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of the slope and 10 to 14 inches of depth further down the hillside. In the South Taylor area, the <br /> planned depth of topsoil on the steeper slopes is thicker than in other areas (up to four feet <br /> depending on the slope length and topsoil balance considerations). <br /> The Collom Pit and associated facilities is approved for variable replacement depths. Topsoil <br /> will be redistributed and graded with thin topsoil (<6 inches) on ridge tops to gradually thicker <br /> topsoil moving down the slopes to the drainage bottoms for the grassland use targeted areas. <br /> Sagebrush Steppe areas will receive an average of approximately 4 inches of uniform topsoil to <br /> encourage proper seeding depth and over all shrub establishment conditions. <br /> Revegetation <br /> Native and introduced forbs and grasses will be drill seeded or broadcast seeded on steeper <br /> slopes. Shrub and tree species are also drill seeded or broadcast seeded, based on terrain. <br /> Revegetation efforts will be monitored to determine vegetative success as described in <br /> Section 4.15 of the PAP. Chisel plowing and terrace or contour furrows are the preferred <br /> methods of seed bed preparation. Mulching is not generally utilized at the Mine. <br /> Colowyo has made considerable efforts in recent years to establish shrubs and trees in the <br /> reclaimed areas. In particular, TR-84, approved July 15, 2011, addressed Stipulation 13 and <br /> provided a detailed plan for the procedures and possible locations for the tall mountain shrub and <br /> aspen planting areas in the South Taylor Pit. <br /> TR-82, approved June 25, 2010, provided a detailed plan for the variable replacement depth of <br /> topsoil on the backfilled and re-graded portions of the West Pit and South Taylor Pit. Related to <br /> the variable topsoil, Colowyo also designed an area-specific seeding program. On steeper slopes <br /> (over 10 percent) deeper soil is placed and the area is seeded to grassland for post-mining <br /> grazing and for erosion control. On flatter slopes the areas were covered with four inches of <br /> topsoil (on average) and seeded to sagebrush steppe. The sagebrush steppe areas are targeted to <br /> provide sage grouse habitat. <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 128 <br />