Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number:P-3948-01-15-S, REV. NO. 7
Part III Operation Plan
A.General Operation Information
1.Describe the type and method of coal mining procedures and major equipment to be used. (780.11)
See Attachment III-A-1.
Major equipment to be used includes but not be limited to:
- Backhoes- Service Trucks - Dragline
- Off Road Haulers- Dozers
- Loaders- Track Backhoes
- Drills- Bulk Anfo Trucks
2.Describe the sequence and timing of increments to be mined (as shown on permit map) over the total life of the permit. (780.11)
SeePermit Map and Attachment III-A-1, Operations Map
The timing increments are as follows:
Increment No.AcresFromEstimate Life
1568Currently being mined12 Months
2118Currently being mined12 Months
3174End of Increment #212 Months
4 53End of Increment #312 Months
5 86End of Increment #412 Months
The sequence of mining operations will be generally as follows:
1) Construction of Sediment Control Structures
2) Clearing and Grubbing
3) Topsoil Removal (if required)
4) Overburden Drilling and Blasting
5) Overburden Removal
6) Coal Recovery
7) Re-Grading
8) Revegetation
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
ATTACHMENT III-A-1
TYPE AND METHOD OF COAL MINING PROCEDURES
The area method of surface mining will be used. Mining operations will be limited to the Upper New Castle, Lower New Castle, Mary Lee, Blue Creek, and Jagger coal seams only. Preparation will consist of (a) timber removal (b) topsoil removal (if required) (c) drilling and blasting of overburden (d) overburden removal (e) coal removal (f) regrading and revegetation. Once the site has been regraded and topsoiled (if required) soil samples will be analyzed (where required) and proper nutrients will be added before revegetation. Any problem that may arise will be handled by proper consulting personnel utilizing various support equipment and support personnel.
Increments No. 1, 2 and 3 will be mined as previously approved.
Mining within post revision R-7 Increment No. 4 will begin along the reclaimed Jagger highwall beginning with Cut No. 1. Pits will generally align in a northeast the southwest direction and advance to the southeast. Spoil material will be transported to and stored within Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 via mobile equipment in a controlled manner. Spoil material not transported to Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 will be spoiled within the adjacent previously mined areas and within subsequent open pits. Mining will continue in this manner until the limits of the increment are reached.
Mining within post revision R-7 Increment No. 5 will begin along the reclaimed Jagger highwall beginning with Cut No. 1. Pits will generally align in a southwest to northeast direction and advance to the southeast. Spoil material will be transported to and stored within Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 via mobile equipment in a controlled manner. Spoil material not transported to Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 will be spoiled within the adjacent previously mined areas and within subsequent open pits. Mining will continue in this manner until the limits of the increment are reached.
See Attachment III.-A.-1, Operations Map, for the cut sequence layout.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
3.Attach a narrative explaining the construction modification, use, maintenance, and removal of the following facilities: (780.11)
(a)Coal removal, handling, storage, cleaning and transportation structures and facilities;
See original permit application and subsequent revision applications.
(b)Spoil, coal processing waste and noncoal waste removal, handling, storage, transportation and disposal structures and facilities;
See Attachment III-A-3(b)
(c)Mine facilities; and
See original permit application and subsequent revision applications.
(d)Water pollution control facilities.
See original permit application and subsequent revision applications.
4.Describe the means to be used to maximize the use and conservation coal reserves in the permit area. (780.18, 816.59)
Some of the measures are:
a)Mining the deepest seam that is economically feasible to mine.
b)Rehandling overburden in order to maximize coal recovery that would normally be lost in the toe of the spoil.
c)Processing and blending coal that in its "raw" condition would not have a market.
5.Describe measures to be taken to ensure that all debris, acidforming and toxicforming materials and materials constituting a fire hazard are disposed of in accordance with 816.89 and 816.103; include contingency plans to prevent sustained combustion of such material. (780.18)
See original permit application and subsequent revision applications.
