|
Revegetation Plan
<br />As discussed in the previous reclamation section, reclamation activities for the Williams Fork Mines are divided into
<br />two distinct phases: 1) Ongoing reclamation activities associated with the previously disturbed mining sites; and 2)
<br />Interim or final reclamation associated with the ongoing mining operations conducted at the No. 5, No. 5a/6, and No.
<br />9 mines. In addition, many of the areas to be reclaimed were disturbed before May 3, 1978. MCM acknowledges,
<br />however, that the Red Rock Crusher is the only area that can be classified as previously mined per the applicable coal
<br />regulations. Revegetation, as well as the revegetation success criteria associated with the Williams Fork Strip Pit is
<br />discussed in Exhibit 24, Williams Fork Strip Pit Reclamation Plan.
<br />MCM has developed a map which outlines and identifies all areas that fall under the different categories. The
<br />Reclamation Plan Map (Map 29) delineates all areas, which were disturbed prior to May 3, 1978. Many of the
<br />disturbed areas within the Williams Fork Mines Permit Area include both pre -1978 and post -1978 disturbance.
<br />Exhibit 14 provides supplemental vegetation information for the site.
<br />Seed mixtures have been developed for the three postmining land uses to be established for various areas of the
<br />Williams Fork Mines; 1) Rangeland/wildlife, 2) Cropland, and 3) Pastureland ( hayland), as detailed by the following
<br />tables:
<br />• Table 64, Seed Mixture - Rangeland/Wildlife
<br />• Table 65, Seed Mixture - Cropland (hayfield)
<br />• Table 66, Seed Mixture - Pastureland (hayland)
<br />Several introduced species have been included in the rangeland/wildlife seed mixture; 1) pubescent wheatgrass, 2)
<br />hard fescue, 3) birdsfoot trefoil, and 4) cicer milkvetch. Pubescent wheatgrass is included in the mixture for its forage
<br />value and growth characteristics. Plummer (1968), Long (1981), and the SCS (1977), have documented and described
<br />the utility of this species for site reclamation. Hard fescue is included in the mixture for its ease of establishment,
<br />palatability, and soil - holding capabilities, as documented by Lond (1981), SCS (1977), and the USDA - Forest Service
<br />(1977). Birdsfoot trefoil is included in the mixture for its nitrogen - fixing capabilities, ease of establishment,
<br />longevity, and palatability, as documented by Long (1981). Cicer milkvetch is included in the mixture for its
<br />nitrogen - fixing capabilities, palatability, and longevity (Long (1981), Plummer (1968), and the SCS (1977)).
<br />Noxious Weed Management Program
<br />Noxious weed infestations may occur on disturbed, reclaimed, and/or undisturbed areas within the mine Permit
<br />Area. In order to minimize potential adverse resource impacts that may result from noxious weed infestations;
<br />optimize revegetation success for reclaimed mine areas; and fulfill sound land management objectives, MCM has
<br />developed and incorporated the following integrated noxious weed management program (weed program) as an
<br />important component of their ongoing land management program and plan for any future mining, reclamation, and
<br />related operations. MCM's weed control program is designed to effect full compliance with applicable provisions
<br />of Rule 4.15.1(5), and was developed with reference to the Colorado Weed Management Act (CRS 35 -5.5 -115), the
<br />CDRMS's "Guideline for the Management of Noxious Weeds on Coal Mine Permit Areas ", and in consultation
<br />with the local office of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service (CSU- Extension Service, also
<br />the Moffat County Weed Control agency). MCM's weed program focuses on those noxious weed species listed by
<br />the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and will be modified, as appropriate to address any changes to this list.
<br />MCM's integrated weed program consists of five interrelated components, as detailed in the following sections:
<br />1) Prevention
<br />2) Identification and mapping
<br />3) Management planning and scheduling
<br />TR14 -36 2.05 -32 03/10/14
<br />
|