ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
Provide a detailed geologic description of the permit and adjacent areas which
include the following: Identify as attachment I-9.
A.
Stratigraphic and lithologic descriptions of the area to be affected by
mining;
Strata present in the area to be affected by mining include primarily those of the
lower Dunkard Group, with the upper portion of the Monongahela Group being
exposed in the valleys of Scott’s Run, Guston Run, and major tributary streams.
The overburden sequence to be mined consists primarily of sandstone, shale, and
claystone, and includes the Waynesburg and Waynesburg A coals and partings.
The Waynesburg sandstone immediately overlies the Waynesburg coal in each of
the three site test borings, and is on the order of 60 – 70 feet in thickness. The
formation names and stratigraphic position of important geologic strata are
indicated on the cross-section in Attachment I-7.
B.
Hydrogeologic setting including the areal and vertical distribution of all
aquifers; seasonal differences in head; the name(s) of the stratum (or
strata) in which the water is found; and the availability, movement,
quality, and quantity of ground water flow in all aquifer units;
Three hundred eighty-two properties within a one-half mile radius of the proposed
operation were inventoried for water use. Ten residences were found to use
groundwater from wells or springs as the sole source of water supply. The
remaining residences obtained water from municipal lines maintained by
Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) or Pleasant Valley PSD. Fourteen residences
with city water service maintain a well, spring, or pond as an alternate water
source. Most inventoried wells and springs are located in valley bottom areas below
the elevation of the Waynesburg coal. These groundwater sources appear to tap the
stress-relief fracture aquifer system along local stream valleys as a source of water.
The presence of groundwater was not noted on the drillers’ logs for any of the
overburden tests. Based on general stratigraphic information for the Monongalia
County area, expected potential aquifers in the area to be mined include the
Waynesburg coal and the overlying Waynesburg sandstone. These units appear to
have been locally developed at W-2 and W-3 which are within the proposed mining
area and will be removed by mining. General groundwater movement in abovedrainage strata is down gradient to outcrop discharge areas. Groundwater flow in
deeper strata is most likely controlled by stratigraphic dip.
A shallow aquifer system is located in nearby valley bottom areas in the vicinity of
the proposed mine. The presence of this aquifer system is believed to be largely
related to the stress-relief fracture system discussed in Section I-9.C more so than
local lithology. All but two of the primary groundwater sources documented during
the inventory obtain groundwater from this aquifer system.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
B.
Aquifers at greater depth below drainage level may be at least partially dewatered
by deep mining activities in the Pittsburgh and Sewickley coal seams beneath the
proposed mining area. According to structural contour maps available at the West
Virginia Geological Survey, the Pittsburgh and Sewickley coals lie approximately
400 feet and 300 feet, respectively, below the Waynesburg coal.
C.
Structural geology of the coal seam and the strata to be affected by mining
both in the permit and adjacent areas, including faults, folds, fracture and
lineament traces, and regional and site specific strike and dip;
Strata present in the area to be affected by mining include primarily those of the
lower Dunkard Group, with the upper portion of the Monongahela Group being
exposed in the valleys of Scott’s Run, Guston Run, and major tributary streams.
The overburden sequence to be mined consists primarily of sandstone, shale, and
claystone, and includes the Waynesburg and Waynesburg A coals and partings. The
lithologic description and stratigraphic position of important geologic strata are
indicated on the cross-section in Attachment I-7.
Shallow strata from 0 to 20-25 feet are lightly to moderately weathered as
determined by color and chroma of drill hole samples. Deeper strata that are not
extensively oxidized by air and water exhibit little weathering, as indicated by low
chroma.
Strata at the proposed minesite are nearly horizontal, with a strike of
approximately N. 10-20º E. Regional dip in north-central West Virginia is typically
to the northwest. According to structural contour mapping on the Waynesburg coal
available from the West Virginia Geological Survey, local dip in the vicinity of the
site is approximately 1.1 percent to the west-northwest, and no significant fold axes
are present in the vicinity.
