_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (234)

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activities are geared toward minimizing erosion of disturbed lands in order to minimize sediment delivery to Coal and Dutch Creeks. Reclamation is being accomplished to promote the anticipated post mining land uses of recreation, grazing and wildlife habitat. During the 1995 and 1996 reclamation seasons, the Division, through independent contractors, has completed eight reclamation projects. These include reclamation of portions of the Old Refuse Pile, the Sutey Refuse Pile, Mine 3 , Mine 4 in 1995. In 1996 reclamation of the Rock Tunnel, Roads E, F, G (the haul roads in the northern portion of the Basin) , Rock Tunnel Waste Dump, and Mines 1 and 2 was accomplished. Over seeding of some reclaimed areas has occurred, and mine site maintenance has also been accomplished. These projects have resulted in the reclamation of approximately 140 acres. We have also been conducting a number of revegetation experiments on the steep slopes below some of the mine benches. We have seeded some of the slopes using conventional hydro seeding techniques, construction of small log benches anchored to the slopes, application of spray-on erosion control materials, and the mechanical creation of small depressions on the slopes. We have usually done this revegetation with commercially available seed, however it has been observed that two native plant species do fairly well on these areas. Seed from a native grass and a shrub was collected late last summer, and was replanted in selected areas. Cursory observation of the reclaimed areas indicates that the 1995 projects are doing well. Revegetation is beginning to become established at these areas, and generally, the drainage patterns which we hoped to achieve are functional. It is still early to accurately assess the success of 1996 reclamation work. Vegetation is beginning to emerge at the four 1996 project areas, and these areas generally appear to be reacting as intended to snow melt and spring rains. The roadways which were reclaimed showed little signs of surficial erosion. Some slumping has occurred in three areas along the reclaimed roads. We are assessing the reclaimed roads, and will make changes as necessary to alleviate any problems with the reclamation practices. We will be doing a comprehensive field review of the reclaimed roads in order to glean as much information as possible from the work which we have accomplished before proceeding with additional road work. It has been noted that the steep slope areas of Mine 1 which were mechanically roughened in 1996 are showing encouraging results as far as growth is concerned. It is hoped that the growth pattern will persist over the summer. In 1997 we have scheduled two reclamation projects. The Warehouse Vicinity Project will accomplish reclamation of the Warehouse, two adjacent coal stockpile yards and the overland conveyor corridor, as well as miscellaneous adjacent areas. We will also accomplish 2