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Mr. Ross Gubka, P.E. Western Fuels-Colorado February 9, 2007 Page - 5 - f. Wyoming includes a 4% contingency cost. 2. WFC questions the Division's estimated volume for the 631 scraper. Edition 34 of the Caterpillar Handbook, upon which the current edition of our estimating program is based, lists a heaped capacity of 31 cy heaped and 21 cy struck for the 631 G scraper. The new edition of the handbook lists heaped and struck capacities of 34 cy and 24 cy. We will update the program and the New Horizon estimate accordingly. WFC also disagrees with the Division's approach of using an average of struck and heaped volumes for each load. Our loading times aze based on an average struck/heaped volume and would have to be increased if we assumed that the scraper would load to full capacity, so the gain in payload would be offset by cycle time. This issue has been reseazched by the Division in the past, when we contacted several earthmoving contractors and described a surface mine reclamation scenario (state contract, independent contractors, etc.). We were told that basing estimates on average loads was a reasonable assumption, thus we are satisfied that this approach is sound. 3. WFC states that it "has issues with the whole concept of figuring topsoil handling cost that has been completed. Furthermore, using made up average haul distances is a poor estimating technique." The issue of topsoil replacement costs will be handled in Technical Revision 55. We did notice that page 8 of the Wyoming Guideline states that "lands that have been topsoiled and seeded but have no bond release must be bonded for retopsoiling, scarification, and revegetation." WFC is also concerned about the topsoil haul distances. The Division agrees that "made up" haul distances would be a poor estimating technique. The Division estimates haul distances based on actual distances between topsoil stockpiles and distribution areas, using the "centroid to centroid" approach. Additional information on the topsoil haul distances used in the Division's cost estimate is available if you would like to look at it. A review of the Wyoming Guideline indicates consistency with the Division's practice on estimating costs for previously distributed topsoil. The guideline states that the "haul distance and grade used would be the weighted average used for the rest of the reclamation." After WFC submits the maps for its upcoming Phase II Bond Release application, the Division will revise its cost estimates for all remaining topsoil replacement tasks, and will verify that the haul distances are accurate. 4. The issue of irrigation will be resolved with Technical Revision No. 55. 5. WFC suggests the use of Wyoming DEQ Guideline No. 12 for reclamation of drill holes and monitor wells. For many yeazs the Division has estimated drill