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The post-mine topographic configuration will be similar to pre-mine, and stable drainage <br /> channels will be reconstructed in their approximate original locations. The highwall will <br /> be completely backfilled,with the natural sandstone outcrop which forms a near vertical <br /> face above the portals to remain undisturbed. The existing cut slope along the south side <br /> of the mine bench area will be cut back a short distance to tie in with the backfill, and <br /> ensure a stable configuration. Stability analyses performed by the operator indicate that <br /> the reclaimed slopes will achieve the required 1.3 factor of safety. <br /> The Division has previously approved a variance from the general grading requirements <br /> of 4.14.2 for reclamation to approximate original contour because the requirements of <br /> 4.27.1 and 4.27.4 have been met. Please see Section B.VII of this document. <br /> XL Revegetation—Rule 4.15 <br /> Baseline vegetation information can be found in Section 4.5 of the PAP, and the <br /> revegetation plan is addressed in Section 3.4 of the PAP. Affected vegetation types <br /> include juniper woodland in the vicinity of the portal bench and upper road segment, <br /> shadscale shrubland along the middle segment of the portal haul road, and greasewood <br /> shrubland in the office, sediment pond, and lower portal haul road and McClane to <br /> Munger haul road areas. A separate seed mix will be planted upon final reclamation <br /> within each of the vegetation types, as delineated on Figure 3.1-1 of the PAP. Each of the <br /> seed mixes is composed of a diverse mix of warm and cool season grasses, forbs, and <br /> shrubs,the majority of which are native species (Tables 3.4-1 a, 3.4-1 b, and 3.4-1 c of the <br /> PAP). <br /> A weed control plan pursuant to Rule 4.15.1(5)was incorporated into Section 4.5.14 of <br /> the permit narrative via TR-15, in 2006. The plan, developed in consultation with the <br /> Garfield County Weed Control Supervisor, addresses control of the noxious weeds <br /> whitetop and Canada thistle on disturbed sites in the permit area, and also addresses <br /> control of downy brome (cheatgrass) on the topsoil stockpile. <br /> The following specific findings are required. <br /> A. The Division proposes to approve the use of one introduced species,weeping alkali <br /> grass(Puccinellia distans), in the reclamation seed mix. The species is desirable and <br /> necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use, is not poisonous or noxious, <br /> and comprises less than 10% of the seeding rate on a seeds/square ft. basis, for each <br /> planting area(4.15.2(3)). <br /> B. The Division proposes to approve the use of certified noxious weed-free, grass hay <br /> or straw mulch as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements. The mulch will be <br /> crimped into the soil on drill seeded sites or anchored with tackifier on broadcast <br /> seeded sites. If broadcast or hydro seeding is employed, the soil surface will be <br /> extensively roughened prior to seeding by means of track-hoe gouging or contour <br /> ripping (4.15.4). <br /> xxv <br />