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Coal Company submitted the final topsoil balance through Technical Revision No. 31 <br />approved on December 9, 1997 as the final reclamation topsoil management plan for <br />the Seneca II Mine. <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 holes, boreholes, wells, or other underground openings except <br />those 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 />Since mining operations have ceased, the use of explosives is not anticipated at the <br />Seneca II Mine. <br />Additional information regarding former blasting operations is located in Volume 10, <br />Tab 12 of the PAP. <br />VII. Disposal of Excess Spoil <br />Since mining operations have ceased, the disposal of excess spoil is not ongoing or <br />anticipated at the Seneca II Mine. <br />Mining in the Wolf Creek Area of the original permit area resulted in the generation of <br />excess spoil material. In 1986, the Division approved placement of excess spoil in an <br />22 <br />