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reported separately for "original mine azea" and "South Taylor expansion azea", beginning with the <br />2007 Annual Reclamation Report. <br />C. Topsoil Redistribution <br />Topsoil redistribution for the original permit azea (as well as general procedures applicable to the <br />South Taylor expansion) is described on pages 2.05-41, 2.05-42, and 4.06-3 through 4.06-4 of the <br />original permit application package. Topsoil redistribution for the South Taylor expansion area is <br />more specifically addressed in Sections 2.05.3(5), 2.05.4(2)(d), and 4.06 of Volume 12. Regraded <br />spoils will be scarified, where necessary, before replacement of topsoil by dozers. Where necessary, <br />a drainage control bench or furrow will be constructed on spoils slopes of 3:1 (horizontal to vertical). <br />Topsoil will then be applied in a rough condition, chiseled to relieve compaction and contour <br />furrowed to minimize erosion. <br />For most of the mine life at Colowyo, required average, uniform soil replacement thickness was 18 <br />inches, although a 12 inch average, uniform replacement thickness was specified for Section 11. As <br />of May 2007, the average, uniform replacement thickness applicable to "original permit area" <br />disturbances topsoiled subsequent to March 2006 is eight (8) inches. For those areas within the <br />South Taylor "Pit Shell With Future Pit Mining Limits" boundary of Map 28B, the average uniform <br />replacement thickness is 19.8 inches. Approximately 127 acres ofpreviously topsoiled, revegetated <br />land within Section 16 will be disturbed by pit development and temporary overburden stockpiling <br />associated with the South Taylor expansion. Available soil will be salvaged from these previously <br />reclaimed areas and stored in Stockpiles 16D or 16J. These "redisturbance areas" will be accounted <br />for within the South Taylor expansion area soil balance reporting, and the applicable average <br />replacement thickness will be consistent with the average replacement thickness for other portions of <br />the South Taylor expansion azea. <br />D. Specific Findings Required by Rule 4.06 <br />1. The Division approved alternative procedures for topsoil protection following removal based on a <br />demonstration that such alternative procedures provided more protection for the topsoil. <br />2. The Division approved a waiver of the requirement for clearing of vegetation cover prior to topsoil <br />removal. The Applicant has demonstrated that inclusion of vegetation cover in salvaged topsoil is <br />necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity consistent with the post-mining land use [Rule <br />4.06.2(1)]. <br />The Division granted a variance from topsoil removal in accordance with Rule 4.06.2(2)(a). Areas <br />which may qualify for vaziance aze: Areas where light traffic does not destroy existing vegetation, <br />azeas where removal would result in needless damage to soil characteristics, steep slopes of <br />minimum topsoil depths on steep slopes hazardous for equipment operations, and azeas of <br />construction of small structures such as power poles, signs or fence lines. <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance 4 May 2007 <br />Permit Revision 02 Page 45 <br />