According to WVGS Map WV-7A, no linear features pass through the area to be
mined. Two linear features are located in the vicinity of the proposed minesite. The
locations of these features are as follows: 1) a linear feature approximately 4 miles
in length and follows the Scotts Run valley westward from Pursglove with an
approximate east-west orientation, and passes within 1,000 feet to the south of the
southernmost extent of the proposed permit area; and 2) a linear feature
approximately 6 miles in length with an orientation of about N. 15-20º W. that
follows an unnamed tributary of Scotts Run through New Hill and Cassville, and
southward along Dents Run toward Laurel Point. This feature passes within 1,000
feet of the west end of the proposed operation.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
C.
Bedrock fractures consist of nearly horizontal bedding plane separations, angled
fractures possibly due to differential compaction, and nearly vertical stress-relief
fractures. Strata at the proposed mine site are characterized by moderate
fracturing, with closely spaced joints in shales and mudstones, and wider spacing in
more massive sandstones. Vertical fractures are relatively widely spaced in upland
areas, and do not form significant zones of fracture permeability.
Stress-relief fractures occur on a local scale and are related to erosion and removal
of rock overburden in stream valleys. As the compressive stress of overburden on
underlying bedrock is removed by erosion, strain within the slopes and floor of the
valley generally produces a predictable fracture pattern as described by Ferguson
(1967) and Wyrick and Borchers (1981), and illustrated in Attachment I-9.C.1.
As compressional stress is removed by erosion of overlying rock strata, bedrock
layers beneath the valley floor arch upward, causing slippage and separation along
bedding planes. Vertical tension fractures occur in the central portion of the valley
as a result of bedrock arching, and near-vertical tension fractures occur along
valley walls as a result of unequal horizontal stress distribution. This phenomenon
is most likely responsible for increased permeability in shallow strata in valleybottom and valley wall areas.
Other fracture information is provided by West Virginia Geological Survey Map
WV-11, which indicates that dominant coal fracture trends are from N. 85 W. to
S. 85 W.
D.
Geochemical character of all strata and coal to be disturbed by mining
and the potential of this strata for generating acid, alkaline, or iron-laden
drainage;
Geochemical data were obtained using core samples taken at three drill holes from
the land surface down through the Waynesburg coal pavement within the proposed
mining area. The borings (NH10-08, NH11-08, and NH13-08 were drilled by
Patriot Mining Company to characterize the Waynesburg and Waynesburg A
overburden. The Waynesburg coal, partings, and underlying pavement, and
Waynesburg A coal (encountered only in NH10-08 and NH11-08) and immediately
overlying and underlying strata were all potentially toxic. The lower 6 – 7 feet of
the Waynesburg sandstone immediately overlying the coal in NH11-08 and NH1308 exhibited CaCO3 deficiencies of 1–22 tons/1000 tons.
The only potentially toxic stratum that was not closely associated with a coal seam
was a 2-foot interval of the Waynesburg sandstone at 106.16 feet in NH10-08, with
a CaCO3 deficiency of 17.49–31.64 tons/1000 tons. A more detailed description of
the geochemical nature of the overburden strata is presented in Attachment I-11.
Strata not closely associated with the coal seams exhibited significant excess
CaCO3 equivalent, with many strata containing free carbonates as evidenced by
the fizz test. A more detailed description of the geochemical nature of the
overburden strata is presented in Attachment I-11.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
D.
In addition to acid-base accounting, overburden samples at NH-13-08 were tested
for selenium as per WVDEP policy and guidance. Samples were analyzed for total
selenium by the 3050B (for Acid Digestion of Solids) method. Analytical results are
indicated in the attached laboratory data. All of the strata tested exhibited
selenium levels that were <1mg/kg. Therefore, no special handling procedures for
materials with elevated selenium levels will be required.
Calculations with the PADEP overburden spreadsheet methods indicate the site
overburden, combined with proposed MEA ash alkaline amendments, will produce
excess available NP both with and without thresholds at equivalence factor of 31.25
and 62.5. Projected ash applications will range from 1,000 to 10,000 tons/acre.
