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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> spoil will be ripped with a dozer to minimize compaction, assure stability, and minimize slippage <br /> after topsoil replacement. Where possible,development of concave landforms(to encourage snow <br /> entrapment) will be developed. <br /> Where necessary, the overburden surface will be roughened by ripping or discing etc., to ensure a <br /> bond between the topsoil and spoil to reduce slippage. To date there is no evidence of topsoil <br /> slippage on reclaimed areas. A few small tension cracks resulting from settling of fill along tie in <br /> locations with highwall have occurred in a few areas. However these areas within a year or two <br /> after reclamation, soon stabilize and begin to fill in. <br /> The final post mine surfaces are shown on Map 19, 19A, and 19B. Appropriate cross sections <br /> that show the anticipated final surface configuration of the reclaimed area, in conjunction with the <br /> existing pre-mining topography are shown Maps 20, 20A and 20B. <br /> Topsoil Redistribution Plan <br /> As discussed in Section 2.05.3, prior to any mining-related disturbances, all available topsoil will <br /> be removed from the site to be disturbed, and will be redistributed or stockpiled as necessary to <br /> satisfy the needs of the reclamation timetable described herein. The topsoil redistrubtion plan is <br /> also broken into three distinct timeframes which are pre-2005,2005 to 2009, and post-2010. Each <br /> plan is described in more detail below. <br /> Pre-2005 and 2005-2009 Topsoil Redistribution Plan <br /> Prior to 2005, essentially all reclamation units were covered with an average of 18 inches of <br /> topsoil. From 2005 through 2009, reclamation areas received an approximate average of 8 inches <br /> of topsoil. Most of these reclamation areas have been Phase III released to date, and the remaining <br /> units on schedule for a near future Phase III bond release application. <br /> Post-2010 Topsoil Redistribution Plan <br /> Variable topsoil replacement depth has been utilized at Colowyo since 2010. Post-2010 topsoil <br /> replacement is directly tied to the post mine land uses presented in Section 2.05.5, targeting two <br /> rangeland components consisting of grazingland and wildlife habitiat(sagebrush steppe). <br /> In grazingland targeted areas (areas with slopes greater than 10%), topsoil will be redistributed <br /> utilizing variable replacement depths. Thinner topsoil(approximately six inches)will be replaced <br /> on ridge tops,and topsoil replacement depth will gradually thicken moving down the slopes toward <br /> the drainage bottoms. This gradation in topsoil depth on slopes recreates native edaphic conditions <br /> and mimics soil development on local landforms. Lower-lying areas (relative to the surrounding <br /> landscape), such as natural swales, depressions, and subtle drainageways that tend to catch more <br /> snow will also receive deeper topsoil replacement depths. These areas should store greater <br /> quantities of moisture, which will increase overall productivity, while providing enhanced <br /> opportunities for growth and development of the mountain shrub and snowberry communities <br /> (seed is a component of the grazingland seed mix). Even in areas where these shrub species do not <br /> initially germinate, the deeper soils systems with increased water holding capacity and altered <br /> hydrologic function of localized areas with increased snow capture will mimic the native <br /> conditions for mountain shrub and snowberry communities, setting the foundation for succession <br /> Rule 2 Permits 2.05-18 Revision Date: 12/21/20 <br /> Revision No.: TR-143 <br />