Laserfiche WebLink
The portal bench itself consists of a reclaimed area with a steeper slope toward the back and <br /> nearly flat or gently sloping areas toward the front, as shown below. At the rear of the bench <br /> is a highwall area with a rocky, flat area at the base of the highwall. The area below the <br /> highwall is fenced to discourage intrusion by people or livestock and seven signs are posted <br /> at about 75 foot intervals along the fence itself warning of the potential for falling rocks. <br /> Fenceline <br /> The access road leading to this area is about ''/2 mile in length. The access road is gated <br /> where it connects with the county road along Oak Creek. Some minor gullies in the road <br /> surface were noted in the short, steep section near the portal reclaimed area but these <br /> gullies are minor and do not preclude any use as a rangeland access road. The road <br /> surface is comprised of small crushed rock and seems to have an excellent subbase. <br /> Surface drainage appears to function as required. Generally, the area has been used for <br /> cattle grazing over the liability period since reseeding in 1995. <br /> The coal sales yard or tipple area is located over the ridgeline to the northeast and is <br /> accessed via a county road from south of Rockvale along the South Fork of Oak Creek. <br /> Access to the area is also by foot only as the immediate area is gated where the county road <br /> ends at the property. A moderately sized, ephemeral drainage is located immediately inside <br /> the gate and appears to be part of the reclamation project. This drainage structure consists <br /> of riprap with a concrete matrix added for stability. From all appearances, it functions well <br /> when flows occurs infrequently in this drainage. <br /> 5 <br />