Calculations included the minimal alkalinity that will be contributed by the
minimum proposed amendment of 1,000 tons/acre of MEA ash. Available NP
ranged from 3574 to 20,141 tons/acre when the standard equivalence factor of
31.25 was used with thresholds; available NP values of 5887 to 21,917 tons/acre
were obtained when calculating available NP using this factor without thresholds.
The available NP at these core holes is sufficient to achieve a net NP of 12 tons/1000
tons that is likely to assure alkaline drainage.
Calculations of available NP using the 62.5 equivalence factor at the three core
holes ranged from 2523 to 17,605 tons/acre with thresholds and 3613 to 17,853
tons/acre without thresholds.
The lowest excess NP values were observed at NH-13-08; excess NP values at NH10-08 and NH-11-08 were on the order of 2-5 times higher than those at NH-13-08.
The calculations generated by the spreadsheet are presented with the overburden
analysis data in Attachment I-11. The spreadsheet indicates the net alkalinity of the
post-mining backfill using an ash application rate of 1,000 tons/acre should be
sufficient to produce and maintain an alkaline environment in the backfill that will
inhibit the oxidation of any remaining sulfur not removed with the PTS, and
neutralize any localized acidity produced within the backfill.
Although the spreadsheet analysis does not indicate the probability of any NP
deficiencies, the lower excess NP values at NH-13-08 using the 1000 ton/acre
minimum ash application rate suggest the need of a higher application rate as an
additional factor of safety. Under these circumstances, an application rate in excess
of 1,000 tons/acre is recommended.
Natural alkalinity in the site overburden combined with alkaline ash amendments
will result in discharges and/or runoff from the site that should be overwhelmingly
alkaline with low metals concentrations.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
E.
Depth and degree of weathering of area strata and the effects this
weathering has on the physical and geochemical properties of the
overburden proposed for disturbance;
Shallow strata down to approximately 20-25 feet are lightly to moderately
weathered as determined by light brown color and moderate chroma of visually
examined core samples. Deeper strata that are not extensively oxidized by air and
water exhibit little weathering, as indicated by low chroma and light-medium gray
color. Weathering may cause shallow rock strata to be Asofter@ due to leaching of
cementing agents in sandstone or weathering of clay minerals in shale; this may
weaken the rock such that ripping and grading with dozers can be accomplished
more easily.
F.
Effects of fracturing and weathering on the extraction of coal and the
hydrologic regime;
The overburden at the site is primarily sandstone, claystone, and shale with lesser
amounts of coal. Sandstone tends to have more widely spaced bedding plane and
near-vertical fractures, and breaks into relatively large fragments. Shale tends to
have closely spaced bedding plane joints and is relatively “soft.” Any weathering or
fracturing in such strata will allow for easier overburden removal. These materials
will also compact more readily during reclamation. Coal fracturing is generally
confined to face and butt cleat, which allows coal to be easily removed with
conventional equipment.
The predominantly fine-grained strata at the site have low primary permeability,
and coarser strata such as sandstone have somewhat higher levels of permeability.
Fracturing provides secondary permeability that enhances water movement.
G.
Anticipated impacts of all proposed and existing operations on the
geology and hydrology of the area, including impacts resulting from
multiple seam mining and subsidence;
No previous surface mining has been performed in the Waynesburg or Waynesburg
A seams at the subject property. Previous surface mining in the Waynesburg and
Waynesburg A coals has been conducted by Patriot Mining Company at adjacent
sites, including the New Hill (S-2010-01) and New Hill East (S-2010-04) surface
mines to the east; Guston Run North (S-1002-00); Guston Run South (S-2010-06);
and Guston Run South Extension (S-2006-07) surface mines to the north and
northeast; and Scotts Run surface mine (S-1002-97) to the east-southeast. The
Guston Run South and Guston Run South Extension mines are active, and New Hill
East surface mine is inactive. The New Hill, Guston Run North and Scotts Run
surface mines are fully reclaimed.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
G.
