2019-04-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (6)

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RULE 2 PERMITS were: runoff and sediment plots, mulch plots, fertilizer plots, seeding management practices individual species seedings, and species combination seedings. The initial and last progress reports on these studies are included in Exhibit 10, Vegetation Information. The attainment of reclamation goals will be satisfied by implementation of the reclamation plan described below. Colowyo will combine information from existing baseline conditions with modern practices of reclamation technology to assure achievement of the reclamation objectives. The pre -mining condition of the permit area has been characterized through collection of baseline data. After identification of pre -mining conditions, mining and reclamation commenced in 1976 according to the following sequence: (1) Removal of topsoil and vegetation (2) Removal of overburden; (3) Extraction of the coal resource; (4) Backfilling, grading, and re -contouring of the surface to its approximate original contour; (5) Reestablishment of surface drainage patterns; (6) Topsoil Replacement; and (7) Revegetation and restoration of the affected land to the pre -mining land use. Such practices are expected to result in land use capabilities and productivity levels equal to or greater than those originally found. At the outset, it is imperative to appreciate that the reclamation plan defined in this section is to be implemented in a permit area where there has been disturbance from surface coal mining and reclamation operations (since 1976) and prior (now abandoned) underground operations. There are certain areas which are now undergoing backfilling and regrading. Revegetation techniques have been applied to all previously mined or otherwise disturbed lands. The reclamation timetable for the various aspects of the mining operation are indicated in Section 2.03 on Table 1., Affected Areas For Mining and Reclamation. As indicated in Section 2.05.3, the east half of the coal lease will be mined from north to south. To meet the maximum coal recovery requirements of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and to avoid disturbing the area twice, a strip of land 500 to 600 feet wide along the Streeter drainage will be left unreclaimed until the west half of the lease is mined (see Spoil Grading Map (Map 29)). The west half of the coal lease will be mined from north to south. The initial mining in section 15 and 16 will be "X" seam only. Mining will start on the east and west and progress toward the ridge in the middle of Section 16. Later, a portion of the west pit will progress into the northern portion of Section 16. The estimate of the cost of reclamation of the proposed operations required to be covered by the performance bond is found under Rule 3. As discussed in detail in Section 2.05.3, the mining method proposed by Colowyo is referred to as open -pit multiple seam/single seam dragline mining. The overburden material from the initial boxcut area was deposited in the Streeter Fill. As mining progresses to the south, overburden material from each successive cut will be backfilled into the previously mined out area. This cycle will be repeated for the entire mining area. Because an open -pit mining technique is employed, Rule 2 Permits 2.05-20 Revision Date: 5/25/18 Revision No.: RN -07