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Timing: <br />Timing of the earthwork activities was critical to the success of the reclamation. <br />Earthwork was delayed until the fall to take advantage of afall-dormant seeding. <br />Performing the work too early would have allowed weeds to establish producing <br />a seedbank detrimental to the desired vegetation. <br />Hydrologic considerations: <br />One of the most difficult aspects of this reclamation project involved control of <br />overland flows originating from the severe slopes above the site. Attempts to <br />divert such flows around the reclamation area would most likely result in <br />catastrophic failure of the controlling structures due to sediment deposition. <br />Such structures would also detract from the aesthetic qualities we were <br />attempting to achieve. <br />Three channels were created through the reclamation area to divert a portion of <br />the undisturbed overland flows where natural drainage features were identified. <br />These channels were seeded, lined with a coconut fiber mat, lined with coarse <br />riprap and seeded again. The objective of the design and construction was to <br />create a vegetated structure with long term stability that would blend into the <br />surrounding terrain. Synthetic geotextiles were avoided due to their unnatural <br />appearance and tendency to block vegetation establishment. <br />Most of the reclamation area receives runoff from the undisturbed slopes. The <br />sediment laden qualities and quantities of this water would have to be managed <br />on-site to meet the 0.5 ml/L settleable solids criteria for disturbed area runoff. <br />Computer modeling was pertormed to evaluate various management alternatives <br />' to effectively treat this water as well as any sediment generated from the <br />disturbed area on-site. <br />' Extensive surface roughening was selected as the primary means of controlling <br />runoff. Roughening serves to reduce runoff velocities, provide small depressions <br />where sediment can be deposited, and retains moisture for plant growth. Both <br />' the dozer and trackhoe were used to form the irregular surface. Surface <br />roughness was orientated primarily on contour to intercept runoff and retain <br />moisture. <br />While not accounted for in the computer modeling, 2500 lbs. per acre of a high <br />quality long-fiber hydromulch was applied to the site. This mulch helps to retain <br />precipitation, reduce runoff/erosion, reduces surface temperatures, and lowers <br />evaporation. Other methods of mulching were considered but would have <br />reduced the beneficial effects of the surface roughening. <br />Silt fences are used to meet the settleable solids criteria. These structures were <br />placed at the toe of all non-road slopes as well as road slopes immediately <br />adjacent to Scullion Gulch. Silt fences were selected due to their minimal long <br />term scarring of the site. Once vegetation becomes adequately established they <br />will be removed without any remnant berms or other unnatural markings <br />Blue Mountain Energy, Inc. 4 Staley Gordon/East Portal Area <br />