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Doc Date:12/11/2001 • RULE 2 -PERMIT iii iiiiiiiuiiiiiii sss 2.06 -REQUIREMENTS FOR PERMITS FOR SPECIAL CATAGORIES OF MINING The following subsections address the applicability and relevant considerations (where applicable) for those activities designated under the regulations as Special Categories of Muting. Where existing or proposed operations may fall within the designated categories, the applicability of specific designation criteria are discussed and explanations of operating considerations and specific mitigation plaru are presented, as appropriate. These sections include a request for variance from regulatory requirements for approximate original contour restoration as allowed under the applicable regulatory provisions for steep slope mining activities. 2.06.2 -Experimental Practices Mining OMI has not and has no current plans to implement or conduct experimental mining or reclamation practices in conjunction with ongoing mining and related operations. The provisions of this sub- section are, therefore, not applicable. 2.06.3 -Mountaintop Removal Mining OMI has not and has no current plans to implement or conduct surface mining or reclamation practices, including mountaintop removal mining, in conjunction with ongoing mining and related operatioru. The provisions of this sub-section are, therefore, not apphcable. . 2.06.4 -Steep Slope Mining Because OMI's operations are limited to underground coal ntinrng, the only surface activities defined as "muting" under applicable regulatory definitions are those surface disturbance activities associated with development and construction of required coal handling, support, and ancillary facilities. Given that most of the terrain in the OMI Pertttit Area is very rugged, with steep-sided canyons and cliffs, development and corutnrction of mine surface facilities has resulted in disturbance of areas defined as "steep slope" areas tinder the apphcable regulatory definitions. In certain cases, restoration of these steep slope disturbance areas to approximate original contour is not feasible or desirable, as further discussed under sub-section 2.06.5, Request for Variances from Approximate Original Contour Restoration Requirements for Steep Slope Muting. 2.06.5 - Request for Variances from Approximate Original Contour Restoration Requirements for Steep Slope Mining One of OMI's reclamation objettives a to return areas disturbed by muting and related aciivities to a stable configuration that blends with the surrounding terrain. In most cases, this reclaimed configuration u consistent with approximace original contour. There are, however, cases where restoration of approximate original contour u not feasible or consistent with reasonable safety, stability, and other coniderations. There are currently four specific areas within the OMI Permit Area where restoration of approximate original contour is not reasonably feasible or advantageous relative to the postmirting configuration and use. The sites include the Hubbard and Beaz Canyon ventilation facilities sites, the Beaz Canyon B-Seam degassification well sites, and the slope above the Sanborn Creek ponal face-up area. These site locations and planned or actual reclaimed configurations are shown on figures included in Exhibit 2.05-E5, Reclamation Details. . At each of the first three sites, flat areas were lefr, at the base of relatively long, steep natural slopes during final reclamation. Each of these areas are located along or adjacent to existing pubhc or private roads utilized for ongoing access. The retention of flat areas represents an improvement over PR04 2.06-1 Revised August 2000