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<br />29 <br /> <br />With PR-15, of the approximately 19,855 acres in the permit area, approximately 597 acres are <br />approved to be disturbed, which primarily includes long-term surface facilities, and MVB pads <br />and roads. Exhibit 80 of the PAP contains details of the MVB pads and roads, as well as other <br />drill holes. <br /> <br />Upon cessation of mining at the West Elk Mine, reclamation will return the disturbed land to <br />rangeland and wildlife habitat land use. Some reclamation activities (particularly of MVB pads <br />and roads) will occur during the life of the mine as areas cease to be used for mining activities. <br />Final reclamation includes sealing the mine portals, removing the surface facilities, and returning <br />all disturbed areas to the approximate original contour. The waste pile will be shaped to blend <br />into adjacent topography. The mine area will be smooth-graded, and compacted areas will be <br />ripped or scarified to eliminate slippage surfaces, establishing a suitable bond for the overlying <br />seedbed material. Topsoil, which has been salvaged during construction of the surface facilities, <br />will be redistributed over the disturbed area. Drainage control will be retained until the <br />revegetation operation is underway and erosion is under control. Following the distribution of <br />topsoil and final grading, the newly shaped surface will be prepared for planting. Surface <br />preparation will include loosening and roughening the surface by disking, harrowing, or <br />dragging. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions <br />to ensure successful establishment of a vegetative cover. The site will then be planted using <br />West Elk's Permanent and Riparian Seeding mix. Various species of shrubs will also be planted.