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Backfilling and Grading [2.05.4(2)(c) and 4.141 <br />1. On amended page 2.05-42 there is reference to creation of topographic features as a component of the <br />ecological reclamation approach, including "site specific opportunities for development of convex and <br />concave surfaces to encourage snow entrapment". The Division has observed locations where <br />topographic irregularities on otherwise relatively featureless terrain at Colowyo have resulted in the <br />effect described, and believe the creation of topographic variation, particularly on the relatively flat, <br />exposed bench-like ridges, would likely be quite beneficial. <br />Please provide additional detail regarding the scale and spacing of the features envisioned, and <br />include delineated locations within which the topographic features will be located on appropriate <br />PMT maps, such as Maps 19, for the original permit area, and Map 19A, for the South Taylor <br />Area. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has committed to establishing convex and concave surfaces to encourage snow <br />entrapment as site specific conditions present themselves. Site specific conditions are not necessarily <br />predictable and these features are by nature relatively small. Colowyo does not feel it is necessary to <br />delineate specific areas where these features will be "constructed" as we have previously committed to <br />their use as opportunity arises. These features are not a primary component of revegetation success <br />planning, rather a microclimate that should be developed as opportunity arises at the discretion of the <br />reclamation supervisor. The scale and spacing of these features will be mostly dependant upon the PMT <br />surface and backfilling and grading activities performed at any particular moment in time in the future, <br />and are not predictable. Therefore Coloywo respectfully declines to incorporate this suggestion into the <br />permit. <br />Topsoil [(2.05.(2)(d) and 4.061 <br />2. Table 2.05-1 presents the permit area topsoil balance as of December 2005, for remaining portions of the <br />original permit area (pre-PR-2). The table has not been updated to reflect projected topsoil availability <br />and replacement volumes, acres, and average replacement thickness for the South Taylor expansion area <br />[average replacement thickness of 19.8 inches for the South Taylor expansion area is listed in Section <br />2.05.4(2)(d), page 104, of the South Taylor Area narrative (Volume 12)]. <br />Please provide an updated Table 2.05-1 to reflect current status of the various categories listed for <br />the original permit area. In addition, please provide a new table or supplement to Table 2.05-1 to <br />reflect current projections for the South Taylor Area, based on actual volume of topsoil salvaged <br />to date, acreage disturbed, projected volume of in-place topsoil yet to be salvaged, and acreage yet <br />to be disturbed. Narrative of Section 2.05.4(2)(d) in Volume 12, should be updated as warranted <br />to correspond to current projections and to conform with revised topsoil replacement narrative in <br />Volume 1. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />South Taylor baseline data was submitted as a requirement for PR-02 approval. Projected <br />volume ofyet to be salvaged topsoil in South Taylor can be inferred via information previously provided <br />to the Division. Topsoil balance, redistribution and volume stockpiled is reported specifically in the <br />annual report submitted to the Division by Colowyo. Colowyo believes that this report is the most <br />'?I