2000-12-05_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (3)

Home Browse Search

, e • IV. Construction Summary In order to minimize disturbances to previously reclaimed areas,and in order for the Division to maximize the efficient use of equipment,this Project was largely completed in conjunction with the South Basin Road Reclamation Project, which was accomplished by the same Contractor. The purpose of this Project was to eliminate the maintenance intensive sediment pond structures at the site, and convert them to low-to no-maintenance wetlands suitable for wildlife and cattle use. Twenty ponds at the site were reclaimed by removing the existing corrugated metal pipe dewatering device from within the built up embankment, enlarging the CMP excavation to five feet in width and cutting the side slopes of the excavation to 2.5H : IV,lining the excavated area with locally obtained rip rap,placing the excavated dirt around the margins of the ponds, seeding with a special wetlands seed mixture and removing all trash and debris from the site. Seeding occurred around the entire perimeter of each pond. In addition,approximately 65 willow cuttings were planted in a random pattern at each pond margin. In instances where access roads existed to the ponds,the roads were reclaimed either by severely scarifying them,or by pulling in the outside edge to eliminate the road surface. In either case,the roads were fertilized, seeded and mulched following completion of earthwork. The three pond 016 pond system was not included within the scope of this project. These ponds were subject to certain limitations contained in a lawsuit settlement agreement entered into by the State,Mid-Continent Resources and MidCon LLC(Current property owner), The settlement agreement relieved the Division of reclamation responsibility for this pond system,as they(at the time)treated the mine effluent,and as such were permitted discharge points as part of the State NPDES system. Because the sediment ponds were part of an active NPDES permit,the Division obtained a stormwater permit from the Water Quality Control Division in order to conduct the reclamation work without incurring a NPDES liability. Subsequently,the NPDES permit for the area was terminated,thus eliminating double permitting of the ponds by two differing entities. The Division will request termination of its stormwater permit when the pond contributing areas are well vegetated. V. FUTURE MAINTENANCE The outlets of the more active ponds(generally those located higher in the Basin and at the Old and Sutey Refuse Areas)should be monitored for erosion damage. Pond margins should be monitored for revegetation success and to determine willow survival rates. VI. SUMMARY This Project was intended to improve the overall site reclamation success by creating wetlands areas which are beneficial to wildlife and cattle. Project Manager Steve Renner Date 12-05-00 M:\imp\closeout\coalb00pond.doc