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RECLAMATION - BENCHES <br /> R <br /> RECLAMATION - BENCHES <br /> Reclamation of the five mine benches will be directed at achieving maximum <br /> stability. The steep topography and highly erosive nature of the natural basin, <br /> together with the fact that some of the benches lie within natural avalanche <br /> paths, make stability considerations both important and challenging. <br /> Documentation of the natural conditions and major factors to be considered in <br /> designing the reclamation plan have taken a period of years. <br /> The reclamation plan for the benches has been based on documentation and <br /> recommendations of Geo-Hydro Consultants. Following Geo-Hydro <br /> recommendations, test sections were designed, and have been monitored to <br /> test the reclamation concepts. Results of the test sections have indicated the <br /> appropriate reclamation methods to be applied at the benches. <br /> On completion of reclamation work, as herein described, Mid-Continent <br /> believes the maximum stability which can be expected, given the natural <br /> conditions and reclamation problems occuring at each site, will be achieved. <br /> The overall visual appearance of the reclaimed benches will approximate that <br /> of the natural, surrounding terrain. <br /> The reclamation plan has been determined by practical considerations.A <br /> reasonable expectation for success at the bench sites depends entirely on <br /> making a realistic appraisal of what can and cannot be achieved. <br /> The original disturbance to the site of each bench dates from a time long before <br /> passage of the SMCRA. No record was ever kept of the undisturbed contours <br /> at any of the areas disturbed in construction of the benches. However, even if <br /> the original contours at each site were known, they cannot be recreated. <br /> Stability could not be achieved by simply backfilling to eradicate the cuts. The <br /> terrain is too steep. Further, the cuts will, after reclamation, be visually <br /> indistinguishable from the natural contours of the surrounding terrain. <br /> The benches, as noted by Geo-Hydro, serve to deflect the force of avalanches. <br /> Similarly, the benches deflect the force of the surface water runoff. As a result, <br /> the final configuration will improve the watershed by, in essence, cutting the <br /> natural velocity of snow and water. <br /> 1 <br />