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CMA November 21, 2006 Page 2 of 4 management, SCC has strategically located several permanent stock ponds. To manage the steep slopes, SCC funded geotechnical stability studies to ensure acceptable factors of safety aze achieved on slopes greater than 30%. Special techniques aze applied to the steep slopes to improve moisture retention and reduce erosion by "hummocking", the process of pock-mazking the replaced topsoil with dozer dips, or by track hoe. SCC is also to be commended for their many reseazch efforts to improve reclamation through the years. Most recently, they contracted with the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Experiment Station to evaluate aspen reestablishment on reclaimed lands. Until now aspen reestablishment has not been successful on mine reclamation, but the combination of deep soils, elk fencing, local planting stock, temporary irrigation and herbaceous competition control shows considerable promise. For their prompt, effective and exemplary reclamation activities closing the Seneca II-W and Yoast Mines in 2006, Seneca Coal Company deserves recognition. Large Underground Mine -Excellence in Reclamation Mountain Coal Company L.L.C. -West Elk Mine P.O. Box 591 5174 Highway 133 Somerset, CO 81434 Contacts: Henry Bazbe, Environmental Engineer Doug Nolte, Manager of Engineering and Environmental Affairs and Michael J. Peacock, P.E., Mine Engineer 970-929-5015 The West Elk Mine is nominated for their contemporaneous reclamation and innovative technique for sealing methane drainage wells (MDW). Each year Mountain Coal Company prepazes an annual operating plan describing the new wells to be drilled and the wells to be reclaimed. Proposed MDW's aze located in azeas where previous ATV trails existed on the Gunnison National Forest and to the extent possible these old trails aze utilized to minimize disturbance in building access roads to the site. Mountain Coal Company also reduces disturbance by siting up to three wells on one pad. Erosion control efforts aze promptly put in place to protect topsoil resources and minimize off-site sedimentation. Mountain Coal Company is commended for its use of natural materials for erosion control on a steep section of recently reclaimed U.S. Forest Service road. After the road was regraded, topsoiled, seeded and mulched, aspen trees that had been cut down when the road was constructed were laid across the road as an additional erosion control measure and for restricting access by motor vehicles. The use of on-site materials by the operator is commendable and warrants recognition.