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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />materials that otherwise would interfere with the usefulness of the topsoil is discussed in Section <br />2.05.3 <br />The average thicknesses for each soils series to be removed can be found on Table 2.04.9-16 as <br />defined in Table 2.04.9-19. Removal techniques for topsoil is described in Section 2.05.3. <br />A variance from topsoil removal was requested and approved by the Colorado Division of <br />Minerals and Geology previously in the existing permit area for the following areas; construction <br />of small structures such as power poles, signs or fence lines, areas of light traffic that do not <br />destroy existing vegetation or cause erosion and areas where removal would result in needless <br />damage to soil characteristics such as sediment control ditches and small water diversions. In <br />most cases, especially on steep slopes, removal of topsoil prior to ditch construction needlessly <br />damages large areas of topsoil, along with the adjacent natural vegetation. Implementation of the <br />technique of cutting the ditches directly into the hillside without topsoil removal will limit <br />needless topsoil disturbance, reduce unnecessary destruction of adjacent vegetation and will <br />facilitate reclamation of the ditches at a future date. As this revision is an extension of the <br />existing permit, Colowyo would expect this flexibility to transfer to the Collom mining area with <br />all applicable conditions in full effect. <br />It should also be clarified that consistent with Exhibit 9, there will be small areas of rock outcrop, <br />rocky steep slopes, etc. where the topsoil depth is 0 inches. Where this occurs there will not be an <br />attempt to recover topsoil or otherwise disturb the area before disturbance by mining. <br />Colowyo does not plan to use overburden material for topsoil substitutes or as a supplement to <br />topsoil. Colowyo will remove topsoil before any mining operations commence and always <br />maintain a buffer zone between the area stripped of topsoil and the overburden drilling and <br />blasting operations. As depicted on the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28C), the topsoil handling <br />program will result in an orderly sequence for the continuous removal, storage or reapplication of <br />topsoil. The redistribution of topsoil will be done at a time when the physical and chemical <br />properties of the topsoil can be protected from alteration while minimizing the potential for <br />erosion. <br />Topsoil and vegetation matter is typically windrowed, sloped and seeded during initial sediment <br />pond construction and saved for reapplication when the pond is reclaimed at at future date. <br />The pond embankments are constructed utilizing in-place materials directly below the upper <br />topsoil zone. This colluvial material supports vegetative growth and will also be utilized at a <br />future date for pond reclamation. If necessary, Colowyo will apply an appropriate amount of <br />topsoil to pond embankments that do not readily revegetate post construction. <br />Storage <br />The estimated quantity of topsoil in stockpile may be found in Section 11 of the Annual <br />Reclamation Report. Topsoil stockpiles exist for support facilities and the mining area. All of <br />the existing or proposed stockpiles result where immediate redistribution will not be practical, <br />either because redistribution areas are not available at the time of topsoil removal, or because <br />more topsoil is being removed than what will be necessary for immediate redistribution. Any <br />additional stockpiles may be placed on flat spoil backfill areas or stable portions of the permit <br />area where stockpiles will be protected from external effects of both wind and water erosion. <br />Stockpiles have also been placed to avoid disturbances other than those incidental to their <br />deposition and removal. <br />Co lom — Rule 4, Page 22 Revision Date: 9/28/11 <br />Revision No.: PR -03 <br />