Part 13 - Underground Extraction - Illinois



|PART 13: Underground Extraction |

13.1 General Shadow Area Information.

13.1.1 Provide a Underground Mine Plan Map meeting the specifications found in the General Mapping Requirements of the Instructions. [1784.20(b)]

13.1.2 Has previous mining activity including active, inactive or abandoned underground mine workings along with any mine opening to the surface occurred within or adjacent to the proposed shadow area? [1783.25(a)(5)]

YES NO

If YES, complete Table 13.1: Previous Mining Activity - Shadow Area and delineate these areas on the Underground Mine Plan Map

13.1.3 Provide geologic descriptions throughout the shadow area characterizing the thickness and lithology of all units from the surface through the coal seam to be mined and down through all underlying strata that may influence mine stability. The descriptions must be adequate in number and location to represent the geology and depth variations but no less than one description per square mile. Indicate the map on which the borings are located. [1784.20(b)(3)]

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13.1.4 Provide a summary of the approximate minimum, maximum and average depth to coal and minimum, maximum and average coal seam thickness. [1784.20(b)(3)]

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13.1.5 Does the applicant wish to make a case for not providing further information? [1784.20(a)(2)/1784.20(b)]

YES NO

If YES, the applicant may present an argument in support of not providing further information under a subsidence control plan. The Department must agree that either no structures or drinking, domestic, or residential water supplies or renewable resource lands exist; or, that no material damage or diminution in value or reasonably foreseeable use of such structures or lands would occur; and no contamination, diminution, or interruption of water supplies would occur as a result of mine subsidence.

Provide enough detail to justify the request for not having a subsidence control plan. The Department will then notify the applicant of our concurrence or lack thereof prior to deeming the application complete for review.

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13.1.6 Indicate the underground extraction method(s) proposed (i.e. room and pillar, room and pillar with secondary extraction, longwall etc.) [1784.20(b)(1)]

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13.1.7 Subsidence Control Plan Type: Will any of the methods proposed result in planned subsidence in a predictable and controlled manner? [1784.20(b)(1); 1784.20(b)(8)]

YES NO

If YES, provide information requested under Part 13.3.

If NO, provide information requested under Part 13.2. If the applicant intends to conduct both planned and unplanned subsidence mining operations all of Parts 13.2 and 13.3 must be addressed.

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13.1.8 Do public buildings and facilities, churches, schools and hospitals or 20 acre-foot impoundments or water bodies exist within the limits of planned subsidence? [1817.121(d)]

YES NO

If YES, locate them on the Planned Subsidence Control Plan Map A & B and specify what features do exist. Provide appropriate information or specific references to information within Part 13.4 that demonstrates that subsidence will not cause material damage or reduce the reasonably foreseeable uses of these features or facilities to permit the proposed underground mining operations. [Section 7.01(c) of the Act; 1817.121(d)]

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13.2 Unplanned Subsidence Control Plan. This section specifically applies to underground extraction designed to prevent surface subsidence from occurring. If room and pillar main development in a longwall or high extraction retreat mine are designed for long term support to prevent surface damage, then those areas must be addressed under this section as well. [1784.20(b)]

13.2.1 Provide the location, of drinking, domestic and residential water supplies in and within 250 feet of the proposed shadow area. In addition to locating these on the Underground Mine Plan Map, assure Table 4.4.1 is completed and corresponds to the map. [1784.20(b)(7), 1817.121(a)(2)]

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13.2.2 Define the potential angle of draw for this operation with supporting documentation for the angle selected. [1784.20(b)(3)]

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13.2.4 Provide information regarding proposed mining extraction geometries, including information on the dimensions of pillars, extraction widths of rooms, entries, and crosscuts, etc., for all mains, sub-mains, and panels. Provide information regarding the highest extraction percentage for each of the mining geometries, if variations are proposed. [1784.20(b)(1)]

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13.2.5 Are any secondary extraction methods proposed which alter initial pillar dimensions or any panel perimeter mining (fendering) of barriers proposed? [1784.20(b)(1)]

YES NO

If YES, include specific details on the secondary extraction and effects on final mining geometries and extraction percentages.

