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surface will be returned to the undeveloped land-use classification which is the present status of adjacent lands and the pre-mining land use of the disturbed azea. Somerset Mining Company conducted a detailed soil survey and vegetation survey of the azeas to be affected by development of the Sanborn Creek portals, haul road and conveyor facilities. These surveys indicated that approximately 8,850 cubic yards of soil could be salvaged from these areas and that vegetation in the portal area and along the conveyor/haul road corridor was substantially the same as the surrounding vegetative types. Soil salvaged from these azeas will be used for reclamation activities. However, soil on the new Sanborn Creek disturbance will not necessarily be replaced to the same original thickness, as discussed in the Topsoil section below. All surfaces will be returned to the approximate original contour (AOC) with two exceptions. The Bear Creek and Hubbazd Creek ventilation facilities will be backfilled only to the extent practical, given the fact that these small facilities areas aze pre-existing and cut into steep slopes. A variance from AOC has been granted in accordance with the backfilling and grading provisions of the Regulations (see Section VII of this document). Permanent waste piles will be blended into the surrounding topography. The main mine access road will be left in place following mining in order to provide access to the Somerset Cemetery and Elk Creek. The powerline access road and powerline corridor will be reclaimed. Following grading, all pre-law disturbed areas in the Elk Creek yard will have surface material sampled to determine if it will be suitable for direct revegetation. The Sanborn Creek disturbance will be sampled in a similar fashion. If it is found that the surface material is not suitable, the area will be topdressed with suitable materials obtained from excavation for reestablishment of the Elk Creek drainage from a borrow area near the backfilled Elk Creek access portals or from topsoil stockpiles. Suitable plant growth medium will be spread to a thickness of six inches. The azea will then be seeded with the approved seed mixture and mulched at the rate of 4,000 pounds of straw per acre. Straw will be crimped along the contour. It is anticipated that active mining operations will continue for at least 15 years. Reclamation operations will begin immediately following the decision to close the mine. Senbom Cteek Mine 11 Permit Revision No. 3