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<br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance July 2018 <br />Permit Renewal No. 7 P a g e | 25 <br />implementation began in 2010. As described in the PAP, the general plan is to place topsoil in <br />thinner layers (average of four inches) near ridge tops to encourage the development of a <br />Sagebrush Steppe, and to place deeper topsoil on steeper slopes. Steeper slopes are generally <br />considered greater than 10 percent and on these slopes a grassland environment is encouraged. <br />The topsoil in locations outside of the South Taylor area average six inches of depth near the top <br />of the slope and 10 to 14 inches of depth further down the hillside. In the South Taylor area, the <br />planned depth of topsoil on the steeper slopes is thicker than in other areas (up to four feet <br />depending on the slope length and topsoil balance considerations). <br /> <br />The Collom Pit and associated facilities is approved for variable replacement depths. Topsoil will <br />be redistributed and graded with thin topsoil (<6 inches) on ridge tops to gradually thicker topsoil <br />moving down the slopes to the drainage bottoms for the grassland use targeted areas. Sagebrush <br />Steppe areas will receive an average of approximately 4 inches of uniform topsoil to encourage <br />proper seeding depth and over all shrub establishment conditions. <br /> <br />Revegetation <br /> <br />Native and introduced forbs and grasses will be drill seeded or broadcast seeded on steeper slopes. <br />Shrub and tree species are also drill seeded or broadcast seeded, based on terrain. Revegetation <br />efforts will be monitored to determine vegetative success as described in Section 4.15 of the PAP. <br />Chisel plowing and terrace or contour furrows are the preferred methods of seed bed preparation. <br />Mulching is not generally utilized at the Mine. <br /> <br />Colowyo has made considerable efforts in recent years to establish shrubs and trees in the <br />reclaimed areas. In particular, TR-84, approved July 15, 2011, addressed Stipulation 13 and <br />provided a detailed plan for the procedures and possible locations for the tall mountain shrub and <br />aspen planting areas in the South Taylor Pit. <br /> <br />TR-82, approved June 25, 2010, provided a detailed plan for the variable replacement depth of <br />topsoil on the backfilled and re-graded portions of the West Pit and South Taylor Pit. Related to <br />the variable topsoil, Colowyo also designed an area-specific seeding program. On steeper slopes <br />(over 10 percent) deeper soil is placed and the area is seeded to grassland for post-mining grazing <br />and for erosion control. On flatter slopes the areas were covered with four inches of topsoil (on <br />average) and seeded to sagebrush steppe. The sagebrush steppe areas are targeted to provide Sage <br />Grouse habitat. <br />