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Summary of Changes to Reclamation Plan at Coal Basin <br /> Below is a quick summary of the changes requested by Mid-Continent <br /> Resources for their Coal Basin Mine and our responses. After this <br /> last letter both MCR and the Division should be in agreement with <br /> all proposed changes. These changes were presented by MCR in an <br /> attempt to reduce some aspects of the reclamation plan and more <br /> clearly define what is expected in some particular areas. Attached <br /> to this summary is all the correspondence involving their requests <br /> and our responses. <br /> Sealing Plan <br /> MCR requested changes to their portal sealing plan to use non- <br /> sealing plugs at the portals. We agreed to this request so long as <br /> all MSHA requirements are still met. MCR was also informed that any <br /> drainage from these adits would require monitoring. This action <br /> will probably save MCR a little money but all portals still have to <br /> be sealed. <br /> Downslopes Below Portal Benches <br /> MCR is not willing to take responsibility for these "Pre-law" <br /> disturbances but they are willing to put some effort into <br /> establishing vegetation on these downslopes. This activity is <br /> actually additional work that was not part of the reclamation plan <br /> and will therefore add some dollars to the overall cost, mostly in <br /> seeding but also in some additional dirt work. <br /> Backfill/Grading <br /> This is an area where some significant changes were made. I think <br /> the proposals put forth by MCR were reasonable and in fact improved <br /> some of the handling of refuse. Since this was an established site <br /> prior to passage of SMCRA theTt really are limited A.O.C. <br /> requirements except where disturbances occurred after the site was <br /> permitted. This allows us the flexibility to alter the backfill and <br /> grading plan signficantly, I think. What MCR proposed is not <br /> transporting refuse from sutey pile to meet some A.O.C. <br /> requirements as well as not removing several foundations which were <br /> also to be used in the backfill around the prep plant. Leaving the <br /> refuse in sutey is best and as far as foundations go, we requested <br /> that be covered with at least two feet of material if left in <br /> place. The last thing we stipulated is that even if backfill does <br /> not occur as orginally planned, all highwalls must be eliminated <br /> around the prep plant area. <br />