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1. Introduction <br />The Mid - Continent Mines have been in operation since 1956 in an <br />area north of Redstone known as Coal Basin. The five underground <br />mines were developed on the extremely steep slopes of the northeast <br />flank of Huntsman Ridge at elevations above 10,000 feet. <br />Approximately 15 miles of roads were constructed on these steep <br />slopes to provide access and coal removal from the mines. All roads <br />were constructed prior to any environmental reclamation laws. <br />The reclamation of these roads is an extremely complex problem <br />since many different soils, road geometries and hydrologic <br />conditions are encountered. This report provides strong evidence <br />that the roads simply cannot be reclaimed to the original contours <br />that pre -dated the roads on the basis of long -term slope stability. <br />Finally, reclamation alternatives are provided which will meet the <br />requirements of stability, erosion, revegetation (to the extent <br />reasonably possible) and compatibility with the post- mining land <br />use. <br />1 <br />