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Presently, the seed mix does not, apparently, contain enough forb species <br /> to meet the species diversity standard. However, native forbs adapted to <br /> the high elevation of the Coal Basin Mines are presently not commercially <br /> available. In the future, as more forb species become available, they can <br /> be added to the seed mix. In addition, non-seeded native forbs have been <br /> observed on many of the reclaimed areas at the mine. <br /> As previously stated, the mine bench outslopes will be reclaimed in-place <br /> without any topsoil. All other areas to be reclaimed will be topsoiled, <br /> with the exception of the roads which will be kept as part of the <br /> post-mining land use. All areas will be revegetated by preparing the <br /> seedbed, adding fertilizers or amendments, seeding, then mulching. <br /> Past revegetation efforts at the mine have been successful. The proposed <br /> revegetation plan should result in continued success. <br /> Socioeconomic <br /> Potential Socioeconomic Impact <br /> The continued operation of the Coal Basin mines will provide economic <br /> stability to the region as a whole. With the December, 1982 unemployment <br /> rate standing at 15.6%, Garfield County is dependent upon the mines as a <br /> source of employment and local revenues. Therefore, there are no <br /> anticipated adverse socioeconomic impacts from the continued operation of <br /> the mine. <br /> Mitigation <br /> Over the past ten years, the company has been active in providing housing <br /> to mine employees. Mid-Continent has developed approximately one hundred <br /> housing units in Carbondale in response to local demand. In 1982, eighty <br /> apartment units were completed. Mid Continent provides "low interest" <br /> loans to both mine workers and the general public desiring to locate in <br /> the company-sponsored housing. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE NO. 3 - DISAPPROVAL <br /> If this alternative were adopted, mining could be temporarily precluded until <br /> an acceptable mining and reclamation plan is submitted and approved. The <br /> mining impacts described for the "Environmental Impacts of Alternative No. 2" <br /> section of this document would not occur, the recovery of a valuable mineral <br /> resource would be prevented temporarily or permanently, 325 mine employees <br /> could lose their jobs, and Pitkin and Garfield counties would not receive the <br /> tax revenues generated by the mine. <br /> List of Preparers <br /> (1) Bennett Young - Project Leader <br /> (2) Sarah Bransom - Socioeconomics <br /> (3) Judy Shafer - Cultural Resources <br /> (4) Assorted Technical Areas - Colorado Mine Land Reclamation Division <br /> -16- <br />