2021-08-06_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (2)

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The final seedbed will be prepared with a chisel plow. This is designed to relieve compaction, promote moisture infiltration, and encourage root penetration by the seeded vegetation. Reclaimed areas will be drill seeded with a rangeland drill. As soon as conditions permit, the reseeded area will be contour furrowed according to the specifications contained in Figure 12, Design of Typical Contour Furrow. The specific advantages of contour furrowing are discussed in greater detail under the Soil Stabilization Plan presented in Rule 2.05.4(2)(c). Concerning the Fish Creek Tipple operation, affected lands within the permit boundary were disturbed prior to the promulgation of regulations requiring topsoil salvage and storage. Consequently, a mixture of spoil and soil materials will be utilized as a plant growth medium. Additional discussion is found on pages 2.05-37 and 2.05-38 of Volume Vll, Fish Creek Tipple/Loadout Operation Appendix. EASTERN MINING DISTRICT Topsoil replacement will occur at the Eastern Mining District Dewatering Facility and the Bleeder Fan site. The topsoil will be removed from the stockpiles with a dozer and redistributed over the two sites. The sites will be ripped prior to the redistribution of the topsoil. The same techniques will be used to redistribute topsoil over the road extension leading into the Bleeder Fan. The reclaimed sites will be drill seeded where possible or broadcast seeded. If broadcast seeding is done, the seeding rate will be doubled. The sites will be seeded with the pastureland seed mixture, and if required, contour furrows will be inscribed to minimize erosion at the sites. (e) A plan for revegetation to meet the requirements of 4.15, including, but not limited to, description of the: (i) Schedule of revegetation, (ii) Species and amounts per acre of seeds and seedlings to be used; (iii) Methods to be used in planting and seeding; (iv) Mulching techniques; (v) Irrigation if appropriate, and pest and disease control measures, if any; (vi) Measures proposed to be used to determine the success of revegetation in accordance with 4.15.7; and (vii) Soil testing plan for evaluation of the results of topsoil handling and reclamation procedures related to revegetation and topsoil standards of 4.06. RESPONSE Revegetation - All disturbed sites identified under Rule 2.05.4, Reclamation Plan, will be reclaimed and revegetated unless they are approved for permanent retention to support the postmining land use(s). The goal of reclamation as specified under Rule 4.15.1, Revegetation General Requirements, is to establish a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation cover capable of supporting the planned postmining land uses on disturbed areas. The prompt establishment of a protective plant cover and recovery of productivity levels compatible with the proposed postmining land uses will be accomplished by implementing the reclamation plan described under Rule 2.05.4 Four vegetation types will be disturbed by surface facilities over the life of the mine. They are the pasture, cropland, agebrush, and sagebrush/meadow vegetation types. The largest area of mining -related surface disturbance over the ,nine life will be the Mine Facilities Area, which primarily includes the disturbed, pasture, and cropland premining community types. During the first five years of mining, disturbance of the pasture vegetation type will be restricted to the Fish Creek Borehole Area. Activities at this area will include upgrading 6,300 feet of existing road for access to the RN 17-07 2.05-109 02/15/18