REP02975 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

._ -~ Tom Gillis -3- May 4, 1990 2. For the Roadside pile, I would recommend that we conditionally approve the 6 inch cover depth, with the provision that currently reveaetated portions of the pile meet cover and production success criteria durina_ the 9th and 10th years of the bond liability period. The established soil depth test plots on the Roadside pile should be maintained for longer term comparisons. Based on the test plot data and field observations, it would appear that a rather promising stand of shrubs and grasses has been established on the 5 acre seeded area. It would probably not be prudent, at this time, to completely disturh the site and start over from the beginning. Need control efforts will need to be initiated due to the scattered infestation of whitetop on portions of the pile. Also, some interseedina of forb species may be necessary to meet species diversity criteria, as forbs seeded initially were unsuccessful and there is no evidence that invasion of the site by desirable forbs is occurring. Small areas of the vile which were not topsoiled and seeded originally should be reclaimed this fall. 3. The source, volume and quality of available cover soil and topsoil for use on the Cameo refuse disposal areas will need to be specifically addressed in the revision application, along with a clear description of the sequence of cover soil and topsoil replacement and a projected schedule for topsoiling and revegetation of the various refuse areas. 4. A comprehensive revegetation plan for the Cameo refuse areas should be submitted with the TR application and should include specific provisions for the enhancement of forb and shrub establishment. On level areas not susceptible to erosion, strip seeding, alternate row seeding or other techniques to reduce the competition from the more aggressive grass species could be utilized. Use of site collected seed from the dominant native forb, scarlet globemallow, as suggested in the consultant's report, should be seriously considered, and a plan for collecting and storing adequate quantities of the native seed should be included in the TR application. 5. Since less than 4 feet of non-combustible soil material would be replaced on the coal waste under the plan which the operator will submit, it will be necessary for the operator to demonstrate that the coal waste itself is non-combustible and will meet the pertinent MSHA standards when the piles are constructed as proposed. 6. Unless specifically disallowed by MSHA combustibility criteria, a plan for ripping or otherwise loosening the compacted refuse surface on the Cameo disposal areas prior to soil replacement as specified by Rule 4.06.4(1) should be included in the revision application. 7. A plan for controlling the whitetop infestation should be submitted and implemented as soon as possible this spring. The operator should consult with the Grand Valley Pest Control District for their recommendations. DTM/yj b cc: Jim Stevens 6841E