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federally owned. Atlantic Richfield Company, Larry and Elaine Mautz, and the U.S. Forest <br /> Service are the majority landowners of the permit area for the West Elk Mine. <br /> Upon cessation of mining at the West Elk Mine, reclamation will return the disturbed land to <br /> a rangeland and wildlife habitat land use. Some reclamation activities will occur during the <br /> life of the mine as areas cease to be used for mining activities. During reclamation, the mine <br /> portals will be sealed, surface facilities removed, and the entire disturbed area will be <br /> returned to approximate original contour. The waste pile will be shaped to blend into <br /> adjacent topography. The mine area will then be smooth graded, and compacted areas will <br /> be ripped or scarified to eliminate slippage surfaces, establishing a suitable bond for the <br /> overlying seedbed material. Topsoil, which has been salvaged during construction of the <br /> surface facilities, will be redistributed over the disturbed area. Drainage control will be <br /> retained until the revegetation operation is underway and erosion is under control. Following <br /> the distribution of topsoil and final grading, the newly shaped surface will be prepared for <br /> planting. Surface preparation will loosen and roughen the surface by disking, harrowing, or <br /> dragging. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed <br /> conditions to ensure successful establishment of a vegetative cover. The site will then be <br /> planted using West Elk's Permanent and Riparian Seeding mix. Various species of shrubs <br /> will also be planted. <br /> 15 <br />