6 <br />affected acres at the Yoast Mine. Topsoil was not salvaged from these areas <br />because, 1.) steep slopes made salvage operations unsafe, 2.) rock outcrops or <br />unsuitably high clay content precluded use of the material, and/or 3.) the area was <br />been disturbed prior to mining or was under water. <br />Soil salvage operations were monitored by Seneca Coal Company in the field to <br />verify removal of all available topsoil. Replaced topsoil thickness was verified by <br />sampling reclaimed areas prior to seeding with at least one hole per five acres. <br />Results of this sampling are documented in the Annual Reclamation Reports <br />submitted by SCC each year. <br />Regraded pit areas were covered with an average of 1.8 feet, and a minimum of <br />1.0 foot of topsoil. Areas where shrub or tree islands were to be established were <br />to be covered with 0.5 feet of topsoil. The facilities areas, where subsoils will not <br />be disturbed, were to be covered with an average of 1.1 feet, and a minimum of <br />0.5 feet of topsoil. No topsoil substitute materials are proposed for use in the <br />Yoast reclamation plan. <br />Reclaimed areas will continue to be monitored annually for the presence of rills <br />and gullies. The location of these erosional features will be indicated on a map, <br />and a report will be generated to describe the features noted and any necessary <br />mitigation. A copy of the map and report will be submitted to the Division for its <br />review. Details regarding the rill and gully survey and reporting are located in <br />Tab 22 of the permit application package. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings <br />All exploration, drill or boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except <br />those used solely for surface blasting will be plugged or sealed to prevent acid or <br />toxic drainage from entering the groundwater, minimize disturbance to the <br />prevailing hydrologic balance, and ensure safety. Details of the sealing plan are <br />located in Tab 18 of the permit application package. No variance from regulatory <br />requirements regarding sealing has been requested or proposed for approval, and <br />so no specific findings apply. <br />VI. Use of Explosives <br />Explosives were used to fragment overburden and exposed coal at the Yoast Mine. <br />Seneca Coal Company typically used ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO) for <br />this purpose, primed with cast primers and detonated with detonating cord. A <br />certified blaster was required to be in charge of all blasting operations to ensure <br />Yoast Mine 30 December 15, 2010