2014-02-20_REPORT - C1981019 (10)

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Colowyo Coal Company 2013 Annual Reclamation and Hydrology Report SECTION 3 - CDRMS ARR FORM AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTS RULE REQUIREMENT RULE 2.04.13(1) (a -f) 2.04.13(1) by April 1, or other such date as agreed on, each permittee shall file an annual reclamation report covering the previous calendar year for all areas under bond. The report shall include, but not be limited to, text, discussion and maps which address: • the name and address of the permittee and permit number • location and number of acres disturbed during that year • location and number of acres backfilled and graded during that year • location and number of acres topsoiled during that year • the species, location and number of acres of vegetation planted during that year, including any augmented seeding or cultural practices • location, number of acres and date of planting for all previously re- vegetated areas GENERAL DISCUSSION During 2013, no additional disturbance to native areas occurred onsite. During the renewal process in 2012, Colowyo and the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining Safety (Division) found a discrepancy in the total disturbance acres that Colowyo was reporting and what the Division was tracking. The discrepancy lies in old acreages that were calculated prior to electronic methods and the inconsistency of hand methods versus electronic methods. Therefore, through a collaborative effort between Colowyo and the Division the total disturbance acres were re- verified and calculated at 3786.0 acres. Figure 3 -1 will show this change in total disturbance from 2011 to 2012. In 2013, 95.8 acres were backfilled and graded and 162.9 acres were topsoiled. Colowyo permanently seeded or planted 162.9 acres in 2013. Through then end of the year 2013, 1356.53 acres have been reclaimed at Colowyo. A total of 348.07 seeded acres from 1993 through 2003 have been in existence for greater than 10 years with 1008.46 acres being in existence for 10 years or less. 480.06 acres within the permit area are in long -term mining or reclamation facilities and the active mining area is comprised of 2057.3 acres (Please see Figures 3 -1 and 3 -2). In the 2013 Annual Reclamation Report (ARR), Figure 3 -1, Colowyo report a cumulative total acres seeded of 1212.25. During the report year, Colowyo and the Division worked together to correct the discrepancy between the cumulative total acres seeded and the acres seed for greater than 10 year and less than 10 years. During that process, it was determined that the error must have occurred when calculations occurred on older reclamation polygons. The Division requested in writing on September 30, 2013, that Page 3 -1