Laserfiche WebLink
RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> this section. <br /> Prior to 2005, essentially all reclamation units were covered with an average of 18 inches of topsoil. One <br /> exception to this was the CSU/DMG Shrub study area, which received various treatments of replaced <br /> topsoil at 0", 6", and 18" as described in Section 4.15. From 2005 through 2009, reclamation areas <br /> received an approximate average of 8 inches of topsoil as a result of modifications related to TR-62. <br /> Reclamation areas from 2010 moving forward (including facilities and the Gossard Loadout area) will <br /> utilize variable topsoil depths as described in this section through modifications approved via TR-82, <br /> unless otherwise specified(sagebrush steppe and special planting areas). <br /> Topsoil will normally be reapplied by hauling, in trucks, from topsoil stockpiles or from areas where <br /> topsoil has been removed for mining advance,to the regraded spoil areas and then redistributed with <br /> dozers. Alternate methods may also include placing topsoil on slopes with a dragline followed by <br /> redistribution with dozer,or using a scraper to redistribute the topsoil. <br /> It is anticipated that on slopes of< 10% it will be safe to strategically place rows of topsoil in a <br /> designated pattern with haul trucks to ensure the desired four to six inches of topsoil can be dozed into <br /> position. If a dozer operator doesn't do this properly, he won't have enough material to cover the entire <br /> area and it will be obvious what has occurred. Depth control on the Sagebrush Steppe areas will be <br /> verified as the project progresses and any deviations from the plan will be rectified at that time. Depth <br /> readings will also be taken after the area has been completely topsoiled, sufficient to ensure that Colowyo <br /> can demonstrate compliance with the plan. Even if scrapers are used to initially lay topsoil down, it is <br /> anticipated that some dozer work will be needed to do the finish work. The required volume of material <br /> will be at/on the location. Verification work will lead to additional dozer/scraper work if necessary to <br /> ensure proper final placement. If depth control becomes an issue, staking will be initiated as an additional <br /> guide for operators. <br /> On areas of> 10% slope it is anticipated that dozers will work together with scrapers to accomplish a <br /> gradually thicker application of topsoil on these slopes. As Colowyo has always done, depth stakes at <br /> regular intervals will provide guidance to the operators. Depth readings will be taken while the <br /> operations are progressing and any issues will be rectified at that time. Depth readings will also be taken <br /> after the area has been completely topsoiled, sufficient to ensure that Colowyo can demonstrate <br /> compliance with the plan. The allocated volume of topsoil for each area(total volume based on area <br /> multiplied by either 8 or 19.5 inches)will be hauled to the location, most likely with haul trucks and <br /> scrapers as close as safely possible to the final intended location,then dozed into place or placed via <br /> scrapers.Verification work will lead to additional dozer/scraper work if necessary to ensure proper final <br /> placement. <br /> Beginning with 2010 reclamation activities, Colowyo will institute a topsoil depth verification program to <br /> document ecologically significant variations in topsoil where applicable (i.e. grazingland areas) and <br /> confirm more uniform topsoil reapplications (i.e. sagebrush steppe areas). It will consist of recording <br /> topsoil depths on five acre centers overlaid on each reclamation unit, similar to re-graded overburden <br /> suitability monitoring. Specific depth sampling point locations and results will be recorded and reported <br /> in the subsequent years Annual Reclamation Report within the Topsoil Volume Inventory section. The <br /> topsoil depth verification program is not intended nor should it be used as a topsoil volume verification <br /> method as the volume of topsoil will be planned, monitored and verified through load count, time card <br /> coding and engineering plan designation of placement of the material on a reclamation unit basis. Overall <br /> topsoil balance oversight is performed and reported annually in the Annual Reclamation Report. The <br /> overall goal of both the Division and Colowyo is to replace the entire resource in a manner that promotes <br /> the likelihood reclaimed areas will meet the success criteria for Phase III Bond Release after the required <br /> liability periods and thereby create reclaimed lands that reflect the desired post-mine land use <br /> (grazingland and sagebrush steppe). <br /> Rule 2 Permits 2.05-25 Revision Date: 5/11/18 <br /> Revision No.: MR-187 <br />