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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05-22 Revision Date: 3/7/25 <br /> Revision No.: TR-166 <br />seeds. At Colowyo, the higher elevation and typical late spring snows result in cooler spring <br />temperatures and delayed soil thawing. By eliminating the use of mulch, the soil temperature is <br />increased earlier in the spring, thus enabling the seeds to germinate earlier when soil moisture <br />conditions are optimum, immediately following snowmelt. Earlier growth also results in further <br />root development by the plants, aiding survival through the dry and hot summer months. <br /> <br />Without the use of a mulch, erosion control has been maintained with surface manipulation <br />methods such as contour furrows, drainage benches and permanent drainage channels. The initial <br />reclamation at Colowyo that began in 1978 is indisputable evidence that the methods used at <br />Colowyo have proven highly successful in controlling erosion on slopes as steep as 3h:lv until <br />vegetative cover has established. Where deemed necessary by Colowyo (e.g., sagebrush steppe <br />targeted areas, south-facing slopes, high wind areas, etc.), mulching techniques (or other practices <br />such as chisel plowing, or discing on the contour) will be reinstated as necessary. <br /> <br />Irrigation <br /> <br />No irrigation is planned for areas to be seeded. <br /> <br />Pest and Disease Control <br /> <br />Noxious plants, as defined in Section 1.04, will be managed in accordance with the following <br />section – “Weed Management Plan”. If insects become a problem to the point where they endanger <br />the successful establishment of the seeded vegetation on the reclaimed area, they will also be <br />controlled using methods suggested by the Colorado State University Extension Service. All <br />herbicides and pesticides utilized will be those that are approved by the appropriate state and <br />federal governmental agencies responsible for the approval and distribution of such agents. <br /> <br />Weed Management Plan <br /> <br />A listing of Colorado’s noxious weeds (A, B, and C lists) as well as an indication of Rio Blanco <br />and Moffat Counties’ listed taxa are indicated on Table 2.05-10 along with an indication of those <br />taxa that have been observed on or near the Colowyo mine. As indicated on this table, there are <br />no “A” list taxa known from the area. “A” list taxa must be eradicated. To the contrary, there are <br />seven (7) “B” list (must be managed) taxa known from the environs of the Colowyo Mine as well <br />as three (3) “C” list (management may be required by local governments) species. Of these 10 <br />species, common mullein and poison hemlock from the “C” list, and Russian olive from the “B” <br />list are not overly problematic and will normally not require attention. In fact the Russian olive <br />was purposefully planted in the reclamation. If “infestations” of common mullein or poison <br />hemlock evolve, they will be treated in the same manner as the more problematic species. <br /> <br />The remaining seven species: hoary cress, musk thistle, Canada thistle, bull thistle, houndstongue, <br />black henbane, and downy brome (cheatgrass) will be the primary focus of the program and will <br />likely receive attention as appropriate at the Colowyo mine. In addition, continued monitoring <br />of reclamation will focus on identification of any new noxious weeds. <br /> <br />For the most part, noxious weeds observed on or near Colowyo reclamation do not achieve