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13.2.6 Provide information regarding the engineering design of the mine plan to prevent subsidence of the various mining geometries proposed. Include the following: [1784.20(b)(5)(E)]

- Detailed information regarding the specific methodology used to calculate mine stability with all necessary support documentation and design calculations. Detail any sampling and testing procedures used to assure accurate results such as the timing of sampling relative to laboratory testing. Consideration must be given to all components of stability including coal pillar, mine roof and mine floor.

- Appropriate data concerning actual coal strengths, moisture content and any other tested parameters related to coal pillar design and stability. Locate the sample sites/boreholes tested on the Underground Mine Plan Map

- Appropriate data regarding the strength and geotechnical characteristics of the actual mine floor and sub-floor as it relates to mine design and stability. Include a description of thickness and lithology of the floor and sub-floor units.

- Include as necessary, information on roof stability if the depth to coal or thickness of competent bedrock warrants concern over roof failure.

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13.2.7 Are any public buildings and facilities, churches, schools, hospitals, impoundments with a storage capacity of 20 acre feet or more or bodies of water with a volume of 20 acre feet or more located over or within 250 feet of the shadow area boundary? [1817.121(d)]

YES NO

If YES, locate and identify them on the Underground Mine Plan Map. In a written narrative provide information which assures compliance with the requirements of 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1817.121(d) as may be necessary to permit such proposed mining operations.

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13.2.8 Is backstowing or backfilling proposed as a subsidence control measure to prevent or minimize subsidence and subsidence-related damage? [1784.20(b)(5)(A)]

YES NO

If YES, include a description and locate on the Underground Mine Plan Map designating the overlying area to be protected and provide detailed descriptions of the proposed back filling operation.

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13.2.9 Are areas to be left in which no coal will be removed within the shadow area in order to protect surface features? [1784.20(b)(5)(C)]

YES NO

If YES, including a description of the protected surface feature and locate on the Underground Mine Plan Map designating the overlying area to be protected by solid coal blocks left in place.

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13.2.10 Are any surface measures to be taken to prevent material damage or lessening of the value of reasonably foreseeable uses of the surface? [1784.20(b)(5)(D)]

YES NO

If YES, describe the proposed measures.

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13.2.11 Is any monitoring, proposed to determine the commencement and degree of subsidence so that other appropriate measures can be taken to prevent or reduce material damage? [1784.20(b)(4)]

YES NO

If YES, include locations of any proposed monitoring sites on the Underground Mine Plan Map.

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13.3 Planned Subsidence Control Plan. This section specifically applies to underground extraction designed to produce predictable and controlled surface subsidence. Longwall or high extraction retreat mine operations must complete this section. Room and Pillar mines designed to prevent subsidence are not required to complete this section and should proceed to Part 13.4.

13.3.1 Provide a Planned Subsidence Control Plan Map A with all applicable information detailed in the Instructions: General Mapping Requirements. [1784.20(g)]

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13.3.2 Provide an overview of the current land uses and existing drainage practices in the proposed planned subsidence areas. Detail the type of drainage systems employed such as surface water ways, terraces and drainage tile systems typical for this area. [1784.20(b), 1817.121(c)(1)]

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13.3.3 Provide a list of all structures and facilities located over and within 1000 feet of the projected planned subsidence area. The list provided must cross-reference with the Planned Subsidence Control Plan Map A. [1784.20(b)(3)]; [1784.20(b), 1817.121(c)(2)]

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13.3.4 In accordance with Operator Memorandum 2006-03, provide digital photos as Attachment 13.3.4 and a Shadow Area Structure Photo Reference Map for applicable structures within the angle of draw of planned subsidence operations. [1784.20(b)(8)]

