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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />As part of the plan to return the post -mining land use to a rangeland condition capable of supporting the <br />diverse wildlife populations identified in the permit areas, Colwvyo initiated efforts to restore wildlife <br />habitats during pre -mine planning and early mining. This was accomplished by conducting an extensive <br />four year study to assist in determination of the best techniques for revegetating disturbed areas with <br />native species to enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, Colowyo implemented a habitat improvement <br />program in 1975 to offset temporary habitat loss during mining. The reestablishment of herbaceous <br />species, topographic relief, impoundments and limited reestablishment of a shrub component form the <br />integral elements of the reclamation plan. <br />Sagebrush steppe reclamation areas specifically target sage -grouse habitat is described in Section <br />2.05.4.(2)(e). These areas will also serve as enhanced habitat for many other species, including mule deer <br />and elk. Grassland reclamation areas specifically target livestock grazing but the seed mix and <br />reclamation plan focus on ensuring plant species beneficial to wildlife will prosper as well. The <br />nutritional value of both plant communities targeted for establishment on reclaimed lands in the Collom <br />expansion area should be enhanced as compared to pre -mining condition based especially on increased <br />forage availability and diversity (for both livestock and wildlife species). <br />To date, reclamation efforts at the existing operation have proven successful. Herds of deer and elk are <br />regularly seen grazing on the reclaimed areas. Rodent and small game populations have reestablished on <br />the reclaimed areas providing a readily available food source for local raptor populations and other <br />predators. Columbian sharp -tailed grouse also use reclaimed grasslands. <br />4.19 PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING <br />Colowyo will conduct no coal mining closer than 500 feet to any point of either an active or abandoned <br />underground mine. Underground coal mines have been operated in the past as discussed in Section <br />2.04.4, but their locations were on the -northern side of Streeter Draw well over 500 feet from present <br />Colowyo mining. <br />The surface mining activities of Colowyo have been designed so as not to endanger any present or future <br />operations of either surface or underground mining operations. As discussed in Section 2.05.3, Colowyo <br />has engineered its mining plan to maximize recovery of coal by current economical surface mining <br />methods. <br />4.20 SUBSIDENCE CONTROL <br />Colowyo is conducting a surface coal mining operation. Therefore, the requirements of 4.20 are not <br />applicable to the Colowyo operation. <br />4.21 COAL EXPLORATION <br />All coal exploration activities within the Collom permit revision area will be completed in accordance <br />with the requirements and procedures outlined in the existing permit document. <br />4.22 CONCURRENT SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND MINING <br />Colowyo does not plan to have concurrent surface or underground mining activities; therefore, the <br />requirements of this Section are not applicable to this permit application. <br />Collom — Rule 4, Page 51 Revision Date: 9/28/11 <br />Revision No.: PR -03 <br />