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-4- ~ Harvey Gap drainage is an intermittent stream regulated by releases from Grass Valley Reservoir located less than 1/2 mile to the north. The 2 ' acre surface disturbance area at the site is drained by a high relief ~ ephemeral tributary of Harvey Gap with a drainage area of approximately i 50 acres. Small mine water inflows (2-5 gpm) have been encountered by the existing mine workings in the "E" seam near the outcrop. The low permeability of the Isles Formation sandstones and shales immediately above and below the ~ "E" seam as documented by the Snowmass Coal Company permit application i limit communication with other ground water zones above or below the • coal. As a result, minimal mine water inflows are projected for the exploration project. Inflows will be utilized in the operation, and no discharge to surface waters is proposed. ~ Soils adjacent to the disturbed area are described as shallow to moderately deep looms and clay looms with gravel, cobble and stone throughout. The major portion of the disturbed surface has been graded and covered with a layer of crushed rock. Topsail was initially disturbed by mining activity in the late 180U's. Vegetation native to the site is an open pinyon juniper community with an understory of sagebrush, bitterbrush, wheatgrasses, needlegrasses, and Indian ricegrass. Disturbed areas are largely devoid of vegetation, with the exception of annual weeds and cheatgrass around the perimeter of tqe disturbed area. Description of the Operations and Reclamation Plan The purpose of this exploration project is to test the feasibility of mining steeply dipping (590) coal seams with conventional mechanization (alpine miners and belt line conveyor). Coal extracted will be subjected to test burns to analyze its quality and characteristics. The total affected area will be limited to less than 7 acres over an expected life of one year. No previously undisturbed areas will be disturbed by surface facilities and activities. The total amount of coal to be removed is 50,000 tons. Coal will be mined across the pitch from a three entry system, initially, with a maximum extent of 1,500 feet inward from the portals. Subsequently, a six entry system will be developed on a 20% declining slope. Reclamation will consist of sealing the portals, regrading to backfill the portals and create a maximum slope of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical, and covering the backfilled slope with 2 feet of suitable plant growth material. The site will then be seeded and mulched.