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(present topsoil stockpile) will be used on the active waste dump. This leaves a net five <br /> (5) acre-feet required to cover the remaining waste. WFC proposed to remove 5000 yd3 0 <br /> acre-feet) from the embankments of Ponds 006 and 007 (approximately one-half of the <br /> total embankment volume) and use this to cover waste. The remaining two (2) acre-feet <br /> will be borrowed from an area which has no waste. The most likely area will be south of <br /> the New Elk Industrial Building. <br /> The post-mining land use configuration is shown on Figure 2. WFC is proposing <br /> grassland, wildlife habitat and riparian. Reclamation to grassland meets the post-mining <br /> use of this property very well. WFC currently leases adjacent property for grazing. This <br /> grassland area (excluding upper elevations) will have the potential to be flood irrigated. <br /> Post-mining contours (Map 15 of the New Elk Permit Application) indicate the potential <br /> exists for flood irrigation. Water would, however, have to be pumped from the <br /> Purgatoire to an elevation above the existing railroad grade. It could then be ditched to <br /> grassland areas for hay and small grain production. A farming or ranching enterprise <br /> would have to evaluate the cost/benefit of installing and maintaining a pump to operate <br /> such a system. <br /> The riparian habitat configuration is designed to conform to topographic position <br /> which will support this habitat. The two main areas of riparian habitat will be in the area <br /> of sediment Ponds 004, 006 and 007. These areas are at an elevation where a seasonal <br /> water table would be encountered to support such a community. Waste deposition <br /> adjacent to the river in the remaining area severely limits the potential for riparian <br /> habitat. Depth to the existing water table underneath waste averages 25 to 30 feet. This <br /> depth will preclude supporting riparian community. <br /> The refuse disposal area will be wildlife habitat. This was the premining land use <br /> classification. <br /> Table 1 is the basic ground cover mix proposed for revegetation at the New Elk <br /> Mine. The proposed land uses are grassland, wildlife habitat and riparian. WFC proposes <br /> to add Ponderosa pine, Pinon pine and Rocky Mountain Juniper to the basic mix for <br /> grassland at the New Elk Mine. These species will be planted on the access roads and <br /> water tank areas in the east and west portal area. The minimum planting density will be <br /> 450 trees/acre. <br /> -6- <br />