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Chapter V <br /> For the final reclamation phase a trackhoe will be used to further <br /> moderate the slope along the downhill side of the road. <br /> The safety of the equipment operator is of concern, given the steep <br /> topography. Mechanical alteration of the terrain is hazardous, and <br /> any mechanical backf ill and grading operations must be done subject <br /> to safety considerations. <br /> Mid-Continent believes that, to the extent allowable by MLRD/OSM, <br /> the slopes should be allowed to reclaim themselves naturally. <br /> Ditches and culverts will remain to improve the watershed. <br /> Sediment ponds will be reclaimed. <br /> The final slopes above and below the roads will be revegetated. <br /> Stability of slopes, given the steep natural terrain, is of <br /> paramount concern for final reclamation. <br /> If Mid-Continent were required to place large amounts of fill <br /> against the road cuts for the purpose of eliminating the roads <br /> altogether, we feel that serious stability problems would result. <br /> Significant erosion of the fill, and any topsoil placed over it, is <br /> quite likely. <br /> An extensive study of the configurations, geotechnical conditions <br /> and avalanche danger of the roads has been completed and is <br /> included in App. V-E-2 . <br /> As noted in the study, the danger of eroding fill is signficant. <br /> Avalanches are a natural phenomenon in the area and the <br /> development of the haul roads or mine benches has not <br /> increased the avalanche danger. Haul roads or mine <br /> benches act as artificial barriers to individual <br /> avalanche paths and reduce their energy. They are thus <br /> beneficial in reducing the avalanche hazard . . <br /> Avalanches contribute to increased erosion of such fills. <br /> 22 Revised 2/92 <br />