_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (234)

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-48- When the mine benches were constructed (starting in 1956) , the excavated material was spoiled downslope, leaving long slopes at the angle of repose. Reclamation of these slopes will be difficult. It is impractical to replace this material on -the mine benches and the disturbance that would be associated with replacement would be extensive. The only practical meChodhod�or of reelaiming the outslopes is revegetation of the material in-place. long steep slopes, little or no topsoil can be practically replaced. In addition, topsoil is not available for reclamation of these outslopes. Since no topsoil is available rettcithe baseline vegetationedataegetated surface cannot be practically compared The only practical alternative for judging revegetation success is to compare these areas to a successional stage to spruce/fir parkland. Numerous research studies have shown that, where topsoil is unavailable, reclaiming to a successional stage of the climax revegetation type is the most practical and most environmentally sound method of revegetation at high altitudes. The applicant has proposed standard develop for thetest mine benchdeterine outsjopesa practical revegetation success The scope oThe this scope of�work project bewas fou dworked Volumen ec 6, Stion unction lIIi the H ofthe Division. application. The revegetation plan calls for seeding predominantly native grasses and forbs. Several species of shrubs and trees will be transplanted. Two different seed mixes are planned to be used. The lower elevation mix for use at the preparations plant and rock and 4 treeunnel species�sists of All thel4 grass species inetheslowerorb species, 8 shrub species, elevation mixture are native. The high elevation mixture, to be used at the 5 mine sites, contains 16 grass species, 5 forb species, 1 shrub species, and 4 tree species. Only one introduced species, Timothy (Pleura ratense), is included in this mix. Pursuant to 4.15.2, the Divis on hereby approves the use of this introduced species for the following reasons: 11 This species is necessary to establish quick cover, 2) the seeding rate is low (0.5 lb/acre), 3) this species is compatible with plant and animal species of the region, 4) this species is not highly l o0Ot feet iwill n n be replaced by adapted native species, and 5) hisspecesis not poisonous or noxious. Presently, the seed mix does not, apparently, contain enough forb species to meet the species diversity standard. However, native forbs adapted to the high elevation of the Coal Basin Mines are presently not commercially available. In the future, as more forb species become available, they can be added to the seed mix. In addition, non-seeded native forbs have been observed on many of the reclaimed areas at the mine.