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would accommodate the large volume of ground water discharge which the area <br /> experiences. <br /> Upper Old Refuse Pile Grant <br /> A decision needs to be made as to whether MidCon LLC. is approached regarding a <br /> cost share proposal for removal of coal refuse materials from the Old Refuse Pile south <br /> of the Warehouse Area. This would be a very worthwhile project to undertake, as a <br /> failure of this area into Dutch Creek will eventually occur. However, this Project is not <br /> contemplated in the Bond, it would be accomplished on private property, and the Grant <br /> is under-funded. Therefore, a cost share arrangement with the landowner is necessary. <br /> Should an agreement not be reached, the Grant money will need to be returned to OSM <br /> in December, 2001. <br /> Site Monitoring <br /> A monitoring network should be established throughout the site in order to evaluate the <br /> long term success of various reclamation techniques and to document the overall <br /> success of reclamation at the site as a whole. Such previously established monitoring <br /> points as the weed reference areas, the gully monitoring points at the mine bench <br /> outslopes, the survey points at the Dutch Creek Diversion, and the water quality <br /> monitoring points could be combined with vegetative cover reference areas and slope <br /> stability monitoring points. The combined monitoring network would provide a basis for <br /> future maintenance work, and as a point of reference when terminating Division <br /> responsibilities at the site. Once a comprehensive network is established, the actual <br /> field work to make the appropriate measurements could be distributed between <br /> Division staff, community volunteers, OSM and the Forest Service. <br /> Community Involvement <br /> Community involvement and interest in reclamation at Coal Basin is considerable. In <br /> the interest of continuing to involve local residents in the reclamation process, tours of <br /> the area should be scheduled yearly. Local citizens should be encouraged to volunteer <br /> in the reclamation monitoring program as well, in order to foster a sense of community <br /> ownership in the Project. Continued involvement of other interested agencies, such as <br /> the Forest Service or Division of Wildlife, should be encouraged. <br /> In order to maintain the opportunity to provide educational opportunities to the local <br /> community, school oriented Projects or learning experiences should continue to be <br /> offered. In particular, the use of High School Interns would be appropriate in <br /> establishing the monitoring network, and in accomplishing monitoring field work. Two or <br /> three individuals could be employed as paid interns for a three week period every <br /> summer. Candidates would be nominated by their schools, and would be interviewed <br /> by Division staff prior to being hired and trained. The summer of 2001 would be an <br /> ideal time to begin this initiative. <br /> CAsgr\clbsn\00annrpt <br /> 15 <br />