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V. Coal Mine Waste Banks A. The Division approved plans for use, construction, and maintenance of a coal mine waste disposal area (4.10.1(1)). B. The disposal azea will not be built because the mine has ceased operations (4.10.2(1)). VI. Topsoil Soils resoutrz information is presented on pages 59 through 60 of the application. Topsoil salvage is discussed on page 96A-D and topsoil redistribution is discussed on page lOIA, pages 108-109 of the reclamation plan. The soils along Harvey Gap are derived from the weathered Mesaverde sandstones and shales. Colluvial and alluvial deposition has resulted in deep clayey to loamy soils along the tce slopes and valley bottom, with thin rocky soils occurring on the steep valley sideslopes. Previous mining disturbance (excavation, traffic and waste disposal) have altered the soils at the Eastside Mine site. However, the operator has conducted soil sampling in azeas to be redisturbed and has identified areas where suitable soil occurs. The excess soil material, estimated to be 3300 CCY, will be transported to the mine site and proposed office azea. The regrading of the surface facilities azea will result in an excess of 600 CCY of material. This 600 CCY will be used to cover the surface facilities area with a minimum of six inches of soil. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. VII. Vegetation General vegetation information based on a limited amount of sampling and ocular reconnaissance during the summer of 1983 is presented on pages 62 through 72 of the application. A vegetation report and data from quantitative cover sampling conducted during the summer of 1984 in areas to be affected by facilities and waste pile conswction is presented on pages 73 through 75C. The revegetation plan is discussed on pages 107 through 111. The proposed refuse azea and office/shop sites were quantitatively sampled during the summer of 1984. The proposed refuse area had previously been a tipple site and small piles of coal fines are scattered through the area. Fill dirt excavation and other mining- related disturbances have occurred in the proposed facilities azea. A dense stand of big sagebrush with an understory dominated by cheatgrass and yellow sweetclover occurs on both sites. Vegetation cover was estimated at 70 percent in the 6-acre study area which includes the proposed refuse and facilities areas. 15