2013-02-15_REVISION - C1981020 (2)

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The operator tested the soil surface in the various mine area permanent reclamation areas in 2007. Analyses indicated a phosphorus deficiency associated with soils used in final surfacing of the portal bench area. Phosphorus was to be incorporated into the soil prior to seeding of the permanent seedmix. The Munger Canyon site is located in an area which characteristically receives less than ten inches of rainfall annually, and a significant component of the precipitation is typically from short duration, high intensity rainfall events. In order to enhance the potential for soil moisture retention, provide suitable sites for seed germination and seedling establishment, and reduce erosion on steep sites during the early stages of reclamation, the operator has committed to and did prepare an extensively roughened seedbed by track hoe gouging in association with the 2007 reclamation project. The Division granted a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with Rule 4.06.2(2)(a). This variance applies to the mine bench area and access road that were constructed prior to August 3, 1977. No topsoil was salvaged or required to be salvaged at the time of the disturbance. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings Information pertinent to sealing of mine portal openings is addressed in permit Section 3.7 of the application. The applicant has committed to conform with all the applicable regulations regarding the sealing and management of borings, and specifications for sealing of all monitoring wells are contained within Task 011 of permit Table 3.9 -6 (the reclamation cost estimate). The four portals at Munger Canyon were sealed with MSHA approved concrete foam in 1992, at varying distances in from the openings, in compliance with 30 CFR 1711-2. One of the openings had apparently been filled and covered over with soil shortly after sealing. The remaining openings were backfilled with soil outby the seals in early July 2000, as verified in the Division's July 31, 2000 inspection report. The application indicates, in Section 3.7, that the openings were backfilled with incombustible material for a distance of at least 25 feet into the openings during 2000. Drainage will not occur at the portals, based upon information submitted with the application. The Division will require that each hole, well or other underground opening be capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed, pursuant to Rule 4.07.3. Alluvial monitoring wells GW -2, GW -4, GW -7, and GW -8 were sealed by the operator in 2007, and an abandonment report documenting proper sealing pursuant to 4.07.3 was submitted under 26