Section 780.18. Reclamation plan; general requirements

(a) Each application shall contain a plan for reclamation of the lands within the proposed permit area, showing how the applicant will comply with Section 45.1-242 of the Act, Subchapter VK, and the environmental protection performance standards of the regulatory program. The plan shall include, at a minimum, all information required under 4VAC25-130-780.18 through 4VAC25-130-780.37.

(b) Each plan shall contain the following information for the proposed permit area:

(1) A detailed timetable for the completion of each major step in the reclamation plan;

(2) A detailed estimate of the cost of reclamation of the proposed operations required to be covered by a performance bond under Subchapter VJ with supporting calculations for the estimates;

(3) A plan for backfilling, soil stabilization, compacting, and grading, with contour maps or cross-sections that show the anticipated final surface configuration of the proposed permit area, in accordance with 4VAC25-130-816.102 through 4VAC25-130-816.107;

(4) A plan for removal, storage, and redistribution of topsoil, subsoil, and other material to meet the requirements of 4VAC25-130-816.22. A demonstration of the suitability of topsoil substitutes or supplements under 4VAC25-130-816.22(b) shall be based upon analysis of the thickness of soil horizons, total depth, texture, percent coarse fragments, pH, phosporous, potassium, and areal extent of the different kinds of soils. The division may require other chemical and physical analyses, and field-site trials, or greenhouse tests if determined to be necessary or desirable to demonstrate the suitability of the topsoil substitutes or supplements;

(5) A plan for revegetation as required in 4VAC25-130-816.111 through 4VAC25-130-816.116, including, but not limited to, descriptions of the--

(i) Schedule of revegetation;

(ii) Species and amounts per acre of seeds and seedlings to be used;

(iii) Methods to be used in planting and seeding;

(iv) Mulching techniques;

(v) Irrigation, if appropriate, and pest and disease control measures, if any;

(vi) Measures proposed to be used to determine the success of revegetation as required in 4VAC25-130-816.116; and

(vii) A soil testing plan for evaluation of the results of topsoil handling and reclamation procedures related to revegetation;

(6) A description of the measures to be used to maximize the use and conservation of the coal resource as required in 4VAC25-130-816.59;

(7) A description of measures to be employed to ensure that all debris, acid-forming and toxic-forming materials, and materials constituting a fire hazard are disposed of in accordance with 4VAC25-130-816.89 and 4VAC25-130-816.102 and a description of the contingency plans which have been developed to preclude sustained combustion of such materials;

(8) A description, including appropriate cross sections and maps, of the measures to be used to seal or manage mine openings, and to plug, case, or manage exploration holes, other bore holes, wells, and other openings with in the proposed permit area, in accordance with 4VAC25-130-816.13 through 4VAC25-130-816.15;

(9) A description of the measures to be used to stabilize all exposed surface areas to control erosion and air pollution attendant to erosion as required under 4VAC25-130-816.95; and

(10) A description of steps to be taken to comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act (42 USC § 7401 et seq.), the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.), and other applicable air and water quality laws and regulations and health and safety standards.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-03-19 § 780.18, eff. December 15, 1981; amended, eff. June 28, 1982; October 28, 1982; December 14, 1984; October 11, 1983; December 27, 1983; May 8, 1984; June 22, 1984; August 2, 1984; October 16, 1985; January 7, 1987; July 22, 1987; November 25, 1987; October 12, 1988; December 26, 1990; July 1, 1991; July 17, 1991; November 20, 1991; July 7, 1992; May 5, 1993; October 19, 1994.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-230 of the Code of Virginia.