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An environmental monitoring system is being maintained and operated by the permittee for both <br />surface and groundwater during the coal mining and reclamation operations and will continue until <br />all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3 (Rule 4.24.4). <br />XXIII. Operations on Steep Slopes — Limited Variances — Rule 4.27.4 <br />The operations conducted at the Mine are found to be in full compliance with Rules 4.27.4 and <br />2.06.5. <br />With the approval of Permit Revision No. 2, the Division approved a limited variance from <br />approximate original contour for the South Taylor Pit. This variance is for areas with slopes of 20 <br />percent or greater. <br />The Division has not authorized the retention of a highwall remnant for the South Taylor Pit. The <br />highwall will be ripped and dozed to a 3:1 slope to blend in to the approved post -mining <br />topography. <br />Colowyo will be reducing steep slopes (20 percent and greater) along the perimeter of the South <br />Taylor Pit to no more than 3:1. These reduced slopes will decrease the peak flows from runoff <br />from precipitation and snow melt, thereby reducing the contribution of suspended solids to the <br />receiving streams. The watershed will, thereby, be improved. More detail can be found in the <br />PAP in Section 4.27 and on Maps 18A and 19B, the pre -mining topography and the post -mining <br />topography, respectively. <br />Land above the highwall will only be disturbed to rip and grade the highwall to blend with the <br />backfilled and regraded pit and to achieve highwall reduction. This reduction will also help to <br />control surface water runoff by diverting the water into an approved post -mining drainage channel. <br />No temporary overburden storage is planned for above the highwall. <br />The lands where the variance is being requested are owned by both Colowyo and the BLM. Both <br />Colowyo and the BLM have requested, in writing, that the variance be granted. <br />Colowyo is not planning on retaining any spoil material on the highwall bench. <br />Mining and reclamation actives for the Collom area will predominantly occur on slopes that are <br />less than 20 degrees and Rule 4.27 isn't applicable for this part of the mine. <br />Revised Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance August 2018 <br />Permit Renewal No. 7 P a g e 157 <br />