(a) The final graded slopes shall approximate
premining slopes, or any lesser slopes approved by the Department based on
consideration of soil, climate or other characteristics of the surrounding
area.
(b) Postmining final graded
slopes need not be uniform, but shall approximate the general nature of the
premining topography.
(c) On
approval by the Department in order to conserve soil moisture, ensure stability
and control erosion on final graded slopes, cut and fill terraces may be
allowed if the terraces are compatible with the approved postmining land use
and are substitutes for construction of lower grades on the reclaimed
lands.
(d) Small depressions may be
constructed, if they:
(1) Are approved by the
Department to minimize erosion, conserve soil moisture or promote
vegetation.
(2) Do not restrict
normal access.
(3) Are not
inappropriate substitutes for lower grades on the reclaimed
lands.
(e) All surface
mining activities on slopes above 20°, or on lesser slopes that the
Department defines as steep slopes, shall meet §§
87.158 and
87.159 (relating to cessation of
operations: permanent; and postmining land use).
(f) All final grading, preparation of
overburden before replacement of topsoil and placement of topsoil shall be
conducted in a manner which minimizes erosion and provides a surface for
replacement of topsoil which will minimize slippage.
Notes
The
provisions of this § 87.144 adopted December 19, 1990, 10 Pa.B. 4789,
effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B.
2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective
7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382;
amended February 17, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 524, effective
8/4/1984, 14 Pa.B. 2860; amended
May 8, 1998, effective 5/9/1998,
28 Pa.B. 2227.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
87.68 (relating to reclamation
information); 25 Pa. Code §
87.104 (relating to stream channel
diversions); 25 Pa. Code §
87.140 (relating to
contemporaneous reclamation); 25 Pa. Code §
87.174 (relating to steep slope
operations); 25 Pa. Code §
87.175 (relating to variance to
contouring); 25 Pa. Code §
87.180 (relating to prime
farmland: soil replacement); and 25 Pa. Code §
89.84 (relating to backfilling and
grading).
