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CMA <br />December 15, 2010 <br />Page 4 of 4 <br />Since the SAE's cover a broad expanse of the mine property, reclamation of these sites provides <br />many challenges and difficulties. These areas are located in areas of poor soils, diverse <br />vegetation types, and variable terrain. Adverse climate conditions such as drought, competition <br />from small mammal infestations, and aggressive weedy species, such as cheatgrass are <br />experienced. Since reclamation efforts occur over the life of the mine, Blue Mountain Energy has <br />discovered that SAEs provide an ideal mechanism to gain experience using various reclamation <br />techniques and seed mixes over the broad expanse of conditions that may be encountered and <br />that experience will be invaluable when the main facilities are reclaimed in the future. <br />Over the years Blue Mountain Energy has attempted various reclamation techniques effectively <br />reclaim these small areas. Initially, BME selects sites on gentle slopes and minimizes the intial <br />disturbance. Upon reclamation, the sites are regraded to approximate original contour and ripped <br />on contour to increase surface roughness and water retention. Woody materials, removed during <br />construction, are re-distributed across the site to provide better cover and to provide <br />microhabitat. BME has developed an effective seed mix comprised of 23 different species of <br />grasses, forbs and shrubs. An additional 22 species are approved for inclusion in the mix to <br />address specific site conditions and to promote revegetation success. Sediment control is <br />accomplished by a combination of surface roughening, rock check sediment traps, filter fabrics, <br />gravel cover, and grass waterways. Blue Mountain Energy has effectively maintained and <br />reclaimed these small area disturbances to minimize surface runoff and to promote reclamation <br />to a rangeland post-mining land use. <br />Blue Mountain Energy is recognized for their significant commitment to developing and <br />improving reclamation techniques in difficult environmental conditions. <br />Please let me know if you have any questions or if you need anything further. Thank you for <br />your ongoing support of this valuable awards program. <br />Sincerely, <br />nyl? <br />7andra L. Brown <br /> <br />Sr. Environmental Protection Specialist <br />c: Loretta E. Pineda, Director <br />David A. Berry, Director Office of Mined Land Reclamation