2010-01-25_PERMIT FILE - C1981044A (4)

Home Browse Search

stable road remains afrer the mining and reclamation processes are completed. The cross-sections and profile of the existing haulroads can be used for the permanent roads except that the top width of the road will be reduced to 20 feet. Revegetation Plan As discussed in the previous reclamation section, reclamation activities for the Eagle 5 and 9 Mines are divided into two (2) distinct phases; 1) Ongoing reclamation activities associated with previously disturbed historic mining aeeas; and 2) Final reclamation associated with the ongoing mining operations conducted at [he No. 5, 6, and. 9 Mines. Many of the areas to be reclaimed were disturbed before May 3, 1978, however, BTU EC acknowledges that the Red Rock Crusher is the only area that can be classified as previously-mined under applicable CDMG regulations. BTU EC has developed a map which identifying the specific areas that fall under the different reclamation categories. The Reclamation Plan Map (Map 29) delineates all areas disturbed prior to May 3, 1978. Many of the existing disturbed areas include both pre-1978 and post-1978 disturbance. Exhibit ]4 provides supplemental vegetation information for the site. Revegetation practices, as well as the revegetation success criteria associated with the Williams Fork Strip Pit, are discussed in Exhibit 24, Williams Fork Strip Pit Reclamation Plan. Seed mixtures have been developed for the three postmining land uses; 1) Rangeland/wildlife; 2) Cropland; and 3) Pastureland (hayland); to be established on reclaimed areas at the Eagle 5 and 9 Mine site. These seed mixtures, are presented as the following tables: • Table 64, Seed Mixture - Rangeland/Wildlife • Table 65, Seed Mixture -Cropland (hayfield) • Table 66, Seed Mixture -Pastureland (hayland) Several introduced species have been included in the rangeland/wildlife seed mixture; 1) pubescent wheatgmss, 2) hard fescue, 3) birdsfoot trefoil, and 4) cicer milkvetch. Pubescent wheatgrass is included in the mixture for its forage value and growth characteristics. Plummer (1968), Long (1981), and the SCS (1977) discuss the utility of this species for. reclamation work. Hazd fescue is included in the mixture for its ease of establishment, palatability, and soil holding capabilities, as documented by Lond (1981), the SCS (1977), and the USDA-Forest Service (1977). Birdsfoot trefoil is included within the mixture for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, ease of establishment, longevity, and palatability, as addressed by Long (1981}. Cicer milkvetch is included within the mixture for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, palatability, and longevity. Long (1981), Plummer (1968), and the SCS (1977) outline the utility of this species for reclamation. Noxious Weed Management Program Noxious weed infestations may occur on disturbed, reclaimed, and/or undisturbed areas within the mine Pernut Area. In order to minimize potential adverse resource impacts that tray result from noxious weed infestations; optimize revegetation success for reclaimed mine aeeas; and fulfill sound land management objectives, BTU EC has developed and incorporated the following integrated noxious weed management program (weed program) as an important component of their ongoing land management program and plan for any future mining, reclamation, and related operations. BTU EC's weed program is designed to effect full compliance with applicable provisions of Rule 4.15.1(5), and was developed with reference to the Colorado Weed Management Act (CRS 35-5.5-115), and the CDMG's "Guideline for the Management of Noxious Weeds on Coal Mine Permit Areas", and in consultation with the local office of the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service (CSU-Extension Service, also the Moffat County Weed Control agency). BTU EC's weed program focuses on those noxious weed species listed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and will be modified, as appropriate to address any changes to this list. MR06-47 2.05-32 04/18/06