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1.0 INTRODUCTION <br />This report presents the results of 2015 quantitative vegetation sampling in support of a <br />request for Phase III bond release for eligible reclamation areas at the West Elk Mine <br />(CDRMS permit C-80-007) owned and operated by MCC. Quantitative vegetative sampling <br />is required by CDRMS whenever a permittee requests a release from liability and/or bond in <br />Phase III of the bond release process. Vegetation sampling was performed in compliance <br />with Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining Rules 2.04.10 and 4.15 at <br />the time of sampling and current botanical and plant ecological methods. Field sampling for <br />the areas monitored was conducted between June 24 and 28, 2015 by Savage and Savage, <br />Inc. biologists assisted by MCC interns. <br />The West Elk Mine site is located in Gunnison County, Colorado, approximately 1.8 miles <br />east of Somerset, Colorado and is accessed by Colorado Highway 133. MCC has operated <br />the West Elk Mine since 1981. Reclaimed areas sampled in 2015 were backfilled, graded, <br />topsoiled, and revegetated in accordance with the approved mining and reclamation plan. <br />The reclaimed sites sampled this year were formerly drill sites and access roads constructed <br />for coal exploration and methane ventilation. Reclamation activities took place between <br />2002 and 2004 and included plugging of the drill holes, backfilling and regrading the drill <br />sites and roads, replacing topsoil, reseeding and mulching, and installing erosion control <br />materials. <br />The revegetation standards used to evaluate these areas are those currently in effect under the <br />Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act (CRS 34-33-101 et seq) and the West Elk <br />Mining and Reclamation Permit (C-80-007). <br />Mountain Coal Company, LLC West Elk Mine Page 2 <br />2015 Vegetation Report: Deep Creek, Long Draw, Long Draw Saddle, West Point Road Reclamation Areas <br />