13.3.5 Provide appropriate narrative, data, plan maps, profiles, and cross sections to define the anticipated magnitude, extent and predictability of subsidence to address the following points:

13.3.5.1 Give typical height of extraction and percentage of coal, roof and/or floor removed in planned subsidence extraction areas. [1784.20(b)(2)]

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13.3.5.2 Define the proposed angle of draw with supporting documentation justifying its adequacy. [1784.20(b)(2)]

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13.3.5.3 Define the anticipated limits of planned subsidence on all appropriate underground maps (Hydogeologic, Underground Mine Plan, Planned Subsidence Control Plan Maps A and B.) [1784.20(b)(2)]

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13.3.5.4 Discuss any site-specific factors that can influence the magnitude and extent of subsidence such as type and variation in unconsolidated thickness, type and variations in bedrock thickness, expected variations in extraction height, or presence and direction (strike & dip) of faults, linears, etc. [1784.20(b)(3)]

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13.3.5.5 Provide the anticipated surface subsidence profiles and supporting documentation and/or data used to predict subsidence profiles. . [1784.20(b)(2)]

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13.3.5.6 Provide either existing subsidence survey monitoring data specific to this operation or a plan to conduct surface monitoring to confirm the accuracy and reliability of the predicted subsidence profiles and angle of draw. Indicate survey monument design, spacing, and layout relative to the panels to be monitored. Frequency of data collection shall be defined. [1783.25(a)(4), 1784.20]

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13.3.6 The regulations at 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1817.121(a)(2)(a) require condition surveys on all structures and facilities within the limits of planned subsidence a minimum of 120 days prior to undermining. Title 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1784.20(b)(8)(B) allows the applicant to request an exemption from conducting a condition survey if it can be demonstrated that material damage from underground mining is not likely to occur. Does the applicant intend to request an exemption from conducting condition surveys based on 1784.20(b)(8)(B) for any structures or facilities within the limits of planned subsidence? [1784.20(b)(8)(B); 1817.121(a)(2)(a)]

YES NO

If YES, provide the locations of any structure or facility for which an exemption to conduct condition surveys is requested on the Operations Map. Provide sufficient documentation concerning site specific geologic, geotechnical and historical performance to demonstrate that the structure or facility requested will not be impacted by the planned subsidence operation.

If an exemption is requested, the Department will determine if any structures or facilities qualify for an exemption based on the analysis provided above. In the event the Department determines a given structure or facility can be exempted, the operator will be specifically notified of such determination.

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13.3.7 Provide a description of procedures that will be used to assess the pre-planned subsidence condition of structures and facilities in accordance with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1817.121(a)(2). Provide details on the type of documentation (appraisals, videos etc.) to be used and methodology to clearly document structure condition for future reference concerning subsidence damages. [1784.20(b)(8)(B)]

NOTE: Specific individual condition surveys must be performed, or must be scheduled to be performed, a minimum of 120 days prior to undermining per Section 1817.121(a)(2)(A).

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13.3.8 Provide a general plan for the following: [1784.20(b)(8)(A); 1817.121(a)(3)]

13.3.8.1 A description of the methods that will be employed to minimize damage from planned subsidence to structures and facilities. Describe various methods that would be considered for houses with basements, crawl spaces, or slabs, barns and other out buildings. [1784.20(b)(8)(A); 1817.121(a)(3)]

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13.3.8.2 On the Planned Subsidence Control Plan Maps A and B, specifically identify any unique or sensitive feature such as major gas or chemical transport pipelines, water towers, major roads, rail lines, etc. Describe various methods that would be considered to minimize damage to these features. The need for cooperative agreements with the various authorities or owners of such features shall also be discussed to address potential public safety issues. [1784.20(b)(8)(A); 1817.121(a)(3)]

NOTE: If minimization methods are not proposed for a given structure or facility, the written consent of the owner must be obtained and provided to the Department in advance of any planned subsidence impacts.

