2014-01-14_REPORT - C1981019 (2)

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TRI -STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC. HEADQUARTERS: P.O- BOX 33695 DENVER, COLORADO 80233 -0695 303 - 452 -6111 January 8, 2014 Mr. Rob Zuber R E C E E D Environmental Protection Specialist Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety JAN 14 2014 Department of Natural Resources ' : I 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 DMSION OF RE -. _ , , R ATION Denver, CO 80203 MININGAND - _TY RE: Colowyo Coal Company L.P., Mine Permit C-81-019,2011 Annual Reclamation Report Responses Dear Mr. Zuber: Colowyo Coal Company L.P. (Colowyo) received your 2011 Annual Reclamation Report (ARR) comment letter, dated September 30, 2013 (original comments in italics), and has the following responses: DRMS Item 1: The concern is associated with parcel WP011. Annual bromes are reported as 14 percent of cover. The Division is concerned that ten years into the liability period this parcel is .still exhibiting a considerable percentage of annual grass species. This will be an issue at the time of Phase III release. Response: As noted in the 2011 Revegetation Monitoring Report (Exhibit 9A), Colowyo will address the annual bromes with an herbicide to further reduce competition and improve perennial species cover during the field season in 2014. DRMS Item 2: The following are changes that should be made to future ARRs, starting with the 2013 AHR. • Weed Management is considered a cultural practice in accordance with Rule 2.04.13(1)(e). In future ARRs, please provide information indicating where weed control efforts have been employed on a yearly basis (broken down by parcel). This information should be included what methods were used. what chemicals were applied, and which noxious weeds species were targeted. Response: Colowyo will include a section in the 2013 ARR that documents weed control efforts for the report year. This narrative will include locations (by reclamation parcel), methods and chemical utilized, and species targeted. • Figure 4 -2, copies of seed tags, is illegible. In the fixture, please submit these tags in a legible format. Response: Colowyo will ensure seed tags in the 2013 ARR are legible. AN EOUAL OPPOPTUNITYI AFFIRA;ATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER CRAIG STATION ESCALANTE STATION NUCLA STATION • ,/ PO. BOX 1307 P.O. BOX 577 P.D. BOX 698 A T LIChstUne Ener$V C?operativc j,��; CRAIG, CO 81626 -1307 PREWITT, NM 87045 NUCLA. CO 81424.0698 \�� 970- 824 -4411 505 -972 -5200 970 -B64 -7316