APPCOR13031

• Permit No: C1982057
• IBM Index Class Name: Application Correspondence
• Doc Date: 3/5/1985
• Doc Name: SENECA II W MINE FN C-82-057 PRELIMINARY ADEQUACY REVIEW
• From: MLRD
• To: PEABODY COAL CO
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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Seneca II-W Prelim. Adequacy - 3 - March 5, 1985
Additionally, Table 9-6 indicates that only 6" of topsoil will be
salvaged from the Binco Clay Loam and Abor Clay soil types (mapping
units 11C, 11D, and 4D), even though the B horizons with a thickness of
21 - 22 inches appear salvageable. For all of the above listed soil
types, the applicant must provide sufficient justification for limiting
topsoil salvage from these areas or provide information in accordance
with 4.06.2(4) regarding the use and suitability of selected overburden
materials to be used as a substitute for topsoil.
Vegetation and Revegetaion - Rule 2.04.10 and 2.05.4(2)(e)
1. All of the reference areas for the Seneca II Mine (aspen, mixed brush,
sage brush, low sage, and wheat) are located outside of the permit
boundary for the mine. The applicant needs to demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the Division that they have surface control for the
life-of-mine for areas within which the references areas are located.
This is to insure that the reference areas receive the same management
as they have in the past.
2. The applicant should supply a table of the total number of disturbed
acres for each vegetative community during this permit term and during
the life-of-mine.
3. It has been determined that the sagebrush, aspen, and meadow
communities; when compared with their respective reference areas are
not comparable. For all these communities reported cover and woody
plant densities of the reference areas are higher than those of the
affected area. The productivity of the reference areas is reported as
much lower. This presents a dilemma with regard to the productivity
parameter. The applicant and the Division will have to determine
whether new references areas need to be established or whether an
alternative solution can be agreed upon.
4. The applicant needs to further explain the use of cover crops on
reclaimed areas. The Division has reservations regarding the approval
of cover crops, since many areas in northwest Colorado have abandoned
cover cropping due to the inherent problems with natural reseeding of
the cover crop, competition from the cover crop with perennial
revegetation species, and moisture depletion by cover crops.
5. With regard to the proposed seed mixes, the applicant should remove
alfalfa and pubescent wheatgrass from the mixes and substitute other
preferred species in their place.
6. The applicant should submit a statement in the application that any
species substitutions will be approved by MLRD in writing prior to
their use in the seed mixes.