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31A. However, MCC also observed that it believes such slope problems would have a <br />minimal effect on the operation and these areas can be stabilized or removed when the <br />facility is built. <br />In order to judge the credibility of MCC's statements regarding slope stability during <br />the initial permitting of the mine, the Division requested the submittal of supporting <br />information. MCC responded by submitting a report prepared by Geo-Hydro <br />Consultants, Inc., entitled "Landslide Study, Geo-Hydro Consultants, Mt. Gunnison <br />No. 1 Mine," included within the permit document in Exhibit 14A. This report, <br />prepared in conformance with the current state-of-the-art, includes design <br />recommendations for the surface facilities to be constructed within the landslide <br />deposit delineated in the surface facility area of the West Elk Mine site. One of the <br />design recommendations forwarded within the report is the installation of a dewatering <br />system consisting of horizontally inclined dewatering wells installed throughout the <br />affected area, specifically within the portal bench and access road. Specific <br />engineering design plans for this system have been included within the permit <br />document. In addition, intricate bin-wall retaining structures were subsequently <br />included within the design documents in the permit section. <br />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 [he proposed backfilled surfaces would satisfy the required <br />static slope safety factor of 1.3. Merrick and Company prepared a "Report of <br />Stability Analyses and Recommendations for Reclaimed Surface Facilities at the West <br />Elk Coal Company, Mt. Gunnison No. 1 Mine." The report presents the results of <br />the required stability analyses and recommendations for reclamation of the affected <br />area. <br />In 1997 MCC experienced rejuvenation of movement on the landslide. A number of <br />corrective measures were taken [o slow [he movement by reducing the near-surface <br />groundwater and stabilizing key areas to protect critical structures. Details of the <br />work completed can be found in a report completed by Barr Engineering and included <br />in Exhibit 14C. MCC proposes to return all surface disturbed areas to approximate <br />original contour, with the exception of the waste disposal sites. <br />XI. Revegetation <br />Information regarding the vegetation in the Wes[ Elk Mine permit area is found in <br />Section 2.04.10, 2.05.4, Exhibit 31, 32, 32A, 33, Map 42, 43, of the permit <br />document. No threatened and/or endangered plant species were found anywhere <br />within the permit area. <br />Success of revegetation efforts was originally based on reference areas established in <br />July 1980 and enlarged in 1981. Reference areas were established for mixed shrub and <br />dry meadow communities and were shown on Map 44. <br />50 <br />