2015-10-06_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Colowyo utilizes a variety of methods to protect topsoil stockpiles from erosion. Colowyo will utilize one or more of the following techniques to protect topsoil from erosion. Small catchment berms and ditches may be employed to route surface runoff away from stockpile areas. Small sumps or dozer basins may be employed to collect runoff. Adjacent disturbance areas may be ripped or otherwise roughened to reduce runoff. Topsoil stockpiles may be strategically placed and constructed to allow runoff to be routed around stockpile locations rather than pond against a stockpile. Topsoil marker signs will be placed on each stockpile to prevent inadvertent disturbance, unnecessary compaction or contamination. At the locations where topsoil piles are located on undisturbed land, in place topsoil and vegetation will not be removed prior to stockpiling topsoil. The topsoil stockpiles will be seeded with the following perennial seed mixture to control erosion: Western wheatgrass - 4 Lbs PLS/Acre Thickspike wheatgrass* - 4 Lbs PLS/Acre Yarrow** - .15 Lbs PLS/Acre *option to replace Thickspike wheatgrass with Beardless bluebunch wheatgrass or Sheep fescue **option to replace Yarrow with Cicer milkvetch Topsoil stockpiles will be drill seeded to the greatest extent possible. The remaining areas will be broadcast seeded. In those areas where topsoil is stripped and hauled directly back to contoured backfill, some of the established native species can be expected to occur in the revegetated area. As a general rule, stockpiled topsoil will be moved only when required for redistribution on disturbed areas prior to seeding. Exceptions to this practice may occur to facilitate mining, construction of sediment control ditches, ponds, etc. Approval from the Division will occur prior to moving stockpiled topsoil for purposes other than staging prior to reclamation activities or laydown to facilitate seedbed preparation. All topsoil stockpiles should be protected with a ditch and berm around their perimeter to conserve the resource. RPd;ctrihntinn After the final grading is completed, the topsoil will be reapplied as shown on the disturbed land areas shown on the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28C). Future topsoil redistribution will be done at a predominately variable depth based on the volumetric analysis of available materials and areas as presented in Rule 2.05. Historical replacement depths for reclaimed area units are tracked in the Annual Report. Where necessary, to prevent slippage surfaces and promote root penetration the spoil will be scarified by ripping and.'or rough grading. This practice will assure a solid bond between the spoil and reapplied topsoil. To date, there is no evidence of topsoil slippage on reclaimed areas. A feN small tension cracks resulting from settling of fill and topsoil have occurred in a few areas within a year or two after reclamation, but soon stabilize and begin to fill iii. Collom — Rule 4, Page 23 Revision Date: 9/28/11 Revision No.: PR -03