Laserfiche WebLink
7 . Exposed Coal or Toxic or Acid-forming Material <br /> Although no detailed testing has ever been done of each individual <br /> strata layer in the highwall remnants , other information indicates <br /> that there will not be any negative impacts in leaving the upper <br /> portions of the highwalls exposed . <br /> First , chemical analyses of the roof strata ( immediately above the <br /> coal ) indicate that there are no toxic or acid-forming material <br /> present . Sodium absorption ratios are high , but they are no <br /> different than that of all the other naturally exposed strata in <br /> the area. All the shales of the area are known to contain a high <br /> level of sodium carbonate which is evident in all the drainages , <br /> which have a pH varying from 8 . 0 to 9 . 5 . A sample of the chemical <br /> analysis of the roof material of the coal is enclosed . A chemical <br /> analysis of the Sutey reject material is also enclosed , which shows <br /> no problems . <br /> Second , all tests from sediment pond discharges at all portal areas <br /> through the years have not had any indication of a problem with pH <br /> or any undesirable ion present . The pH tests have shown the water <br /> to be slightly alkaline . These ponds drain the runoff, from the <br /> highwall areas and the benches . <br /> In short , there is no reason to believe that the exposed strata in <br /> the highwall remnant poses any negative threat to the environment <br /> due to toxic or acid-forming materials . <br />