_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (234)

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STEEP SLOPE REVEGETATION The proposed reclamation concept is to establish a vegetative cover on the mine bench outslopes for the purpose of decreasing the rate of erosion at these areas. The Findings document describes a revegetation success standard which was to be applied to the outslopes. The standard is a successional stage of the spruce/fir parkland vegetation type. Attainability of the defined cover and production standards is questionable, based upon the revegetation test plots commissioned by Resources in the 1980's. However, observation of the slopes indicates that two apparently native species, Senecio and Calamagrostis, appear to do well in this environment. It is thought that research into commercially available species could reveal that other previously unavailable species may also do well on the slopes. Therefore, appropriate modification of the species to be planted and of the success criteria are necessary. The primary concept is to apply the seed and fertilizer in conjunction with an hydraulically applied erosion control mat onto previously prepared outslopes. Native seed would be collected on site. The seed collected would be planted in conjunction with appropriate and complimentary commercially available species on the previously prepared outslopes. Revegetation in conjunction with the hydraulically applied erosion control mat appears to have had the most success at Mine 4 due to the ability of the mat to maintain soil integrity by adhering to the soil surface and by providing protection for the seed. The ability to absorb some amount of water, while shedding excessive amounts of surface runoff helps to protect the outslopes from excessive erosion, which has been observed to result in loss of seed from the slope. Alternatively, the Project would accomplish revegetation of the mine bench outslopes, and of the steep slopes common to the upper portions of the Haul Roads, by broadcast fertilization, seeding and mulching. 6