2016-02-11_REPORT - C2009087 (3)

Home Browse Search

Peabody Sage Creek Mining Page 2 September 1, 2015 e. PSCM reported that zero acres were seeded or planted during 2014. See discussion below regarding acreage accounting. f. PSCM reported that zero acres were seeded or planted during 2014 with exception noted below in (2). (2) The following additional information was provided in accordance with the approved PAP: i. Topsoil monitoring; no topsoil was removed or replaced in 2014 so no data was submitted for topsoil recovery or fertility/spoil quality. The topsoil balance was reported. ii. Seeding was conducted on a disturbed ditch and slope near the portal area within the 356.4 acre approved disturbance boundary to improve stability. Seed tags were provided. It does not appear that permanent revegetation seeding occurred in 2014. iii. Weed control was conducted at the site in limited areas primarily focusing on thistle and houndstongue. iv. Revegetation Monitoring; PSCM hired ESCO Associates to evaluate the landfill area for Phase II bond release criteria. According to the report, the landfill passed the revegetation reclamation success criteria for cover, diversity and composition. v. Grazing occurred within the PSCM boundary. The report indicates about 14.7% of the forage produced on the reclaimed area was utilized by the cattle. vi. Sedimentation pond surveys and stock tanks were discussed. vii. Wildlife Monitoring required by Section 2.05.6(2) of the permit: 1. CPW monitoring of Grouse leks: a. Four leks were monitored and the number of males observed at each Ick was reported. 2. Golden Eagle Nests: a. The report indicates that three of the original six Golden Eagle nest sites are believed to be destroyed as a result of natural causes and the remaining three sites were inactive during 2014. Acreage Accounting b. The Division has been working with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) on how the Division and permittees track the various acreages reported on the ARR. Based on these discussions, the Division has been given clarification on how OSMRE would like these numbers reported. The following is a discussion of the various acreages reported on the PSCM's ARR along with clarification on how these acreages should be accounted and reported in the future. According to the 2011 ARR, 62.7 acres was disturbed during that year. The 2012 ARR reported the cumulative total disturbed area reported for 2011 was 62.6 acres. Also in the 2012 ARR, it was reported 5.2 acres of disturbance occurred bringing the cumulative