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13.3.8.3 A description of the procedure that will be used to demonstrate that the cost of minimizing damages exceeds the anticipated cost of repair. This option is not possible if subsidence material damage would constitute a threat to health or safety. [1784.20(b)(8)(A); 1817.121(a)(3)]

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13.3.8.4 A time table for submitting to the Department the specific subsidence control approach for each structure or facility sufficiently in advance of underground mine development to comply with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1784.20(b)(8)(A). [1784.20(b)(8)(A); 1817.121(a)(3)]

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13.4 Subsidence Damage Mitigation. Mitigation of subsidence damages applies to all underground operations. Although unplanned subsidence room and pillar operations are designed to not subside, the following section shall be completed in the unlikely event damages do occur. For longwall and high extraction retreat operations, greater detail is necessary to address the anticipated impacts of planned subsidence.

The operator is required to mitigate or remedy any subsidence related material damage to structures and facilities. If the repair option is selected, the permittee must fully rehabilitate, restore or replace the damaged structure. If the compensation option is selected, the permittee must compensate the owner of the damaged structure for the full amount of the decrease in value resulting from the subsidence related damage. [1817.121(c)]

Compensation may also be accomplished by the purchase prior to mining of a non-cancellable premium prepaid insurance policy payable to the surface owner in the full amount of the possible material damage. Documentation of the purchase of such qualifying insurance for a specific structure owner must be provided along with justification for the amount of the policy purchased. [1784.20(g); 1817.121(c)(2)]

13.4.1 Does the applicant propose to pursue structural material damage mitigation by purchasing prior to mining of a non-cancellable premium prepaid insurance policy payable to a given surface owner in the full amount of the possible material damage? [1817.121(c)(2)]

YES NO

If YES, provide a plan for submitting documentation of the purchase of such qualifying insurance for a specific structure owner along with justification for the amount of the specific policy.

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13.4.2 For all structures not covered by a qualifying insurance policy as described above, describe a procedure for assuring compliance with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1817.121(c). The procedural plan must:

13.4.2.1 Detail the process that will be followed to determine the existence and degree of material damage or diminution of value of structures and facilities. [1784.20(B)(10); 1817.121(c)(2)]

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13.4.2.2 Detail qualifications of personnel to conduct investigations and make appropriate repairs or evaluation of lost value. [1784.20(B)(10); 1817.121(c)(2)]

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13.4.2.3 Address time frames to assure compliance with prompt repair or compensation to the owner for material damage resulting from subsidence caused to any structure or facility. The time frames must comply with Section 1817.121(c)(3). [1817.121(c)(3)]

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13.4.2.4 Address resolution of disputes between the landowner and the permittee over the existence, amount, level or degree of damage, such as third-party arbitration. [1784.20(B)(10)]

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13.4.3 Does the applicant propose to utilize appropriate terms and conditions for liability insurance required under 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1800.60 to assure the financial responsibility of subsidence damage? [1817.121(c)(3)]

YES NO

If YES, provide documentation that assures the liability insurance specifically covers damage to surface features and facilities impacted by mine subsidence and the level of coverage available at any given time for subsidence damages. The coverage must be in full with no deductible.

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13.4.4 Provide a description of measures to control and correct material damage resulting from subsidence to surface lands in order to return the land to a condition capable of maintaining the value and reasonable foreseeable uses which it was capable of supporting before subsidence. Provide descriptions of specific repair measures recommended to remedy anticipated material damages such as tension cracks, drainage interruptions, damage to field tile systems. Alleviation of compaction problems created by mitigation practices shall also be considered. [1784.20(b)(6); 1817.121(c)(1)]

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13.4.4.1 For agricultural fields, provide a plan for compensating surface owners for crop loss caused by subsidence impacts and delays in restoring proper drainage. [1817.121(c)(1)]

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13.4.4.2 For forested areas, discuss the potential for tree kill and how such material damage to trees will be mitigated. [1817.121(c)(1)]

