A section of slope has become unstable in the graded area between the undisturbed forest and a previously installed concrete block-tied mat ditch. This instability has constricted the ditch. Sediment from this instability has also been deposited downstream at the intersection with an installed grated concrete ditch, allowing water to bypass the ditch and impact the citizens yard. The unstable material constricting the ditch will be removed and replaced with a Class III buttress. The affected section of ditch (approx. 80LF) will be removed and replaced with 4 flat bottom Class III Ditch. Grates will be removed and replaced after deposited sediment has been removed and modifications complete. To prevent migration of Class III aggregate into the concrete channel, a barrier for aggregate retention will be installed at the interface of the two types of ditch. Sediment deposited in the yard will also be removed to restore grade and drainage. The project limits are 3.37 acres in total with 0.7 acres of planned disturbance. These include project limits of 0.21 acres at the project site (with an expected maximum disturbance within the project limits of approximately 0.2 acres) and 3.16 acres at the off-site waste area (with an expected maximum disturbance within these project limits of 0.5 acres). Trees greater than 3 diameter at breast height will not be cut at the project site or waste area. If required, AML will elect to make a payment to the Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund in accordance with a determination from USFWS. The project site has previously been disturbed by coal mining operations, road construction, utility installation, residential development, landowner activities, and/or high velocity water flows associated with heavy rain events and flooding. These disturbances consist of significant upheaval, mixing, and removal of earthen material from deep excavation, grading, sub-surface drilling, fill material placement, and erosion. There should be no undisturbed earthen material to a depth of several feet at the areas slated for significant project-related construction activities. Approximately 80 LF of Concrete Block Tied Mat will be removed and a Class III ditch installed. The existing concrete ditch (approx. 60 LF) will have deposited sediment removed. Nothing beyond ephemeral flow has been observed through this area. No portals or cave-like structures will be disturbed by this project. The strict implementation and enforcement of standard AML sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices (BMPs) will prevent significant amounts of sediments disturbed by project related activities from entering area streams to create indirect impacts to aquatic resources. Sediment control will be installed prior to beginning any major earth disturbance (excluding initial site preparation for access only) until all measures are installed. These include but are not limited to silt barriers (bales & silt fence). All disturbed areas will be promptly revegetated at the end of construction using cover crop, lime, fertilizer, residential/wildlife seed and mulch as necessary. Trees and brush will be burned at the project site or waste area.
