§ 88.110. Disposal of excess spoil: general requirements.
(a) Spoil not required to backfill and reclaim within the area where overburden has been removed shall be hauled or conveyed to and placed in designated disposal areas approved by the Department. The spoil shall be placed in a controlled manner to ensure:
(1) That the land mass designated as the disposal area is suitable for reclamation and revegetation compatible with the natural surroundings.
(2) Stability of the disposal area.
(3) That leachate and surface runoff from the disposal area will not degrade surface waters or groundwaters or exceed the established effluent limitations.
(b) The disposal area shall be designed using recognized professional standards and approved by the Department. The design shall be certified by a registered professional engineer.
(c) All vegetative and organic materials shall be removed from the disposal area concurrent with the placement of spoil.
(d) Slope protection shall be provided to minimize surface erosion at the site. All disturbed areas, including diversion ditches that are not riprapped, shall be vegetated upon completion of construction.
(e) The spoil to be placed in fill shall be hauled or conveyed and placed in a controlled manner and concurrently compacted as necessary to ensure mass stability and prevent mass movement, covered and graded to allow surface and subsurface drainage to be compatible with the natural surroundings and ensure a long-term static safety factor of 1.5.
(f) The final configuration of the disposal must be suitable for the proposed postmining land uses.
(g) Terraces may be utilized to control erosion and enhance stability if approved by the Department.
(h) If the disposal area contains springs, natural or manmade water courses, or wet-weather seeps, an underdrain system consisting of durable rock shall be constructed from the wet areas in a manner that prevents infiltration of the water into the spoil material. The underdrain system shall be protected by an adequate filter and ensure continued free drainage.
(i) Excess spoil may be returned to underground mine workings, but only in accordance with a disposal program approved by the Department and MSHA.
Source The provisions of this § 88.110 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended March 30, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1143, effective August 10, 1985, 15 Pa.B. 2872. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (92573) to (92574).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 88.381 (relating to general requirements).
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