_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (280)

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6 . Comment The applicant has proposed several different seed mixtures for seeding of various different disturbed areas . Most of the seed mixtures contain introduced species. The use of these introduced species must be justified pursuant to the requirements of 4 .15. 2 . Reply The 8 , 000 and 10, 000 Ft. seed mixtures were gone over with Jim Herron in a meeting of May 26th and it was decided to delete smooth brome (Bromopsis inermis) from the seed list and reduce the amount of timothy to 0 . 5 lbs/ac instead of 3. 0 lbs/ac. Some timothy was retained even though it is an introduced species because it is not a noxious species, will provide quick cover, and will not be so prolific as to be competitive with natural species . The remainder of the two seed lists were approved. Vol . 7 , Chap V, (Add reply statement as Page 34 .1 and correct table V-G-1 on page 35) . 7. Comment In Chapter II, Page B-40 , the applicant states the rock tunnel disposal pile will be seeded with a grass mixture consisting mostly of introduced species. Why isn' t the disposal pile going to be seeded with the 8 , 000 foot elevation seed mix? If the grass mix is to be the final revegetation mix for the disposal pile, then the applicant must justify the use of introduced species. Reply The rock tunnel construction period began in 1979 and for the most part is' complete. All of the areas disturbed during construction received a special seed mix to insure quick stabilization. (1979-80) From now on (1981) the 8000' mix as modified in 6 . above will be used. 8. Comment The application documents present a confused description of proposed backfill and grading and reclama- tion procedures for the extensive surface disturbances within Coal Basin. The "Steep slope mining" section of the application, Section II-C, suggests that the portals will be effectively backfilled to approximate original contour. However, close scrutiny of text section V-E and the referenced Exhibits V-E-la through ld (cross-sections of the five portal areas) determined that approximate original contour is only proposed for portals number 1 , 2 and 3. Reply With respect to approximate original contour of surface disturbances in Coal Basin see reply 5 - haul roads AOC. A request for a variance from AOC based on steep slope mining conditions has been submitted. Depending on a person' s interpretation of AOC we feel that mine pads 1 , 2 and 3 will be close to AOC and pads 4 & 5 will remain intact for post mining use.