Laserfiche WebLink
It is my opinion that the reclamation being done by the DMG at the Mid- <br /> Continent Mine is average. However, the reason it is average is that average <br /> reclamation at this site is all the budget will allow. The primary reason that the <br /> budget is insufficient is because the project has been dragged out for so many <br /> years and inflation has taken its toll. (Average reclamation is not all bad. As the <br /> graph shows, the lower end of the graph is where you get the most reclamation <br /> for your money.) <br /> For example, the steep slopes could be reclaimed quicker and better if <br /> jute mesh or excelsior blanket were used. However, using these revegetation <br /> aids would increase the overall cost by $3,000 to $5,000 per acre and the <br /> quality of the vegetation would be raised from average to good or very good, <br /> and that only in the short term. <br /> As implied above, time also plays a significant role in all revegetation <br /> efforts. At this elevation, it takes about three years for a revegetation effort to <br /> mature. Then, within another three to six years, the vegetation will either <br /> improve more or decline to the "carrying capacity" of the site. Usually the <br /> carrying capacity of a site is below the quality attained in the revegetation effort <br /> after three years, and the vegetation declines to that level. And, a thing that <br /> many people do not understand is that the carrying capacity of the site will be <br /> the end result (in 6 to 9 years) whether or not the revegetation effort cost $2,000 <br /> or $6,000 per acre. <br /> The primary practical goal of this reclamation project is to reduce erosion <br /> related to the mine disturbances. In my opinion, DMG's ongoing reclamation at <br /> this site is accomplishing that goal. <br /> Is the DMG doing a good job at the site? In my opinion, the DMG is doing <br /> an excellent job at the site. <br /> 13 <br />