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expansions to the refuse pile with Technical Revisions 30 and 31 <br />(approved on 19 June 1998 and 21 August 2000, respectively). The final, <br />approved refuse pile encompasses 37.9 acres. <br />2. With the construction of the two underdrains, an alternative subdrainage <br />system for the coal mine waste area was previously approved. The <br />Division found such an alternative will ensure the applicable static safety <br />factor, stability of the fill and protection of the surface and ground water. <br />(4.10.3(5)) <br />VIII. Backftllinci and Gradin <br />After removal of all mine structures and facilities and the sealing of all mine <br />openings, all disturbed areas were backfilled and regraded. EFCI established a <br />post-mining configuration that complies with regulatory requirements for long- <br />term stability and blends with the surrounding terrain. <br />There is no requirement to cover potentially acidic or toxic-forming materials <br />since Southfield's mining activities did not produce any of these materials. <br />Normal backfilling and grading practices were applied to disturbed areas. The <br />backfilled and graded areas were left in a roughened condition in order to <br />improve the bonding of the regraded surface with the topsoil and to better <br />promote vegetative growth and reestablishment. <br />IX. Revecietation <br />The Division proposes to approve the use of introduced species in the <br />reclamation seed mix. The applicant has submitted information which <br />shows that the introduced species are desirable and necessary to achieve <br />the approved post-mining land use, and are not poisonous or noxious <br />(4.15.2). EFCI has used introduced species in both their temporary and <br />permanent seed mixtures to stabilize topsoil piles, diversion ditches and <br />sedimentation pond embankments. The introduced species include <br />Crested wheatgrass, Pubescent wheatgrass, Intermediate wheatgrass <br />and Cicer milkvetch. These species have been included in seed mixtures <br />due to their rapid growth, soil holding capabilities and forage value. At the <br />Division's request, Cicer milkvetch was added to the seed mixes for its <br />nitrogen fixing capabilities, longevity and palatability as a browse species. <br />2. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, <br />and woody plant density are discussed in Section 2.05.4, page 26R-27Ra <br />of the permit application. These techniques include monitoring of the <br />revegetated areas at intervals of 3, 7, 9 and 10 years after initial <br />revegetation efforts. Necessary data to assess herbaceous cover and <br />production, diversity and woody plant density will be collected during each <br />monitoring period on both the revegetated and reference areas. Although <br />Page 30 of 36