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1997. Subsequent to the liability release, the area was excised from the Carbon <br />Junction Mine permit area (CDMG TR07). <br />Te~ce Rec/ama>ion <br />After coal is stripped from the North Pit, a solid sandstone face (the Pictured Cliffs <br />Sandstone) will be left as the reclamation substrate. Two reclamation scenarios are <br />anticipated at this time. <br />The first reclamation scenario will occur with the continuation of coal mining in the <br />North Pit area. After extraction of the coal seams in this area, backfilling will occur. <br />A segment of the Pictured Cliffs Sandstone will remain exposed in the former North Pit <br />Area above the level of the backfill. As backfilling loose overburden against the <br />sandstone would not result in a stable backfill configuration over the long term, the <br />sandstone layer will remain as the final post-mining topographic feature. This is <br />consistent with the pre-mining configuration of the landscape, and does not offend the <br />tenets of approximate original contour. To enhance the natural appearance of the <br />sandstone face, OEI will construct "pockets" in the sandstone face. Within these <br />pockets, mechanical or explosive fracturing will occur, providing an area for planting <br />of woody plants. As necessary, topsoil or a soil substitute will be placed within the <br />"pockets" as a plant growth medium. Adapted native tree and/or shrub species will be <br />• planted into the pockets. The species that have been selected are discussed in the <br />revegetation plan. <br />The second reclamation scenario will occur in the unlikely event that mining does not <br />continue in the North Pit area of the Carbon Junction Mine. In this event, backfill <br />material from the existing bench and downslope will be backfilled against the exposed <br />sandstone face. The backfill will be sloped at 3H:1 V, and compacted. Backfilled <br />material will be placed in a manner that buttresses the backfill. After backfilling the <br />bench, a segment of the sandstone slope will remain exposed above the stable backfill <br />level. The exposed sandstone face will be reclaimed as discussed in the first <br />reclamation scenario above. The remaining backfilled area of the North Pit will be <br />scarified as necessary, topsoiled, and seeded and mulched according to the revegetation <br />plan. Erosion control measures to minimize surface flow and infiltration at the nexus <br />of the sandstone face and backfill will be taken to minimize erosional impacts. If this <br />reclamation scenario occurs, approval for these erosion control measures will be sought <br />from CDMG prior to installation. <br />7lrmelsble and Schedule <br />The reclamation plan timetable is in direct sequence with the mine operation timetable. <br />The sequence of reclamation will be as follows: <br />C~ <br />Technical Revision OS (v 1.3) 5-21 Revised 9/1997 <br />