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13.4.4.3 Using the predicted magnitude and extent of planned subsidence profiles and post-subsidence contours, provide the Planned Subsidence Control Plan Map B (Post Subsidence) as required by the General Mapping Requirements at a minimum scale 1" to 400' scale. Contour intervals should be appropriate for the specific terrain in the planned subsidence area. Locate and identify all areas where surface subsidence impacts are projected to cause disruptions of natural or man-made surface drainage on map(s). Incorporate corrective flow paths with arrow nomenclature to show anticipated post repair flow direction. [1784.20(b)(6); 1817.121(c)(1)]

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13.5 Water Supplies.

13.5.1 General Water Supply Information. For all underground operations, provide the following information concerning water supplies in the shadow area:

13.5.1.1 Provide the location and ownership of all existing drinking, domestic and residential water supplies, including private wells, municipal wells and springs. This information shall be provided for all areas within the proposed shadow area and within ½ mile of the boundaries of the proposed shadow area. [1784.14(b)(1)]

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13.5.1.2 Provide adequate ground water quality descriptions for the shadow area and it’s adjacent area (within ½ mile). The information shall include at a minimum pH, total dissolved solids, total iron and total manganese. The Department may require additional parameters based on site specific conditions. [1784.14(b)(1)(A)(ii)]

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13.5.1.3 For the shadow area, provide a description of seasonal ground water quantity including at a minimum the appropriate rates of discharge or usage and the elevation of potentiometric surface of the coal to be mined, and in each water-bearing stratum above the coal to be mined, and in each water-bearing stratum below the coal to be mined which may be potentially impacted. [1784.14(b)(1)(B)]

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13.5.2 Water Supply Data Collection Exemption. Is an exemption from performing individual water quality and quantity data collection being requested for this underground operation? [1784.20(b)(7); 1784.20(b)(8)(A)]

YES NO

If YES, provide the following:

13.5.2.1 Provide sufficient documentation concerning site specific geologic, geotechnical and historical performance to demonstrate that existing wells and springs will not be impacted by the operation. [1784.20(b)(7); (b)(8)(B)]

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13.5.2.2 Stratigraphic locations of drinking domestic and residential water supplies relative to the seam to be mined shall also be discussed in relation to potential impacts from mine level instabilities such as roof falls. [1784.20(b)(7); 178.20(b)(8)(A)]

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13.5.3 Water Supply Monitoring locations. Provide the locations of any water supplies on the Underground Mine Plan Map that will be specifically monitored for water quality and quantity based on the potential for adverse impacts from the underground mining operations. [1784.14(b)(1)]

Based on the analysis provided under Part 13.5.2, above, the Department will determine if any water supplies beyond those proposed to be monitored warrant pre-mining collection of quality and quantity data. In the event the Department determines additional monitoring is required beyond that proposed under 13.5.3 above, the operator will be notified of such determination and will be required to modify the monitoring plan provided under Section 13.5.4.

13.5.4 Water Supply Monitoring Plan. For all operations where water supplies have not been exempt from monitoring requirements from Part 13.5.2. above, provide a water quality and quantity monitoring plan containing the following: [1784.20(b)]

13.5.4.1 A plan for obtaining adequate pre-mining water quality and quantity data from wells and springs potentially impacted by subsidence. Specific parameters to be monitored and method(s) for defining approximate water supply quantities shall be detailed. [1784.20(b)(7); 178.20(b)(8)(A)]

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13.5.4.2 A time table for collection of data sufficiently in advance of underground mine development to document pre-mining quality and quantity. Data collection should reflect seasonal fluctuations. [1784.20(b)(7); 178.20(b)(8)(A)]

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13.5.5 Water Supply Replacement. For all underground operations, provide the following:

13.5.5.1 Provide a general plan for replacing any contaminated, diminuted, or interrupted drinking, domestic or residential water supply. The plan shall include possible contingencies for emergency, temporary and permanent replacement of affected water supplies. Replacement of water supplies must comply with the definition found under Section 1701. Appendix A Definitions: “Replacement of Water Supply”. [1784.20(b)(9)]

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13.5.5.2 Provide a procedural plan for determining the existence and degree of material damage, loss or diminution of water quality and quantity. Address resolution of disputes over the existence, amount or level of water quality and quantity such as third-party arbitration. [1784.20(b)(9)(A)]

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13.5.5.3 Provide a plan for determining the present worth of the cost to replace a water supply if the operator wishes to pursue a one-time lump sum payment for costs associated with provisions for an equivalent water delivery system and payment of operation and maintenance costs in excess of customary and reasonable delivery costs for pre-mining water supplies. Any lump sum payments for future costs must be agreed to by the water supply owner. [1784.20(b)(9)(B)]

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13.6 Auger Mining.

13.6.1 Auger mining is considered an underground mining operation. Any area where augering will extend beyond the permit boundary is considered underground mining shadow area. Will all augering be contained within the permit area boundary?

YES NO

If NO, define these areas on the Operations Map. Include all surface features potentially impacted by auger extraction subsidence (either planned or unplanned). And, provide documentation of the right to auger mine these areas.

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13.6.2 Will the engineering design of the auger operation result in planned subsidence in a predictable and controlled manner? [1819.17]

YES NO

If NO, complete Part 13.2, Unplanned Subsidence Control Plan

If YES, complete Part 13.3, Planned Subsidence Control Plan as it pertains to the augering operations. [1819.17]

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13.6.2.1 Provide coal extraction geometry including auger hole size, spacing, percent extraction and potential for subsidence.

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13.6.2.2 Are there any features on the surface that require coal to be left for added protection?

YES NO

If YES, include a description of the overlying area to be protected by solid coal blocks left in place. Identify any such areas on the Operations Map.

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13.6.3 Discuss how the auger mining will be planned and conducted to minimize disturbance of the prevailing hydrologic balance. [1819.15(a)]

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13.6.4 Discuss how the auger holes will be sealed, the timing of the sealing of the auger holes and the material to be used to seal the holes. [1819.15(b)]

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13.6.5 Will auger holes extend closer than 500 feet (measured horizontally) of an active or abandoned underground mine? [1819.21, 1816.79]

YES NO

If YES, address the following:

13.6.5.1 How will the auger activities result in improved resource recovery, abatement of water pollution, or elimination of hazards to the health and safety of the public? [1816.79(a)]

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13.6.5.2 Provide documentation that the nature, timing and sequence of the activities have been approved by MSHA. [1816.79(b)]

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13.6.6 Address how the operation will provide for access for future underground mining to coal reserves remaining after augering is completed. If no areas of undisturbed coal for future access are proposed to be left, establish that the coal is depleted or limited in thickness such that it will not be possible to recover the remaining coal through surface mining with the machinery available. [1819.13(c)]

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13.6.7 Will the auger mining operations affect previously mined areas that were not reclaimed to the standards of 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1810 - 1828? [1819.19(b)]

YES NO

If YES, will the volume of all reasonably available spoil be insufficient to completely backfill the highwall?

YES NO

If NO, provide a written demonstration that the spoil volume is insufficient and the highwall shall be eliminated to the maximum extent technically practicable in accordance with the following criteria:

- The backfill, shall have a minimum static safety factor of at least 1.3 (include the appropriate affidavit, signed by a professional engineer)

- All reasonably available spoil shall be used to backfill the area

- The coal seam mined shall be covered with a minimum of four (4) feet of nonacid-, nontoxic-forming material

- Any remnant of the highwall shall be stable and not pose a hazard to the public health and safety or the environment

- Spoil placed on the outslope during previous mining operations shall not be disturbed if such disturbances will cause instability of the remaining spoil or otherwise increase the hazard to the public health and safety or to the environment

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