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2.05.4 Reclamation Plan <br />3. As modifications have been made to seed mixtures 1 and 2, Peabody <br />Coal should consider also modifying seed mixtures 3 and 6. <br />Modifications to these two latter mixtures will bring them in <br />line with the species composing seed mixtures 1 and 2. <br />Maintaining species similarity between seed mixture 3 (topsoil <br />mixture) and seed mixtures 1 (south exposures) and 2 (north <br />exposures) will assist in reclamation activities. <br />RESPONSE: <br />Minor modifications to seed mixes 3 and 6 are being submitted to <br />reflect similar previous modifications to seed mixes 1 and 2. <br />However, it should be noted that the end results to be achieved when <br />using seed mixes 3 and 6 are different from those where the permanent <br />seed mixes are used and thus they cannot be entirely similar. This <br />aspect is also reflected in the mixes. <br />Revised Tab 13 pages covering seed mixes 3 and 6 are attached. Also, <br />several errors were noted in the previously submitted pages. These <br />corrected pages are also attached. <br />2.05.4 Reclamation Plan <br />• 4. There appears to be a discrepancy as to mulching at Seneca II. <br />The original application discusses applying mulch at a rate of <br />2,000-3,000 pounds per acre (lb/ac). The Wolf Creek permit <br />revision application, however, specifies that "Mulching is not <br />being conducted at the Seneca II Mine at this time because of <br />hazards associated with operating mulching equipment on the steep <br />slopes and rough terrain". Please discuss this apparent <br />discrepancy and, if necessary, modify one or both of these <br />applications accordingly. <br />RESPONSE: <br />The statement made in the Wolf Creek revision was not intended to <br />indicate that mulching was to be suspended indefinitely. At the time <br />of submittal of the Wolf Creek permit revision, there were areas in <br />the Wolf Creek and Wadge mining areas that were too hazardous to <br />operate mulching equipment. These areas were cover cropped with <br />annual grains, seeded with the permanent mixes and monitored for <br />erosional problems. PCC has mulched in the 1984 and 1985 reclamation <br />seasons and intends to mulch most reclaimed areas in the future. A <br />cover crop may be used in place of the mulch where slopes are gentler <br />or slope lengths are short. Areas where the operation of mulching <br />associated equipment may be hazardous will also be cover cropped. <br />These areas should not be extensive. This method of combining <br />mulching and cover cropping as stabilization methods on reclaimed <br />areas has been .used in the past several years with good success. <br />Mulch is applied at. ?000-3000 lbs/acre and is crimped in. Grass hay <br />21 Revised 8/27/86 <br />