Laserfiche WebLink
Present use of the Outslopes is limited. Deer and bear have been observed to transit <br /> the outslopes. No forage or cover opportunities currently exist in these areas, however. <br /> It is thought that, assuming the Project is successful, limited wildlife use of the Outslopes <br /> for forage may be possible should vegetation become sufficiently established. <br /> Riparian Areas/Stream Crossings <br /> The Project Area is confined to the Mine Bench Outslopes and to the toe of each <br /> Outslope. These features are located in steep canyons well above the elevation of the <br /> Coal and Dutch Creeks and their tributaries. There are no riparian areas or stream <br /> crossings in the Project Area. <br /> Water Depletions <br /> Water may be extracted from Coal Creek for the purpose of mixing hydromulch for <br /> application on the Outslopes. Previously, we have obtained permission from the <br /> Colorado Division of Water Resources prior to pumping water from Coal Creek. We will <br /> seek permission again from Water Resources should water from Coal Creek be <br /> required. It is estimated that up to 80,000 gallons of water would be consumed during <br /> the revegetation process in Year 1. No other use of water will be necessary during the <br /> duration of the Project. <br /> Implementation <br /> Successful seed application has been accomplished in the past during late September <br /> and early October. Seeding during the early fall has been largely successful as the seed <br /> is quickly covered by early snow, and is available for spring germination. Seed planted <br /> in the summer tends to germinate and quickly dry out during the hot summer months. <br /> The Project will be conducted from mid September through about mid October, including <br /> time for weather related delays. Construction activities will occur during a three week <br /> period of time during this window. Hand crews will be used to accomplish ground <br /> surface scarification and planting of trees and shrubs. These crews will access the <br /> Outslopes either by helicopter, by foot or by small all terrain vehicles. Seeding, fertilizing <br /> and mulching will be conducted from a helicopter. The helicopter will operate from a <br /> location near the confluence of Coal and Dutch Creeks. <br /> Maps <br /> Project Area maps are attached to this document. <br /> 2.5 Coal Basin contributes large quantities of sediment to the local stream systems, <br /> Coal and Dutch Creeks. The sediment is derived from exposures of Mancos Shale and <br /> the Mesaverde Group. The Mesaverde Group is a coal bearing formation, interspersed <br /> with sandstone and shale units. The Mesaverde coal and the enveloping units are <br /> pyritic in nature. <br /> Mining activity in Coal Basin has exacerbated iron loading in Coal Creek. Five <br /> underground coal mines were established at elevation 10,000 feet within Coal Basin <br /> during the 195b's and 1960's. These mines were constructed on steeply sloping <br /> ridgelines. When the mines were constructed, vast quantities of Mesaverde Group <br /> materials were excavated and downcast over the ridgelines. In some areas, trommel <br /> screen waste materials were also disposed of down the steep slopes. Much of the <br /> overcast material, and particularly the trommel reject, are often pyritic in nature. The <br /> practice of down-spoiling the waste materials created seven long, highly erosive Mine <br />