Laserfiche WebLink
RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />Section 4.18 in Volume 1 discusses electric power line and transmission facility construction guidelines for <br />retrofitting of existing power poles to project raptors. Colowyo has implemented these measures to protect <br />raptors in the mine permit area. <br />As described in Section 2.05.6 of Volume 1 all disturbed acreage, including roads, have been kept to a <br />minimum by proper planning to reduce impacts to all environmental resources, including impacts on wildlife. <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 area, Colowyo initiated efforts to restore wildlife habitats <br />during pre -mine planning and early mining. This was accomplished by conducting an extensive four year <br />study to assist in determination of the best techniques for revegetating disturbed areas with native species to <br />enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, Colowyo implemented a habitat improvement program in 1975 to offset <br />temporary habitat loss during mining. The reestablishment of herbaceous species, topographic relief, <br />impoundments and limited reestablishment of a shrub component form the integral elements of the <br />reclamation plan. <br />To date these efforts have proven successful. Large herds of deer and elk are regularly seen grazing on the <br />reclaimed areas. Rodent and small game populations have reestablished on the reclaimed areas providing a <br />readily available food source for local raptor populations and other predators. <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 2.04.4, <br />but their locations were on the -northern side of Streeter Draw well over 500 feet from present Colowyo <br />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 has <br />engineered its mining plan to maximize recovery of coal by current economical surface mining 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 South Taylor/Lower Wilson permit revision area will be completed <br />in accordance with the requirements and procedures outlined in Volume 1. <br />4.22 CONCURRENT SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND MINING <br />Colowyo does not currently plan to have concurrent surface or underground mining activities; therefore, the <br />requirements of this Section are not applicable to this permit application. <br />South Taylor/Lower Wilson — Rule 4. Page 16 Revision Date: 4/7/17 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />