2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A ‎(39)‎

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/24/2020
• Type & Sequence: TR135
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operations and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

RULE 2 PERMITS
From the beginning planning stages of the Colowyo mine, environmental concerns and
reclamation concerns and objectives have been an integral part of the mining and reclamation
activities. In 1975, two years prior to the commencement of mining, Colowyo contracted with
Colorado State University to conduct reclamation studies to develop methods to reestablish native
plant species on disturbed lands, and in particular native shrubs. Also included in these studies
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.
Rule 2 Permits 2.05-17 Revision Date: 12/20/19
Revision No.: TR-135