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Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans The Edna Mine was a surface mine utilizing azea strip methods. The mining process included cleazing of vegetation, topsoil removal, overburden blasting and removal, and coal blasting and removal. Reclamation of the mined areas was concurrent with mining and included backfilling, grading, topsoil redistribution, and vegetation reestablishment. Mining ceased in December of 1995, and the majority of the required reclamation took place in 1996. As of 2001, the main reclamation yet to be completed is reclamation of various ditches, the tipple ponds, and monitoring wells. Backfilling and grading of the West Ridge final pit area was completed in 1995. Construction of a system of terraces and check dams, the "West Ridge Hydrologic Reconstruction", was also completed in 1995. In the Fall of 1995, most of the West Ridge areas which were to receive topsoil were covered, and the area seeded in a cover crop of winter wheat. In 1996, topsoil redistribution was finished on a few remaining areas, and the entire West Ridge area was contour furrowed and seeded with the approved permanent rangeland seed mix. The final pit of the Moffat area was backfilled and regraded in 1996. A modified post- mining topography for this azea was approved in May of 1996 (Technical Revision 34) and implemented in the final grading of the area. The modifications included construction of a drainage in the final pit azea, and rerouting minor drainages to accommodate the permanent status of the Moffat pond and lower access road. Topsoil was also redistribu[ed in 1996, the area contour furrowed, and seeded with the approved rangeland seed mix. The Division has previously approved the following structures for permanent retention to support alivestock/ranching operation: truck barn, bath house, and shop/maintenance building in the upper facility area; the office next to the Old Tipple Access Road; the Center Ridge Pond, the West Ridge Pond, the south collection ditch, and the Moffat Pond. The Division has previously approved the following roads for permanent retention: Skyline Drive, West Ridge Road, Lower Moffat Road, North Access Road, Old Tipple Access Road, and the Oak Creek Entrance Road. Along the Oak Creek drainage, the Goat Trail and lower facility azea are considered commercial property and have previously been approved as permanent. The lower facility area will be used by a local utility company for equipment storage. The hillslope and Goat Trail will be used for construction access and maintenance of power transmission lines. Check dams in the West Ridge azea (the "String of Pearls") and in the Center Ridge area have been approved as permanent. Terraces in the West Ridge area have also been approved as permanent. All roads that were previously approved for permanent retention were partially reclaimed in 1996. The running width of the roads was reduced to 20', and the remainder of the road surface reclaimed. Reclamation of these areas included removal and relocation of the gravel surfacing, regrading to blend with surrounding topography, topsoil Edna Mine 9 Permit Renewal No. 4