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compliance with state and federal laws. Additional information regarding blasting <br />operations is located in Tab 14 of the permit application package. <br />VII. Backfilling and Grading <br />Previously approved backfilling and grading plans ensured that disturbed areas <br />were returned to approximate original contour in a timely manner. Findings from <br />the two Phase I bond release approvals indicate that SCC succeeded in <br />implementing the approved plan. Details of the backfilling and grading plan; <br />schedule, and post mine topography are located in Tabs 19 and 20 of the permit <br />application package. <br />Seneca Coal Company has generated a topographic map, using photogrammetric <br />methods, of backfilled and regraded areas on an annual basis. The map was used <br />to determine whether regraded areas are consistent with the approved post mining <br />topography. The map has been submitted to the Division in the Annual <br />Reclamation Report each year. The following findings were made regarding <br />backfilling and grading practices at the mine: <br />The applicant requested additional time for backfilling and grading <br />following coal removal in an area strip mine. A detailed written <br />analysis under 2.05.4(2)(c) demonstrated that additional time was <br />necessary to accommodate highwall mining and coal haulage <br />access. Therefore, the Division approved backfilling and grading <br />beyond 180 days following coal removal for select areas of final <br />dragline pits in existing mining areas. The variance areas <br />described below are depicted on Exhibit 194A, Backfilling and <br />Grading Plan. <br />Lower Neck Pit - Approximately 1,200 ft. of pit backfilling and <br />grading was completed in 2004 in accordance with the approved <br />variance schedule. <br />North Valora Pit (directly east of Pond 012) - Lower 1,800 feet <br />was final graded and topsoiled in 2007 when the haul road was <br />removed and lower end of Channel YPM-6 was constructed (the <br />material removed from the haul road and channel area was needed <br />to against the northern side slope to achieve PMT). <br />South Valora Pit (extends southeast from Pond 012) - The final <br />dragline pit (2,200 ft. was completed in 2003 and highwall mining <br />was completed in the latter part of 2004. Backfilling and grading <br />was completed in 2005 in accordance with the variance schedule. <br />Scraper Pit and Access (north and east of Pond 014) - 1400 ft. of <br />pit was left open for coal haulage access to this area. <br />Yoast Mine 31 December 15, 2010