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King Coal Mine (C-1981-035) MT-9 <br /> Soils <br /> Soil properties in the permit area vary widely depending on slope, aspect, and topographic position. <br /> Deeper soils are found in the valley bottoms and on the tops of plateaus, while shallow soils <br /> associated with rock outcrops dominate the side slopes. Two soil orders (Entisolls and Aridisols) and <br /> one rock outcrop complex occur on the site. Both of the soil orders have an ustic moisture regime. <br /> As a result of the King I Mine's having been opened prior to there being any regulatory requirement <br /> to salvage topsoil, there is no topsoil available for reclamation of the King I surface facilities. "Plant <br /> growth medium" is salvaged from the sideslopes of the valley-fill Refuse Pile as successive <br /> preparations are made for increases to the pile's height. The material is then stockpiled for future <br /> use in reclamation of the site. The results of soil analyses are provided in Appendix 6 of the PAP. <br /> Vegetation <br /> The dominant vegetation in the King I and II Mine area is a mountain shrub community. Gambel Oak <br /> is the most prominent shrub along the side slopes, forming dense stands. On the plateau top above <br /> the King I Mine, the oak grows in clumps with open stands of grasses interspersed. Ajuniper pinon <br /> community is found on the more xeric southern slopes, with scattered individuals of Douglas Fir and <br /> Ponderosa Pine encountered on more mesic northern slopes. A pinon juniper woodland community <br /> predominates in the King 11 Mine area, extending from the edge of the flat colluvial bottoms up the <br /> side slopes of the dissected drainage basins. A rabbitbrush / big sage mixed shrubland community is <br /> also located in the King 11 Mine area on the relatively flat colluvial bottom that is present between the <br /> drainage basin side slopes. The valley bottom of Hay Gulch is occupied by introduced pasture. <br /> Fish and Wildlife <br /> A variety of wildlife species utilize the permit area and surrounding areas. Colorado Parks and <br /> Wildlife has identified the general area of the mine site as critical deer winter range. Wildlife use is <br /> expected to increase upon completion of successful reclamation. <br /> No candidate or federally listed plant or animal species were identified within or adjacent to the <br /> permit area. <br /> Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plan <br /> Underground room and pillar operations were historically used at the King I Mine and continue to be <br /> employed at King 11. The coal is mined using two continuous miners. After coal is removed from the <br /> working face, shuttle cars are utilized to transfer the coal to conveyors, which in turn transport the <br /> coal to the surface. Surface operations incidental to the underground mining operation consist of <br /> crushing, stockpiling and loading coal. There are no coal washing facilities at the King Coal Mine. <br /> Coal mine waste is loaded into 10-wheel dump trucks and hauled to the King I surface facilities to be <br /> incorporated into the permitted refuse pile. <br /> Four different coal products are stockpiled periodically on the surface: lump, stoker, railroad, and <br /> mine run. Crushing the coal generates fines that are combined with the mine run coal and sold. <br /> Page 8 of 11 <br />