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~III111111111lAlIII <br /> <br />3.0 ANALYSIS OF INDIYIDIIAL MINES <br />Various mines in Colorado and Utah were examined to assess <br />•) <br /> <br />the current status of coal refuse disposal areas with respect to <br />reclamation research and revegetation success utilizing less than <br />the required 4 feet of cover. Table 3 presents the major factors <br />and research being conducted. Of the 16 operations contacted, <br />eight have test plot research programs, Mid-Continent, Powder- <br />horn and Plateau have proven revegetation success criteria can be <br />met with varying depths of cover material over refuse. Mid- <br />Continent and Powderhorn are of particular importance because the <br />Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mine lies between the two in basic environmen- <br />tal conditions. Parameters for Western Slope Carbon's Hawk's <br />Nest Mine are also described because of the proximity of this <br />mine to Mt. Gunnison. <br />3.1 Kid-Continent Coal <br />Mid-Continent Coal Company, in Redstone, Colorado, began <br />mining operations in 1956. The area receives 25 inches of annual <br />precipitation and 708 of that is received as snow. Elevation at <br />the disposal area is 8500 feet. The mine produces as much as one <br />million tons of coal annually, with a maximum production of three <br />million tons annually. Mid-Continent produces a high quality <br />coking coal. The mine is surrounded by a montane community of <br />firs and aspen. A creek flows at the base of the refuse area and <br />3-I <br />