REV100115

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 12/29/2000
• Doc Name: 2000 Phase II Bond Release, vegetation review memo
• From: JANET BINNS
• To: BYRON WALKER
• Type & Sequence: SL3
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
'P '
TO: B]
RON WALKER
FROM: JANET BIIVNS
SUBJECT: COLOWYO~P P SE II BOND RELEASE, SL-03
DATE: 12/29/00
CC: DAN I-IERNANDEZ
I have reviewed Colowyo's application for a partial Phase II bond release (SL-03) for portions of the
East Pit, West Pit Fill, and Section 16 reclamation. The review was conducted in accordance with Rule
3.03. I (2)(b), and in accordance with The Division of Minerals and Geology's Guideline Regarding
Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues (April 18, 1995).
Topsoil Replacement: Section (34-33-120(2)(f) of the Act and Rule 4.06.4(2)
Colowyo's reclamation plan calls for an average topsoil replacement thickness of 18 inches. Section 1 1
will require an average topsoil replacement thickness of 12 inches. (2.05.4 permit page 2.05-41)
Colowyo provided topsoil replacement depth sampling information with SL-02, submitted September
25, 1997. SL-02 requested a partial Phase 1 bond release. Since Phase I bond release requirements
•, apply to backfill and grading activities, and do not include topsoil replacement as a criteria, the Division
included a discussion of the topsoil replacement but did not release liability for the completed work.
Please refer to Colowyo's SL-02, partial Phase I bond release application, received 9/25/97, for the
topsoil replacement data. Please reference the Division's SL-02 Findings document, dated April 27,
1998. The Division concluded that the topsoil replacement depths meet permit requirements on 712.1
acres of reclamation in the East Pit, West Pit and Section ] 6 Pit areas reclaimed between 1982 through
1996. Exhibit 1 of the 1997 partial Phase I bond release application and Exhibit 3 of the 2000 partial
Phase II bond release application were compared for areas requested for release. The Division found
that the area requested for 2000 partial Phase I[ bond release corresponds with the 1997 partial Phase I
bond release azea and the topsoil sampling data.
Vegetation establishment: Rule 3.03.1(2)(b)
Colowyo's reclamation success standards are described on permit pages 4.15-13 through 4.15-20.
Colowyo's standard for Diversity states that,
"The revegetation objective for diversity will be to establish a community on the reclaimed areas
that contain the following:
a) At least four principle species including a minimum of three cool season perennial grasses
and a minimum of 1 perennial forb.
b) Each principle species shall contribute no less than 3% relative cover.
c) No single species shall contribute in excess of 50% relative cover."