1993-01-15_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (4)

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. ——rlIvG. A u . JV.�-"'4J G.�vJ ✓r.l. O LO r UO e Raw Coal Storage Area Thei conveyor system which carried raw coal to the preparation plant for washing is contained in some extremely large culverts, which are partly buried, partly along the surface. We had proposed that the c,.jlverts be cut off at the surface and left in place where they are buried. The Division said that they understood our wish to save on the cost of excavating these culverts, bit would want them filled with material if they were left in place, so that they won't ultimately collapse and leave a surface depression. We need I to give this further thought, ns the cost of filling them with material might be greater than the cost of digging then out. Soil/Topsoil Coverage of disturbed areas with topsoil, which provides material for plant growth, is a major requirement for reciamation.s Because the soils are very thin in high mountainous areas such as the mine site, and because soil was not saved when most of the mine was constructed, we are confronted with a deficiency of topsoil. We will have to develop "borrow" areas from previously undisturbed ground to acquire this additional soil. These will then have to be graded and vegetated. i We are anxious to minimize the depth of topsoil required so as to save on the costs of reclaiming borrow areas and trucking soil around the mine. For the same reasons, we also want to identify a number of"borrow" sites close to each of the areas to be covered. The bond calculation is based on a minimum topsoil depth of six inches (6") for disturbed areas, except the roads (no topsoil) and the refuse disposal area (deeper soil depth). The Division said at the meeting that 6" is the absolute minimum acceptable soil depth, but will accept that for all areas except the coal refuse pile. Various "borrow" areas have been suggested in proximity to the preparation plant yard area and portal areas. The Division is open to allowing borrow areas on fee (but preferably not U.S.F,S.) lands. We had also proposed addKional "borrow" areas for rock, which is used extensively for sediment control along the roads. The objective is to keep down the cost of trucking. These include stream beds at various points along the #5 mine road. The Division has expressed reservations abo it allowing us to remove material from these areas, but I think may allow it as we had previously gotten permission for something similar along the #4 mine road. b Estimated cost per reclamation bond: Replace topsoil on 245 acres of mine 232,567 0"depth of topsoil 5