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of the uppermost coal seams. Also, the number of spoil ridges may exceed four at multi-seam <br /> operations. In addition, variances from contemporaneous reclamation have been granted to <br /> accommodate high-wall mining operations. <br /> Based on the nature of the South Taylor Pit and Collom Pit, which are also a multi-seam <br /> operation, backfilling and grading cannot be completed within 180 days of the removal of the <br /> uppermost coal seam and the number of spoil ridges may exceed four. The Division has granted <br /> Colowyo a variance for contemporaneous reclamation for the South Taylor and Collom Pits. <br /> Reclamation activities in the West and South Taylor Pits will be ongoing during the current <br /> permit term. The East Pit has been fully backfilled and regraded and will received maintenance <br /> on an as-needed-basis. Mining at the Collom Pit has not yet commenced and reclamation has not <br /> been necessary. The reclamation schedule for the West, South Taylor and Collom Pit are shown <br /> on Maps 29, 29A, and 29B of the PAP. <br /> C. Approximate Original Contour <br /> Information on achieving approximate original contour (AOC) is presented in Sections 2.05.3, <br /> 2.05.4, 4.14.1 and 4.14.2 of the PAP. Maps 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 19A, 19B and 19C of the PAP <br /> show the pre and postmining topography. Maps 33, 33A, 33B and 33C of the PAP show the <br /> postmining drainage profiles. Maps 24 and 24A of the PAP contain mining range diagrams, and <br /> Maps 29, 29A and 29B of the PAP show the sequence of spoil grading. <br /> In general, Colowyo will return all mined lands in the East Pit, West Pit and Collom Pit to <br /> approximate original contour, with reclaimed surfaces resembling the general surface <br /> configuration of the area (though changes will occur on a smaller scale). However, the removal <br /> and redistribution of overburden has resulted (and will result) in these materials expanding in <br /> volume approximately 15 percent. This will result in the overall topography being <br /> approximately five feet higher than was the case in the original landscape. Post-mining <br /> topography at even higher grades has been approved for areas of excess spoil fills. <br /> Four permanent and two temporary excess spoil fills were authorized to accommodate such <br /> expansion of overburden for the East, West, Section 16 and Collom Pits. The four permanent <br /> excess spoil fills are valley fills and have thus changed the topography of those areas. <br /> Information on the temporary spoil pile (for final Section 16 Pit, West Pit, and Collom Pit <br /> closures) can be found in Section 4.14.1 of the PAP. Information on the four permanent fills can <br /> be found in Sections 2.05.3 and 4.14.1; Maps 18, 19, 30, 33 and 33A; and Exhibits 12 and 19 of <br /> the PAP. A summary of this information can be found in this document in Section B, Item VII. <br /> Drainages are constructed with gradients similar to those originally present, and complement the <br /> drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain. Premining and postmining drainage profiles are <br /> found on Maps 33, 33A, 33B, and 33C of the PAP. <br /> Final grading plans provide a surface that minimizes erosion and slippage following the <br /> Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 <br /> Permit Renewal No. 8 P a g e 149 <br />