Laserfiche WebLink
NEW ELK MINE <br /> SUMMARY <br /> This section addresses outstanding stipulations and permit conditions for the New <br /> Elk Mine. The outstanding stipulations and conditions deal with future reclamation <br /> activities. Information is provided in regard to preservation of the essential hydrologic <br /> functions of the Stonewall Valley, soil sampling and redistribution for revegetation, <br /> clarification of post-mining land uses as they relate to pre-mine vegetation studies, <br /> revegetation monitoring and success criteria, and reclamation of roads. <br /> The Division's interpretation of reclamation liability and the performance standards <br /> is critical to this evaluation. Page 54 of the Findings Document states, 4.15.10 only <br /> applies to those areas which have been previously mined and abandoned, not in areas <br /> where mining has been conducted continuously and by the same operator. The New Elk <br /> Mine was acquired by WFC in December 1983; therefore, 4.15.10 applies to all areas <br /> except those which have been or may be disturbed by WFC. The areas disturbed by WFC <br /> include areas redisturbed under the New Elk Permit Revision No. 1 and the proposed <br /> noncoal waste disposal area. These areas will be evaluated according to Section 4.15.8. <br /> For purposes of this discussion the New Elk surface facilities have been divided into <br /> the West Portal Area (WPA) and East Portal Area (EPA), Figure 1. The east-west <br /> departure is the C&W Roundhouse. The WPA is for the most part inactive. Disturbance <br /> consists of roads, storage buildings, abandoned structures, parking and scrap storage <br /> areas. WFC will continue to maintain the west portal fan and noncoal waste disposal <br /> area. Reclamation of the WPA is proceeding as private contractors are currently <br /> dismantling and salvaging scrap metal. Present plans are to keep the WPA inactive for <br /> the life of the mine; however, revegetation will commence after scrap is removed. The <br /> areas to be revegetated and revegetation timing is impossible to determine at this time. <br /> The EPA area will remain active for the life of the mine. <br /> -1- <br />