Attachment IIIA3
3.b)Spoil material from cuts 2 through 5 from Increment No. 4, and 1 through 4 from Increment No. 5 will be stored within Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 to ensure the continued efficiency of the mining operation. There will be no coal processing which generates waste so no coal waste disposal facilities are necessary. Any non-coal wastes will be disposed of within an offsite disposal area which meets all Federal, State and local laws and ordinances for permanent disposal of such materials.
Excess spoil disposal area construction and any subsequent modifications that may be required will be conducted under the general supervision of a qualified registered professional engineer and will be done in accordance with the approved design plans. The disposal area will be constructed of spoil material taken from the initial pits of Increment Nos. 4 and 5. Fill material will be transported in a controlled manner from the mine excavations via mobile equipment. All topsoil, vegetative and organic material will be removed from the disposal area prior to the transportation of any fill material. The topsoil will be stored onsite in stockpiles, to be re-distributed over the disposal area prior to revegetation. The fill material will be placed in a controlled manner in horizontal lifts not to exceed 4 feet in thickness being concurrently compacted to 90% of the standard proctor as outlined in the ASTM. The fill material will be graded as the fill is being constructed. All surface drainage will be routed around the disposal area through diversion ditches. The diversion ditches will be designed to pass a peak flow from a 100 yr. - 6 hr. precipitation event.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
Routine maintenance of the disposal area will consist ofrepair and stabilization of any rills and gullies which may develop upon the final configuration, repairs to erosion protection structures as required, repairs to diversion structures as necessary, and the maintenance of vegetation as necessary to ensure the establishment of a permanent diverse vegetative cover.The disposal area will be inspected by a registered professional engineer or other qualified professional specialist under the direct supervision of the qualified professional engineer. Inspections will be made at least quarterly and during times of removal of organic material and topsoil, installation of diversion ditches, placement and compaction of fill material, and revegetation of the disposal area. Certification inspection reports will be filed with the Regulatory Authority on a quarterly basis within two weeks after each inspection until the final configuration of the disposal area is reached and vegetation of the fill area has been reestablished. The certifications will state that proper construction and maintenance are occurring in accordance with approved design plans. Inspection reports will be retained at the facility office.
Excess Spoil Disposal Area No. 2 is under construction and Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 3 and 4 are proposed, therefore no modifications are required. If during the term of the permit the disposal area requires modification, modification plans will be submitted to the Regulatory Authority for approval prior to any modifications. Upon modifying the disposal area, the disposal area will be certified to the Regulatory Authority.
Upon completion of the filling of Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 the area will be reclaimed by the following procedure: The disposal area will be graded using mobile equipment to the configuration approved in the design plans. The stored topsoil will be re-distributed over the disposal area as necessary. All disturbed areas will be vegetated with an appropriate combination of grasses and legumes as stated in the reclamation plan, fertilized, and mulched to ensure a permanent diverse vegetative cover. Soil amendments, including lime and fertilizer, will be added and disced into the cover material in rates as recommended by laboratory analysis performed upon the cover material. These soil amendments will ensure a diverse effective vegetative growth upon the material.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
SPECIFICATIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF EXCESS SPOIL
Excess spoil material is to be placed within Excess Spoil Disposal Areas No. 2, 3 and 4 (See Permit Map). The disposal area plans shall be designed and certified by a qualified registered professional engineer and subsequently submitted to the Regulatory Authority for approval.
Due to the disposal area being free of springs, groundwater seeps, and natural drainage courses, no underdrain systems are required.
All topsoil, vegetative and organic material will be removed from the disposal area prior to the transportation of any fill material. The topsoil will be stored onsite in stockpiles, to be re-distributed over the disposal area prior to revegetation.
All surface drainage will be routed around the disposal area through the use of diversions designed to pass a peak flow from a 100 yr. - 6 hr. precipitation event. Detailed diversion plans shall be presented in the hydrology section of the detailed excess spoil disposal plans. The disposal area will be crowned at the center to divert runoff from the top of the disposal area to the diversions.
