Laserfiche WebLink
Grading Map (Map 29)). The west half of the coal lease will be mined from north to south. <br />The initial mining in section IS and 16 will be "X" seam only. Mining will start on the east <br />and west and progress toward the ridge in the middle of Section 16. Later, a portion of the <br />west pit will progress into the northern portion of Section 16. <br />The estimate of the cost of reclamation of the proposed operations required to be covered by <br />the performance -bond is found under Rule 3. <br />As discussed in detail in Section 2.05.3, the mining method proposed by Colowyo is refereed <br />to as open-pit multiple seam/single seam dragline mining. The overburden material from the <br />initial boxcut area was deposited in the Streeter Fill. As the mining progresses to the south, <br />overburden material from each successive cut will be backfilled into the previously mined <br />out area. This cycle will be repeated for the entire mining area. Because an open-pit mining <br />technique is employed, the regrading and backfilling of the spoil material will be as <br />contemporaneous as possible behind the mined-out area to facilitate proper leveling of the <br />overburden material. The mining techniques utilizing dragline and truck/shovel operation are <br />shown in detail on Mining Range Diagram (Map 24), and show the approximate distance <br />between topsoil removal and replacement. <br />The backfilled mining areas will be graded to establish the approximate original contour and <br />to blend in with the undisturbed areas outside the mining limits. Colowyo will grade all final <br />slopes so that overall grades do not exceed 33%. Additional information on the backfilling <br />and regrading plan are discussed further in Section 2.05.3 and Section 4.14. <br />• Where necessary, the spoil surface will be roughened by ripping or discing etc., to ensure a <br />bond between the topsoil and spoil to reduce slippage. To date there is no evidence of topsoil <br />slippage on reclaimed areas. A few small tension cracks resulting from settling of fill and <br />topsoil have occurred in a few areas within a year or two afrer reclamation, but soon stabilize <br />and begin to fill in. <br /> <br />2.05-40 <br />