Laserfiche WebLink
acceptable levels during normal spoiling operations. The Lennox coal outcrop sampling plan includes • <br />those areas having excessive clay levels. The unsuitable shale and clay strata encountered in the <br />reduced highwall or upper three feet of final graded spoil will be scarified prior to being covered with <br />topsoil. Deep ripping or chisel plowing will be used to decrease compaction, increase aeration and <br />water movement, and increase plant rooting depths (Josiah, 19861 The third condition listed above <br />does not exist at Seneca II-W since the average particle size analysis shows a percentage breakdown of <br />26 percent sand, 45 percent silt, and 29 percent clay ITab 6, Table 6-61. <br />Postmine Spoil Characteristics. The resultant loamy textured spoil will possess suitable physical <br />qualities which are conducive to plant growth. The available water holding capacity will be low to <br />moderately high (approximately 0.07 to 0.16 inches of water per inch of soill, permeability moderately <br />slow to moderately rapid (about 0.6 to 4.0 inches per hourl, and cation exchange capacity moderately <br />low to moderate 18 to 15 milliequivalents per 100 grams). Since the overburden predominantly <br />contains hard rock fragments, the spoil will be skeletal in nature. <br />The chemical properties of the spoil will also be favorable for plant growth. Sodium and salt levels in <br />the overburden are low and should pose no severe problem to successful reclamation. Because nitrate- • <br />nitrogen concentrations are moderate, trace element concentrations are generally moderate, and pH <br />levels are slightly acidic to neutral, nutrient availability should be good. This spoil, overlaid with one <br />foot of suitable topsoil, will possess favorable physical and chemical qualities and will be a suitable <br />plant root growth medium (Barth and Martin, 1982; Schuman et al., 19851. Physical and chemical <br />properties of the regraded spoil in the southern mining block are expected to be similar to those <br />summarized above. <br />Spoil erodibility is discussed in the Probable Hydrologic Consequences ITab 17) and the Revegetation <br />Plan ITab 22) Surface Stabilization sections. Soil and topsoil erodibility is discussed in the Soil Survey <br />ITab 91. <br />Topsoil Management Plan <br />The Seneca II-W Mine topsoil management plan, based predominantly upon the detailed soil survey <br />contained in Tab 9 and secondarily on historic reclamation at the Seneca II Mine, was developed to <br />ensure that the most suitable topsoil within the disturbance area is salvaged. The management plan <br />evaluates the topsoil resources, recommends salvage • <br />TR-50 6 Revised 07/05 <br />