2021-09-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (8)

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RULE 2 PERMITS 2.04 APPLICATON FOR PERMIT FOR SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND MINING ACTIVITIES — MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES This section of the application provides a complete and accurate description of the environmental resources that may be affected by the surface mining activities to be conducted by Colowyo in the Collom permit expansion area. This application also provides a description of the environmental resources for the life -of -mine operations area. 2.04.1— 2.04.2 Objectives and Responsibilities The following sections provide a complete and accurate description of the environmental resources that may be impacted by surface coal mining operations with the Collom permit expansion area. Colowyo and federal and state agencies have provided information required by this section. 2.04.3 Land Use Information The Collom expansion area occupies the south-central headwaters of the synclinal Axial basin (along the Danforth Hills) and generally drains to the northeast, eventually into the Yampa River which is a tributary to the Green then Colorado Rivers. Elevations in this area range from just below 6,400 feet +/- above mean seal level to approximately 8,567 feet. Typical stream gradients in the headwaters range from 3 to 5 percent but occasionally exhibit steeper reaches, and 1 to 3 percent along the colluvial floodplains lower in the watershed. Adjacent upland drainage side slopes range from moderately steep to steep (>35%) whereas the "benches" between drainages generally exhibit flatter slopes with a northeasterly aspect between 1 and 5 percent. The predominant land use type identified in the Collom permit expansion area is jointly Rangeland/Fish and Wildlife Habitat (Map 17). A minimal area outside of permit boundary has been characterized as pastureland. Map 17 serves to identify both the pre and post -mine land use designations. Colowyo is focused on re-establishment of the joint land use of Rangeland/Fish and Wildlife Habitat post -mining. Present and potential production of this land use based on soil types found within are discussed in section 2.04.9 Soil Resource Information. There has been no organized mining activity in the Collom Expansion Area in recent history beyond exploratory drilling activities. As defined by Rule 1.04(71)(c), the land use category `Rangeland' is defined as "land on which plant cover is principally valuable for forage. Except for brush control, management is primarily achieved by regulating the intensity of grazing and season of use." As defined by Rule 1.04(71)(h), the land use category `Fish and Wildlife Habitat' is defined as "land used wholly or partially in the production, protection or management of species of fish or wildlife." Livestock grazing (grassland) and Wildlife Habitat have been the primary historical uses of the areas identified for disturbance and Colowyo as the majority landowner (exception of state and BLM land) wishes to maintain this dual purpose use post- reclamation/bond release. Vegetation types within this land use category are not dependent on human -induced influence for long- term maintenance. Ecological principles are often manipulated through altering the intensity, frequency, and seasonality of grazing. Other management techniques applied may include brush control and weed control. Collom — Rule 2, Page 5 Revision Date: 4/7/17 Revision No.: RN -07