_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (213)

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based on our past experience at Coal Basin, that the methodology described has the greatest likelihood of successfully stabilizing these rugged, highly erosion prone slopes. 2. Which iron standard are you using? Total Recoverable Iron is the parameter of interest. Coal Creek, the receiving stream of interest in Coal Basin, is listed for TMDL on Colorado's 303d list of impaired waters, because Total Recoverable Iron exceeds water quality standards. We believe that a reduction of iron rich sediment reporting to Coal Creek will lead to a reduction of Total Recoverable Iron in Coal Creek. 3. How much 319 [money] was previously expended, will it carry over, and how will you match it? The original (1999) 319 grant was funded at $122,249. Of that amount, $69,009.86 was expended as of January 31, 2002. The balance will be carried over to offset anticipated 2002 construction costs, and to reduce the level of funding requested in the 2002 Grant application. The Division will match the remaining 1999 319 funds at the forty percent level. These match funds will be partially allocated from the forfeited bond and partially from the Division's operating fund. 4. What trees are you planting? We have planted Sub-alpine Fir, Douglas Fir and Engelmann Spruce. The species are all indigenous to Coal Basin. In test plots, the trees have been planted in approximately equal numbers on the Mine Bench Outslopes. During the Project, each species will be planted in climate — specific areas. Douglas Fir will be planted at lower elevations, near the toes of the Outslopes, in the more protected areas. Sub-alpine Fir and Engelmann Spruce will be planted at the mid to upper slope areas on all aspects. 5. Is this a water quality project or a reclamation project? The goals of this project are to minimize sediment generation from the Mine Bench Outslopes, and reduce iron loading in Coal Creek. The Best Management Practices to be employed to meet the goals are revegetation of the Outslopes and establishment of vegetative sediment barriers at the toe of some Outslopes. We believe that establishment of vegetation on the Mine Bench Outslopes and the creation of vegetative sediment barriers at the toe of some Outslopes will combine to minimize sediment generation from the Outslopes. As a result of these activities, we believe that a measurable reduction in the amount of iron rich sediment generated from the Outslopes will be achieved. Reduction of sediment generation from the Outslopes should lead to a reduction of Total Recoverable Iron in Coal Creek.