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J L 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 1980 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 valved pipes were installed in the portal seal to control the seepage and route it to several treatment ponds via a French drain. The seepage water entering the treatment ponds was treated with sodium hydroxide in order to increase the pH and allow the iron to precipitate before the water discharged to the creek. The treatment system was later modified to increase the residence time of the seepage water in the treatment ponds. This was accomplished by elongating the treatment ponds to increase their volume. The longer residence time resulted in the iron precipitating out of the water, to below the NPDES effluent limits; without the sodium hydroxide treatment. To date, the portal remains open to the seal. The portal entrance is temporarily blocked by a wooden door. In addition, an empty sodium hydroxide tank is stored behind the portal door. The final reclamation of the loadout area included grading and backfilling the disturbed areas. Most of the area was returned to its approximate original contours and restored to support agricultural production. The loadout area reclamation was completed in 1987.