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Upon cessation of mining at the West Elk Mine, reclamation will return the disturbed land to <br /> a rangeland and wildlife habitat land use. Some reclamation activities will occur during the <br /> life 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 <br /> or scarified to eliminate slippage surfaces, establishing a suitable bond for the overlying <br /> seedbed material. Topsoil, which has been salvaged during construction of the surface <br /> facilities, will be redistributed over the disturbed area. Drainage control will be retained until <br /> the revegetation operation is underway and erosion is under control. Following the <br /> distribution of topsoil and final grading, the newly shaped surface will be prepared for <br /> planting. Surface preparation will loosen and roughen the surface by disking, harrowing, or <br /> dragging. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed <br /> conditions to ensure successful establishment of a vegetative cover. The site will then be <br /> planted using West Elk's Permanent and Riparian Seeding mix. Various species of shrubs <br /> will also be planted. <br /> 17 <br />