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2. Surface mine reclamation calls for one application of sludge, a build up of pollutants is not considered a problem. At CYCC we feel that application of stabilized sewage sludge, from the Steamboat Springs facility, directly to the regraded spoil will enhance our current re- clamation practices by improving the physical characteristics of the spoil and by enhancing revegetation. Chemical analysis of the overburden (CYCC Permit 79-177) shows that there are no problems with the toxisity forming potential of the spoil. The application of sludge to the spoil will improve its physical characteristics by increasing organic matter and available nutrients (ex. N,P,K, Sopper, et al., 1981). Vegetative production will be enhanced by the increase in available nutrients, and rooting zone; woody species will also show an in- crease in the shoot root ratio, as suggested by Danielson et al., 1978. In general the application of sewage sludge will enhance current reclamation prac- tices by increasing the rooting zone into the spoil material and increasing herbaceous production. The stabilized sludge will be applied, as a semi-acqueous slurry, at a maximum rate of 21 tons/acre through controlled end dumping on a year round basis. The sludge will be applied to regraded spoils prior to retopsoiling by scrapers, which will incorporate the sludge into the bottom layer of topsoil. Where preliminary sludge application is not possible, it will be incorporated into the topsoil. As presented in Exhibit 2, Nutrient 6 Mineral Loading Rates, the proposed application rate is below the maximum loading rate for nitrogen and trace minerals. The proposed application rate will enhance current reclamation practices by increasing the nutrient availability and organic matter within the rooting zone. The proposed area for sewage sludge application was made up of four pre-mine vegetation communities; Big Sagebrush, Mt. Shrub, Pastureland, and Pfeadow. The Big Sagebrush community is dominated by a Big Sage overstory and west wheat- grass, needle grass understory. The community is usually located on lower slopes with a gently [o rolling topography. The soils are generally well drain- ed and loamy textured with a moderate erosion hazard. The Mountain Shrub community is generally located on steep east and southeast facing slopes and their corresponding ridge areas. The site is dominated by gambels oak. Typical soils foc the area are sandy looms with moderate erosion hazard and permeability and low water-holding capacity. The pastureland community are found on the same type of terrain as the sagebrush site. The vegetation is dominated by perennial cool season grasses. The soils generally are moderate in depth and are well drained, with a moderate erosion hazard. The last vegetation community within the proposed sludge application area is a meadow type on upland swale ores. The vegetation is dominated by perennial grasses and a grasslike plant. The soils are typically deep and poorly drained. Permeability is low and available water capacity is moderate. The source of the sludge proposed Eor applicat.on at the subject site is the product of the Steamboat Springs Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The mode of treatment is activated sludge, extended aeration providing secondary treatment. This process will provide carbonaceous BOD removal as well as dom- ,-„~