1995-12-14_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1984063

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certified mail. The inspection was attended by Larry Routten and Barbara Pavlik of the Division, Steve Self of Eastside Coal Company, and Bill Balaz, a Consultant for Eastside Coal Company. II. CRITERIA AND SCHEDULE FOR BOND RELEASE PHASE I Rule 3.03.1(2)(a) states, "Up to sixty percent of the applicable bond amount shall be released when the permittee successfully completes backfilling, regrading, and drainage control in accordance with the approved reclamation plan." With regard to Phase I bond release, the approved reclamation plan for the Eastside Mine calls for backfilling of the portals with noncombustible material, leaving a pipe for monitoring mine water levels and to allow a point discharge if the mine fills; backfilling and grading of the disturbed area to approximate original contour with a maximum slope of 50%; re-establishment of a drainage channel through the disturbed area with a maximum slope of 20%; and removal of all surface facilities. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS All highwalls were removed, and the disturbed area, a total of three acres, was regraded to approximate original contour. Slopes measured on site were equal to or less than the slopes approved in the reclamation plan. Based on visual determinations, the backfill and grading appeared to be in a stable condition. No slumps, rills or gullies were noted in the regraded areas during the bond release inspection on November 15, 1995. The steepest slope of 40%was measured at the top of the northern slope. This slope fits well with the natural topography. Measured slopes throughout the rest of the site ranged between 20 and 30%. Slopes were measured during an inspection conducted on August 29, 1995. A permanent drainage running through the center of the site was reestablished as approved in the reclamation plan. The channel slopes measured between 8% and 15% as approved in the reclamation plan. These slopes were measured during the August 29, 1995 inspection. The drainage size was measured during the bond release inspection and found to be in compliance with the approved reclamation plan which called for a minimum width of 5.52 feet and a minimum depth of 1.38 feet. The upland diversion ditch remains in place and will need to be reclaimed before final bond release. A cut in the slope on the hillside above the upland diversion ditch also will need to be reclaimed before final bond release. The slope cut is approximately 150 feet long. It is approximately 20 feet high along the middle third, and slopes down to approximately 6 feet at either end. Subsoil currently on site was estimated to be sufficient for reclaiming this slope cut.