Deep mining below drainage level has been conducted in the Sewickley and
Pittsburgh coal seams, which lie approximately 300 feet and 400 feet, respectively,
beneath the Waynesburg coal. Workings of the Osage Coal Company Osage Mine
and Consolidation Coal Company Pursglove No. 15 Mine are present beneath the
proposed permit area.
Data collected to assemble the PHC indicate that impacts to the immediate
receiving streams (Scotts Run and tributaries) from previous surface mining have
been minimal. The streams exhibited pH values generally in excess of 7.50 with low
metal concentrations.
A pre-regulation refuse pile identified on photographs and USGS topographic maps
previously affected the stream channel of the unnamed tributary of Scotts Run
monitored by BWQ-C. The refuse pile was present prior to 1953 based on aerial
photography used to map the Osage 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle, and
photographic evidence indicates the refuse pile may have originated in the 1930’s or
1940’s.
Previously the refuse pile partially impounded the flow of the unnamed tributary,
the majority of which passed through the refuse material and emerged as acidic
seepage at the toe of the pile. In the late 1980’s AS&K Inc. obtained two permits (S1021-88 and S-1011-89) encompassing a total area of 44 acres to reprocess the
refuse pile for combustible fuel material. A significant portion of the refuse pile
was reprocessed prior to the permits being revoked in 1990 - 1991.
The bulk of the reprocessed refuse pile was east of the spoil storage area of the New
Hill (S-2010-01) surface mine extending downstream to the vicinity of Pond No. 1.
Remnant refuse material is present below Pond No. 1 in the area immediately
northwest of the Route 7/Walnut Hill Road intersection. Ferruginous seepage can
be observed entering the tributary near the older mobile homes in this area,
upstream from the BWQ-C sampling location. The seepage from the remnant
refuse materials appears to contribute to the elevated levels of iron, manganese, and
selenium observed on occasion at BWQ-C.
One such pre-existing seep (NH-2) has been actively monitored for the original New
Hill permit S-2010-01. WVDEP OMR acknowledged that the seep was a preexisting condition when the original New Hill surface mine permit (No. S-2010-01)
was granted, and requested that the seep be monitored as an Article 3 groundwater
point. The seep lies north of Route 7 in the area between existing Pond No. 1 of the
New Hill permit and proposed Pond No. 1 of the New Hill West application, and
enters the unnamed tributary of Scotts Run above BWQ-C. Drainage from seep
NH-2 is consistently acidic, with elevated levels of iron, manganese, aluminum, and
sulfate. The seep will be bonded under the New Hill West application but not
disturbed. Abatement of the seep will ultimately be performed by WVDEP Special
Reclamation.
ATTACHMENT I-9
I-9.
(Continued)
G.
Instream data collected to assemble the PHC indicate that impacts to the immediate
receiving streams (Scotts Run and tributaries) from previous surface mining have
been minimal. The streams exhibited pH values generally in excess of 7.50 with low
metal concentrations.
One observed exception is monitoring point BWQ-C at the mouth of an unnamed
tributary of Scotts Run, which has exhibited periodic elevated concentrations of
iron, manganese, and selenium that appear to originate from seepage out of preregulation coal refuse materials as noted in the narrative about seep NH-2 above.
Drainage from BWQ-C does not significantly impact Scotts Run due to relatively
low flow volume. Such materials are not present at the proposed permit area and
no elevated metal concentrations are anticipated in site drainage.
No known acidic or metal laden discharges are present at any of the adjacent or
nearby surface mines in the Waynesburg coal, which have consistently been in
compliance with permit discharge standards without chemical treatment.
H.
For underground mining operations (including auger mining) indicate
whether or not there is the potential for gravity discharge(s) and the
anticipated quantity and quality of the discharge(s) from each potential
discharge site. For non-gravity discharge situations, indicate the potential
for seepage along the outcrop barrier and the potential hydraulic head
which might result in the underground workings. Indicate if the potential
discharge will require chemical treatment.
Not Applicable. Neither underground mining nor augering are proposed under this
permit.