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Support FaCihtie <br />The coal loadout area has been regraded to blend in with the surrounding valley floor. The <br />landowner and operator have apparently decided that they will request a land use change to <br />Industrial for this area of about three acres. This will free up about 14,000 yards of topsoil <br />for use on the pit area. The former office area is occupied by two rail cars used as storage <br />trailers. Two large tanks used for tree sap (road dust control) remain at the service area <br />along with a small amount of various mining-related equipment. <br />Reveoetation <br />Areas entering their second growing season are showing remarkable growth and <br />establishment of seeded species. Fill 8, beginning its first growing season has a good cover <br />of barley from the straw mulch. Permanent seed has not sprouted to any degree yet this <br />spring. Mike Powell of the Hill Ranch identified knapweed on the west side of the disturbed <br />area. He believes the seed came in with the gravel applied to the road and methane gas drill <br />pads. LCC committed to spray these areas on the west side to prevent spreading of <br />knapweed on to the reclamation As weather and wmd allow, topsoiled areas are being <br />seeded with the permanent mix. <br />Excess Spoil Fills <br />The three excess spoil fills at the site appeared in excellent condition. Fills 7 and 9 are <br />entering their second year of revegetation and permanent species are doing well. Plants are <br />vigorous and healthy with significant size. Seed production of cool season grasses is <br />excellent. Alfalfa was observed in significant numbers along with smooth brome, western <br />wheatgrass, and crown vetch. Fill downdrains and terraces appeared in good condition <br />y. : . <br />~ ~ 1 <br />f+ <br />,~(f±fi'r"r - y/ ~ t. <br />'ice la ~, ~ _~ 1 011 .L fJ' ..i~ ~~~.~u <br />'~ U' i_iJl c'Ci_..!,i ~;llf, ,I J'7r ._ ~. ~'~ <br />Overall, the site appeared in excellent condition for the spring season <br />