Laserfiche WebLink
The area of the surface facilities has been the focus of historic and recent landslide <br /> activity. The Division required MCC to demonstrate, through appropriate <br /> geotechnical analyses, that the proposed backfilled surfaces would satisfy the <br /> required static slope safety factor of 1.3. Merrick and Company prepared a "Report <br /> of Stability Analyses and Recommendations for Reclaimed Surface Facilities at the <br /> West Elk Coal Company, Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mine." The report presents the <br /> results of the required stability analyses and recommendations for reclamation of the <br /> affected area. <br /> MCC proposes to return all surface disturbed areas to approximate original contour, <br /> with the exception of the waste disposal site. <br /> XI. Revegetation <br /> Information regarding the vegetation in the West Elk Mine permit area is found in <br /> Section 2.04.10, 2.05.4, Exhibit 31, 32, 33, Map 42, 43, and 44 of the permit <br /> document. No threatened and/or endangered plant species were found anywhere <br /> within the pen..it area. However, the Grand Mesa penstemon (Penstemon <br /> mensarum), which is a candidate plant species has been located in abundance on and <br /> adjacent to MCC's permit area. MCC has recommended that the species be <br /> reclassified. Currently, no operations threaten the plants. <br /> Success of revegetation efforts will be based on reference areas established in July <br /> 1980 and enlarged in 1981. Reference areas were established for mixed shrub and <br /> dry meadow communities and are shown on Map 44. Shrubs will be re-established <br /> to a minimum standard of 1,000 stems per acre. This criterion was established by <br /> the Colorado Division of Wildlife. For specific information regarding this criterion, <br /> see Exhibit 62 in the permit document. <br /> The proposed post-mining land use is rangeland and wildlife habitat. Tables 48 and <br /> 49 of the permit document list the seeds and shrubs to be planted to establish this <br /> land use. The West Elk Mine also will reclaim 1.3 acres within the riparian buffer <br /> zone. The riparian seed and shrub mix is listed on page 2.05.53 of the permit <br /> document. The mine based their selection of plant species on species listed in the <br /> baseline biological survey, species geographical range, soils, climate, slope and <br /> aspect, root competition, cover and seasonal variation. Seed mixes are also based on <br /> experience gair,�d on West Elk Mine revegetation plots, and quantitative data <br /> collected in 1980 describing the present vegetative cover, and in terms of wildlife <br /> requirements suggested in literature. The Division approves the use of these species <br /> based on the post-mining land use. <br /> Once the topsoil has been distributed and graded, the surface is prepared for <br /> planting. Surface preparation loosens and roughens the surface by disking, <br /> harrowing, or dragging which increases infiltration and reduces surface runoff. <br /> Seeding and planting are conducted parallel to the contour unless such activities <br /> prove hazardous to equipment and/or operators. Various conditioners and <br /> neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions. Seeding and shrub <br /> 46 <br />