2021-01-14_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS Details of pollution control measures are discussed in section 2.05.6. 2.05.5 Post-mining Land Uses The implementation of the reclamation plan as described in Section 2.05.4 will restore the disturbed land to the pre-mining use of rangeland,with two targeted subcomponents of grazingland and wildlife habitat (sagebrush steppe). Replacement of grazingland will be facilitated by targeting revegetation efforts toward primarily grassland communities. Because grasslands are effective for erosion control, this post mine land use will be implemented on those lands with slopes greater than 10%. Replacement of wildlife habitat will be facilitated by targeting revegetation efforts toward the re-establishment of a sagebrush steppe community. Because early- seral sagebrush steppe is less able to preclude erosion, it will be limited to those lands with slopes less than 10%. The post mining land use of rangeland for the reclaimed area has been designed to match the pre- mining land uses found in the area. Specifically, Colowyo will reclaim the mined areas to a rangeland condition capable of supporting both domestic livestock and wildlife. One of the objectives of the reclamation plan will be to provide grazing for livestock, and the other objective will be to restore and improve habitats for deer, elk, and sage grouse. Comments from the Bureau of Land Management and the State of Colorado approving the post mining land use are provided in Exhibit 1, Documents and Leases. The observation of hundreds of deer and elk consistently utilizing reclaimed areas at Colowyo confirm success in meeting these goals. It is generally recognized that the herbaceous communities of grasses and forbs found on older reclaimed mining areas and other similar areas in northwest Colorado have in fact attracted these important wildlife species from surrounding native rangelands. Therefore,even though the grassland targeted areas are designed for livestock grazing, they exhibit a considerable component of wildlife habitat benefits as well. Shrubs will also be replaced through seeding techniques to meet applicable regulatory requirements as described in Section 4.15.8. The post-mining land use is graphically shown on the Post-mining Topography Map (Map 19). To support the proposed post-mining land use, small water impoundments (stock ponds) will be constructed to encourage an even distribution of grazing animals over the reclaimed site and to enhance the areas for wildlife. These small structures will also replace the existing water rights associated with the stock ponds that existed pre-mining. If necessary, Colowyo will submit designs for these small impoundments to the Division prior to their construction. Also, to provide access in the area for ranching purposes, the access road from Highway 13 will be left in place after mining is complete, and a number of"ranch roads" will be provided on the reclaimed area to approximate the roads that were in the area before mining. The access road will be narrowed from 26 to 12 feet,the asphalt removed, sideslopes reduced to 4:1 and the sides revegetated. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-26 Revision Date: 10/27/20 Revision No.: TR-143