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The coal was then unloaded into a truck dump bin/60-ton hopper on the west side of the Roaring Fork River and subsequently conveyed over the river to a surge bin located adjacent to the railroad spur where coal was loaded directly into the cars. The coal refuse disposal area was located about 1,500 feet east of the above- mentioned wash plant. Coal refuse from the wash plant system, as well as underground development waste, was disposed of at this location. On July 31, 1984, the North Thompson Creek Mines filed for temporary cessation of operations with the Division. From that time [o present, a minimal staff has been maintained either on site or at other offices in order to maintain compliance with the regulations and maintain any sttvctures or other facilities that are required. Reclamation of the mine and loadout facilities has involved two phases: an interim and a final phase. The interim reclamation phase was ongoing and was designed to add to stability and aesthetics during mining and to provide an opportunity for testing and improving revegetation techniques. The specified goals of interim reclamation at the mine site were to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion, improve wildlife habitat, and beautify the area. The interim plan at the mine site included incremental seeding of the refuse area as the pile was constructed. The first increment was seeded in 1979. The goals of the interim reclamation plan for the loadout were to minimize visual impact and to prevent the topsoil pile from becoming contaminated. Visual impact was minimized through revegetation which involved the planting of native and exotic ornamental species. Revegetation commenced in 1480 and was in a state of maintenance by 1982. Topsoil was protected from possible sources of contamination by relocating the pile to a protected area. In 1981, the topsoil stockpiles were reshaped, fertilized and planted to protect them against erosion and contamination. Additional protective measures, including drainage control and dust suppression, were used to protect stockpiles located near coal loading structures. Final reclamation of the refuse area was completed in 1986. The reclamation included regrading the top bench and covering the refuse with one foot of cover. Some of the soil used to cover the refuse pile was imported, because topsoil was not saved during the early years of mine operation. In 1987, the rest of the mine site was reclaimed. The surface facilities were removed and the portals, shafts, exploration holes, and wells were sealed. On April 28, 1988, a discharge of iron-laden water was discovered entering the creek. The discharge was traced back to the No. 1 Mine portal seal and adjacent airshaft, which were leaking as a result of increased hydrostatic pressures as the ground water was allowed to return to its equilibrium level following the cessation of pumping. The backfill in front of the portal seal was excavated to expose the seal and airshaft. Two