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C. Topsoil Redistribution <br /> Topsoil redistribution for the Mine is described in Sections 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d), and 4.06 <br /> (Volume 1 for the East Pit, West Pit, Section 16 Pit, Facilities Area and Gossard Loadout; <br /> Volume 12 for South Taylor Pit; Volume 15 for Collom Pit) of the PAP. Regraded spoils will be <br /> scarified, where necessary, before replacement of topsoil by truck and loaders and dozers. <br /> Where necessary, a drainage control bench or furrow will be constructed on spoil slopes of 3:1 <br /> (horizontal to vertical). Topsoil will then be applied in a rough condition, chiseled to relieve <br /> compaction and contour furrowed to minimize erosion. <br /> For most of the Mine's history, required average uniform topsoil replacement thickness was 18 <br /> inches, although a 12-inch average uniform replacement thickness was specified for Section 11. <br /> With the approval of TR-62 (May 2006), the required average uniform topsoil replacement <br /> thickness applicable to "original permit area" disturbances was eight inches. <br /> With the submittal of TR-72, Colowyo proposed a variable topsoil replacement plan starting with <br /> 2009 reclamation. With TR-82, a detailed plan was submitted for variable replacement depths in <br /> the South Taylor Pit and West Pit. With this plan, on steeper slopes (over 10 percent) deeper soil <br /> is placed and the area is seeded to grassland for post-mining grazing and for erosion control. On <br /> flatter slopes the areas are covered with four inches of topsoil (on average) and seeded to <br /> sagebrush steppe. <br /> The Collom Pit area is approved for variable replacement depths. Topsoil will be redistributed <br /> and graded with thin topsoil (<6 inches) on ridge tops to gradually thicker topsoil moving down <br /> the slopes to the drainage bottoms for the grassland use targeted areas. Sagebrush Steppe areas <br /> will receive an average of approximately 4 inches of uniform topsoil to encourage proper seeding <br /> depth and over all shrub establishment conditions. <br /> D. Specific Findings Required by Rule 4.06 <br /> The Division approved a waiver of the requirement for clearing of vegetation cover prior to <br /> topsoil removal. Colowyo has demonstrated that inclusion of vegetation cover in salvaged <br /> topsoil is necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity consistent with the postmining land <br /> use (Rule 4.06.2(1)). <br /> The Division granted a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with Rule 4.06.2(2)(a). <br /> Areas which may qualify for variance are: areas where light traffic does not destroy existing <br /> vegetation, areas where removal would result in needless damage to soil characteristics, steep <br /> slopes of minimum topsoil depths, steep slopes hazardous for equipment operations, and areas of <br /> construction of small structures such as power poles, signs or fence lines. <br /> V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings - Rule 4.07 <br /> The Permit is found to be in compliance with Rule 4.07. Each exploration hole, other bore hole <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 P a g e 145 <br />