_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (294)

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and the haul road system. In order to accomplish this objective, land forms have been mechanically altered and revegetation has been undertaken. Each of the mine and fan entries has been backfilled and graded, and seeding has been accomplished. Grading work has emphasized the dispersion of runoff in order to minimize the potential for continued gully erosion on the outslopes. A number of revegetation techniques have been employed to a limited extent on some of the outslopes. Extensive surface roughening appears to be beneficial to the revegetation process. Test plots consisting of a native forb and grass have been established on roughened outslopes. These plants have been observed to be fairly successful in establishing themselves on steep slopes within Coal Basin. PROJECT PROPOSAL Minerals and Geology is proposing that a Challenge Cost Share Project be undertaken to help stabilize the mine bench outslopes associated with Mine 4 . Stabilization of the Mine 4 outslopes will revolve around establishment of vegetation on the outslopes, and creation of a natural sediment barrier near the base of the slopes. An independent contractor will be hired through the Colorado Procurement System. The contractor will collect and clean native seed from the grass and forb species which are indigenous to the area. The State will provide other commercial species which will also be planted on the outslopes. One portion of the outslopes will be mechanically prepared for seeding by creating small depressions on the slope. After this step is accomplished, the slope will be fertilized, seeded and mulched. Another portion of the outslope will be fertilized and seeded. After this is accomplished, a bonded fiber matrix will be applied to the slope to hold the soil and seed in place until the seed becomes established. Trees will be planted on the mine bench in order to encourage dispersion of surface runoff prior to the water flowing over the slopes. Trees and shrubs will be planted at the base of the outslopes in order to help trap sediment which may be generated from the outslopes prior to the seed becoming established. Currently, the slopes exhibit very little vegetation. Success of the project will be measured by the establishment of vegetation sufficient in extent to reduce erosion and resultant sediment delivery to the nearby Dutch Creek tributary. Minerals and Geology estimates that the project will cost approximately $116,500 to accomplish the stabilization objectives on 15 steep slope acres at Mine 4. Minerals and Geology will assume responsibility for contract development and administration, including construction supervision. A cost share split of 52% State and 48% Federal would be sufficient to accomplish this project. However, alternative cost share percentages may be negotiated.