2023-01-05_REVISION - C1981019 (13)

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2. Colowyo demonstrated that fill proposed to eliminate the highwall and depressions meets all the requirements of 4.05, 4.06, 4.09 and 4.15. Therefore, the Division proposes that excess material not required for reclaiming highwalls and other depressions need not be returned to approximate original contour(Rule 4.14.1(2)(a)). 3. In order to conserve soil moisture, ensure stability, and control erosion on final graded slopes, the Division approved cutandfill terraces. These terraces are compatible with the postmining land use, and will meet all the requirements of Rule 4.14.2(2). 4. Permitted small depressions (less than two acre-foot in capacity, embankments less than five- feet) in the backfill are used to minimize erosion, create or enhance wildlife habitat, conserve soil moisture, and promote revegetation. The Division specifically approves each such small depression (Rule 4.14.2(3)). 5. The Division approved Colowyo's plan for disposal of debris, acidforming or toxic materials, or materials constituting a fire hazard in a manner designed to prevent contamination of ground or surface waters. A contingency plan has also been developed to prevent sustained combustion of flammable materials (Rule 4.14.3(1)(a)). 6. The Division approved the method and design specifications for covering of acidand toxicforming materials in order to prevent leaching into surface and ground water and to ensure backfill stability Rule 4.14.3(2)). XIII. Revegetation - Rule 4.15 The Permit was found to be in compliance with Rule 4.15. A. Baseline Vegetation Information Baseline vegetation information is found in Section 2.04.10, Exhibit 10 and Maps 3 and 4 of the PAP (Volume 1 for the East Pit, West Pit, Section 16 Pit, Facilities Area and Gossard Loadout; Volume 12 for South Taylor Pit; Volume 15 for Collom Pit). A summary of this information is found in the section of this document entitled "Description of the Environment." Mountain Shrub and Sagebrush communities are the dominant vegetation types throughout the original permit area. Mountain Shrub is the dominant community in disturbed areas associated with the South Taylor Pit and Collom Pit, with lesser but significant acreages of Sagebrush and Aspen Woodland communities. Communities of minor extent include Bottomland and Grassland. The same mix of communities occurs in the Lower Wilson expansion area, along with small areas of Juniper Scrub and Cropland. B. Plant Establishment Colowyo will establish a diverse, effective and permanent vegetative cover such as is necessary Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 5,2023 Permit Renewal No. 8 Page 151