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Topsoil storage areas are located on the east side of the surface facilities. This is known as the <br /> main topsoil stockpile and will be used during reclamation to cover the majority of the <br /> disturbance to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Other topsoil and subsoil piles are located south of <br /> the lower refuse pile and on the reclaimed benches. These piles will primarily be used to <br /> cover the refuse pile with 18 to 24 inches of soil. <br /> The permit area covers approximately 9583 acres. Of this total, about 211 acres are disturbed, <br /> which primarily includes surface facilities. Permit Revision No. 8, the most recent addition to <br /> the permit area, added 1743 acres of which 1543 was federal, 200 private. <br /> Upon cessation of mining at the West Elk Mine, reclamation will return the disturbed land to a <br /> rangeland and wildlife habitat land use. Some reclamation activities will occur during the life <br /> of the mine as areas cease to be used for mining activities. During reclamation, the mine <br /> portals will be sealed, surface facilities removed, and the entire disturbed area will be returned <br /> to approximate original contour. The waste pile will be shaped to blend into adjacent <br /> topography. The mine area will then be smooth graded, and compacted areas will be ripped or <br /> scarified to eliminate slippage surfaces, establishing a suitable bond for the overlying seedbed <br /> material. Topsoil, which has been salvaged during construction of the surface facilities, will <br /> be redistributed over the disturbed area. Drainage control will be retained until the <br /> revegetation operation is underway and erosion is under control. Following the distribution of <br /> topsoil and final grading, the newly shaped surface will be prepared for planting. Surface <br /> preparation will loosen and roughen the surface by disking, harrowing, or dragging. Various <br /> conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions to ensure <br /> successful establishment of a vegetative cover. The site will then be planted using West Elk's <br /> Permanent and Riparian Seeding mix. Various species of shrubs will also be planted. <br /> 21 <br />