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Conclusion - <br />An assessment of the probable hydrologic consequences of the mining operation and <br />an assessment of the probable cumulative impact of all anticipated mining in the <br />general area on the hydrologic balance has been made. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(c), <br />the Division fmds that the Bowie No. 1 mining operation has been designated to <br />minimize hydrologic impacts within the permit boundary, and to prevent material <br />damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area. <br />IV. Topsoil - Rule 4.06 <br />Since no topsoil was salvaged, an analysis of the original Orchard Valley Mine (East Mine) <br />bench material (Volume 9 - Soils Test Appendix) was conducted. The analysis indicates that <br />the material is suitable as a plant growth medium. This is also true for the storage and loadout <br />areas. Vegetative growth on fill outslopes has occurred. At final reclamation in these areas, the <br />operator has committed to ripping and testing this material for fertility. Fertilizers and <br />amendments will be added as necessary. The area will then be seeded and mulched. <br />Because of the limited available area at the Bowie No. 1 West Mine, topsoil was stored in two <br />areas - outslopes of the portal bench and a topsoil stockpile north of the portal bench. Topsoil <br />on the bench outslopes was spread to a depth of approximately four feet, seeded and stabilized <br />with an erosion control blanket. The topsoil stockpile was protected from erosion by seeding <br />and mulching. Details are located in the approved permit application, Volume 1A, Section <br />2.05.4. Because of reclamation activities at the West Mine portal bench, the topsoil from the <br />bench outslopes and from the topsoil stockpile has been spread over the backfilled and graded <br />area. <br />During initial development of the West Ridge waste disposal pile, approximately 24 inches of <br />topsoil was salvaged. As waste pile expansion occurred, soil material was analyzed to <br />determine optimal salvage depths. Approximately eight to nine inches of topsoil was salvaged <br />from this area. Topsoil was stockpiled and protected from erosion by seeding and mulching. <br />Depth of total cover and depth of topsoil were determined during an inspection held on July 15, <br />2003. Total depth of cover amounted to about 4 feet to 6 feet. Topsoil depth of cover was from 8 <br />inches up to 1 foot 6 inches. <br />The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings - Rule 4.07 <br />Information describing sealing of the Bowie No. 1 Mine portals and well holes is found in the <br />approved permit application, Volume 1A, Section 2.05.4(2)(g) and in Volume 6, Figure 2.05.6. <br />The operator has committed to sealing of entries and shafts in accordance with the requirements <br />of Rule 4.05. 10 and 4.07.1-4. <br />VI. Use of Explosives - Rule 4.08 <br />The Bowie No. 1 Mine was an underground operation that is now undergoing reclamation <br />activities. No regular surface blasting occurred. An explosives storage bunker and cap house <br />were located above the main facilities fan area but have been removed. No further underground <br />use of explosives is anticipated because of the permanent cessation and reclamation of the mine. <br />The operation is in compliance with all requirements related to explosives use. <br />31