Problem: PHC-REC was contracted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revegetate a tailings repository cover in the Little Belt Mountains in Central Montana.  The repository cover consisted of a three (3) inch minus shale material averaging fourteen (14) inches in thickness.  The repository cover was devoid of any significant organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria.   The repository cover was constructed in the summer of 2004.
	Objective: The shale-capped repository required vegetation.  The slope shown is facing the state highway. The purpose of the project was to establish vegetation, control erosion, and improve the visual aesthetics of the repository located next to a well traveled state highway.
	PHC Solutions: Revegetation activities were conducted by PHC-REC in May of 2005.  The revegetation project involved fertilizing, organic amendment (compost) addition, ripping, mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) inoculation, disking, seeding, and seed incorporation. Compost was applied at a rate of 66 cy/acre (approximately 1/2" thickness).
	More PHC Solutions: Responsibilities included using a Tiller foot, which incorporated the VAM at a 2" depth below the surface.

Results: Revegetation on repository after 8 weeks after VAM inoculation and seeding.  Revegetation on repository after 16 weeks of VAM inoculation and seeding. The Repository cover next to the highway, successfully revegetated.