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-7- <br />There are thick alluvial bodies present along the Colorado River in the <br />vicinity of the proposed mine. This alluvium is often used as a major source <br />of agricultural water for the region. <br />The proposed Coal Ridge No. 1 mine is located within the Colorado River <br />Basin. The proposed mine is directly adjacent to the Colorado River, with the <br />surface facilities located on alluvial/colluvial fan terraces approximately <br />150 feet above the Colorado River. Only small ephemeral drainages are located <br />within the three year permit area. <br />The vegetation within the vicinity of the mine is characterized as <br />pinyon-juniper, sagebrush, mountain shrub, and irrigated cropland. The area <br />is used for limited grazing and wildlife habitat. Wildlife that inhabit the <br />area include large and small game animals and numerous birds and small <br />mammals. Soils in the area are characterized as moderately deep to deep <br />well-drained looms with a dark colored surface layer. Variability in the <br />characteristics of the soils in the area is primarily due to slope and <br />topography. Deeper soils are located in the valley bottoms and at the foot of <br />slopes while the shallower soils occupy the steeper side slopes. <br />The mine elevation is approximately 5,800 feet. The climate is semi-arid with <br />an annual precipitation of 16 inches. Average monthly precipitation varies <br />little throughout the year. Summers are hot, marked by very low humidity and <br />cool nights. Winters are cold, generally snow-free, but with frequent <br />blizzard conditions. <br />Mining and Reclamation Plan <br />The Wheeler seam is planned to be mined by hydraulic methods at the Coal Ridge <br />No. 1 Mine. Entryways will be driven with a roadheader. Following completion <br />of the entries, the coal will be mined using a high pressure water jet <br />(monitor). The coal will then be transported by a water flume to the <br />preparation facility. At the preparation facility, the coal is dewatered and <br />stored for shipment to customers. Initially, Storm King Mines will drive two <br />rock tunnels to access the Wheeler Coal Seam. <br />Permanent reclamation will begin following closure of the mine. The <br />reclamation plan for the disturbance contained in the permit term will include <br />backstowing the coal processing waste into the twin rock tunnels, removing the <br />structures, regrading the mine facilities pad to approximate original contour, <br />topsoiling the disturbed area, and revegetating with a mix of native grasses, <br />fortis, and shrubs. <br />The sediment control structures will be the last features to be reclaimed at <br />the mine. They will not be removed until revegetation success standards have <br />been met on the reclaimed area. The sediment control structures will be <br />regraded, topsoiled, and seeded following the same procedures as for the <br />surface facilities area. <br />