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Peabody Sage Creek Mining, LLC <br />Peabody Sage Creek Mine <br />29515 RCR 27 <br />Oak Creek, CO 80467 <br />describes shrub dominated wetlands as those occurring on mineral soils in floodplains and riparian zones <br />with dominant species that vary with location, elevation, and other factors but generally consist of willow <br />species. The enhancement of these areas will target a mix of riverine shrub dominated wetlands with <br />palustrine emergent wet meadows along the perimeters. Adjacent undisturbed drainages also contain <br />these wet meadows within the alluvial valleys and often at the base of surrounding steep slopes, with <br />willow species within the immediate riparian area. <br />At Pond 004, PSCM intends to restore a palustrine emergent wetland consisting of a mix of wet meadow <br />and shrub wetland species. As shown in the vegetation survey, the primary wetland plants that inhabit <br />this valley are Nebraska sedge and foxtail, which fall within the wet meadow vegetation type. Selective <br />planting of willows within the channel and riparian areas will resemble the shrub dominated wetlands. <br />The steeper slopes in this area will likely prevent ponding of water for extended periods of time. <br />At Pond 002, the primary wetland plant species were shown to be sedges and rushes, again indicative of <br />a wet meadow vegetation type. Planting of willow root balls will also create stream segments dominated <br />by shrubs within the immediate channel and riparian area. Laterally from the channel, the increase in <br />seasonal surface flow and soil moisture will enhance the palustrine emergent wetland areas. Because <br />Pond 002 is an area with shallower slopes, it is likely that some surface water ponding will occur <br />seasonally. <br />In the case of both Ponds 002 and 004, the enhancements are generally targeting expansion of the existing <br />wetland types by rectifying the channelization that has occurred in these areas. Because it will result in <br />the expansion of these existing systems, the mix of palustrine emergent and riverine wetlands will blend <br />well into the surrounding landscape. <br />As previously noted, this CDRMS Minor Revision updates the relevant permit language to note the <br />wetland enhancement maintenance activities consistent with the previous approvals for Pond 002 and <br />provides information on new wetland enhancements in the area downgradient of Pond 004 as a <br />postmining land management practice for bond released areas no longer subject to CDRMS permitting. <br />PSCM is seeking concurrence and approval of this Minor Revision from the CDRMS, to document in <br />the Permit relevant information on maintenance and postmining management measures which will <br />support and allow PSCM to also seek documentation of concurrence for these activities from the ACOE <br />under NWP27. <br />Attached are two (2) copies of MR31-19 application form and associated permit text modifications. Also <br />attached are two reference maps showing the enhancement areas. If you have any questions or would <br />like to discuss, please feel free to contact me at 970-870-2712. <br />Sincerely, <br />Jerry N etOJZ <br />Manag vironmental Affairs <br />for Peabody Sage Creek Mining, LLC <br />