Because no seeps or springs were noted in the disposal area, the fill material is free draining and all drainage will be diverted away from the disposal area, internal drains are not deemed necessary for stability.
Terraces will be used to control runoff from the outslope of the disposal area. The slopes between terrace will be 2.5 H to 1 V. The terraces will have grades of not more than 5% to prevent excessive velocities.
Excess spoil material taken from the initial pits of Increment No. 1 will be transported to the disposal area via mobile equipment in a controlled and safe manner. The spoil material will be spread in horizontal lifts not to exceed four (4) feet thick and being concurrently compacted to 90% of the standard proctor as outlined in the ASTM, as to ensure stability of the area. No combustible material will be allowed to be stored in the disposal area. With the acid-base count of the material at this mine site, no acid or toxic forming material is expected. However, should any such material be encountered, it will be placed a minimum of 10 feet above the bottom of the excess spoil disposal area and covered with a minimum of four feet of non-acid and non-toxic forming and non-combustible material.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
Analysis of the foundation and fill materials will be performed by a qualified laboratory and the results will be utilized in the stability analysis in the detailed excess spoil disposal plans. The slopes of the disposal area will be designed to exceed a 1.5 minimum static safety factor.
The disposal area will be inspected by a qualified registered professional engineer or other qualified professional specialist under the direct supervision of the professional engineer. Inspections will be made at least quarterly throughout construction and during the times of removal of topsoil, vegetative, and organic materials; installation of surface drainage systems; placement and compaction of fill material; and revegetation of the areas. Certified inspection reports will be filed with the Regulatory Authority on a quarterly basis within two weeks after each inspection until the final configuration of the disposal area is reached and vegetation of the disposal area has been reestablished. The certifications will state that proper construction and maintenance are occurring in accordance with approved design plans. Inspection reports will be retained at the facility office.
Upon completion of filling operations, the disposal area will be graded using mobile equipment to the configuration approved in the design plans. The final configuration of the disposal area will be graded in such a manner as to be consistent with the surrounding area. The disposal area will be graded using mobile equipment to the configuration approved in the design plans. The stored topsoil will be re-distributed over the disposal area as necessary. All disturbed areas will be vegetated with an appropriate combination of grasses and legumes as stated in the reclamation plan, fertilized, and mulched to ensure a permanent diverse vegetative cover. Soil amendments, including lime and fertilizer, will be added and disced into the cover material in rates as recommended by laboratory analysis performed upon the cover material. These soil amendments will ensure a diverse effective vegetative growth upon the material.
Slope protection will be achieved through the use of seed and mulch. The disposal area will be revegetated as entailed in the reclamation plan.
Routine maintenance of the disposal area will consist ofrepair and stabilization of any rills and gullies which may develop upon the final configuration, repairs to erosion protection structures as required, repairs to diversion structures as necessary, and the maintenance of vegetation as necessary to ensure the establishment of a permanent diverse vegetative cover.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
B.Engineering Plans
All crosssections, maps and plans related to operations, reclamation and structures must comply with Section 780.10. Plans, appropriate calculations and conclusions shall be presented in a clear and logical sequence and shall take into account all applicable factors necessary to evaluate the proposed plan or design.
1.Existing Structures. (780.12, 786.21)
(a)Describe each existing structure to be used, its location, current condition, approximate dates of construction and evidence (including relevant monitoring data) showing whether or not the structure meets the performance standards of Subchapter K or Subchapter B, whichever is more stringent and demonstrate whether or not the use of existing structures will pose a significant harm to the environment or public health or safety.
None.
(b)If an existing structure requires modification or reconstruction to meet the performance standards, attach a compliance plan which includes design specifications, construction schedule, monitoring procedures, and evidence that the risk of harm to the environment or public health or safety is not significant during modification or reconstruction.
None.
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
2.Ponds, impoundments, banks, dams and embankments. (780.25)
(a)Submit a general plan which complies with Section 780.25(a)(1) for each proposed sedimentation pond, water impoundment, and coal processing waste bank, dam or embankment to be located within the proposed permit area.
See Attachment IIIB.2.A
(b)Submit detailed design plans which comply with Sections 780.25(a)(2 and 3) and 816.46 for each sedimentation pond to be constructed on the increment you currently propose to mine. If the sediment pond is to remain as a permanent water impoundment, design plans shall also comply with Section 816.49.
See Attachment IIIB.2.A
(c)Submit detailed design plans which comply with Sections 780.25(a)(2 and 3) and 816.49 for each temporary or permanent water impoundment to be constructed on the increment you currently propose to mine.
See Attachment IIIB.2.A
(d)Submit detailed design plans which comply with Sections 780.25(a) (2 and 3) and 816.81816.85 for each coal processing waste bank to be constructed on the increment you currently propose to mine.
None proposed.
(e)Submit detailed design plans which comply with Sections 780.25(a)(2 and 3) and 816.91816.93 for each coal processing waste dam and embankment to be constructed on the increment which you currently propose to mine.
None proposed.
3.Diversions. (780.29,816.43, 816.44)
Are diversions of overland flow or stream channel diversions proposed?
( X ) Yes ( ) No
If yes, complete the following:
(a)Is the diversion to be permanent?
( ) Yes ( X)No
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:
I hereby certify that Attachment III-B.-2.A prepared for Shannon, LLC's Shannon Mine No. 3, P-3948, R-7 are in accordance with the Regulations of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission as adopted by Act 81-435 of December 18, 1981 and amended to date, and are true and correct to the best of by knowledge and belief.
Steven R. Ingle, P.E.Date
AL Registration #18213
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
ADDENDUM TO THE GENERAL PLAN
PART III.doc
Applicant: SHANNON, LLC
Mine Name:SHANNON MINE NO. 3
Permit Number: P-3948, Revision R-7
The addendum to the general plan consists of updating the drainage control plan through the addition of seven (7) proposed basins, Basins057, 058, 059, 060, 061, 063, 063A, and utilizing one (1) existing basin, Basin 062 for the life of the mine. The location of Basin 062 was previously permitted, as Basin 001 under ASMC Permit P-3587. Basin 001 was constructed and utilized during the mining of P-3587 and removed upon completion of mining. The addendum also consists of the modification of Basins 027 and 029. Basin 027 will be moved downstream approximately 50 feet from its existing location. Basin 027 and 029 will be designed to function in series. During the initial phase of Basin 027, it will have a designated storage capacity and pool configuration as specified within its detailed modification design plans. The minimum storage capacity, pool configuration, embankment, and spillway channel will be maintained throughout the life of the basin, with certified inspection reports submitted to the regulatory authority as required. As mining operations progress within the vicinity of Basin 027, it will be filled with spoil material to a point where only the embankment, spillway, and an open channel along the upstream face of the impoundment remain. During this phase of the basin, an open channel will be retained along the face of the embankment to route drainage, entering the basin, to the existing primary spillway, then to Basin 029. During this phase, the embankment, routing channel, and spillway of Basin 027 will be maintained in good working order with certified inspection reports being submitted to the regulatory authority as required. Detailed design plans for the Basins are 057, 058, 059, 060, 061, 062, 063 and 063A areforthcoming. Detailed modification design plans for Basins 027 and 029 are attached. Upon written approval from the regulatory the basins will be constructed and/or modified and certified to the Regulatory Authority prior to disturbance within their respective drainage areas. Prior to a Phase II Bond Release, basin removal plans will be submitted to the Regulatory Authority and upon approval the basins will be graded and revegetated. See Attachment III-B-2(a), Permit Map, Watershed Map, NPDES Approval and Map and Basins 027 and 029 Detailed Design Plans for basin location and hydrologic information.