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measures such as benching and use of aggressive rhizomatous grasses used in the <br />past at Colowyo, would not be employed for soil stabilization on the steep slopes. <br />The operator's response, summarized, was that the efficacy of various mechanical <br />measures will be investigated before reinstating a mulching program; but there is <br />a lack of commitment regarding which mechanical measures will be employed. <br />Amended page 4.15-3 states that chisel plowing, terracing and/or contour furrows <br />could/would be utilized and further that replacement of topsoil will be followed <br />by chisel plowing and contour furrowing (when necessary). This is another <br />instance of discussion without commitment. <br />Please amend narrative on amended page 4.15-3 to eliminate ambiguity, and <br />specify soil stabilization practices that will be used on regraded and topsoiled <br />areas, pursuant to Rule 4.15.4. The Division would encourage the use of <br />weed free mulching products (such as woodstrand), traditional certified <br />straw, and sterile cover crop products (such as sterile annual Triticale) on a <br />trial basis on select locations, as a comparison to or in combination with <br />mechanical stabilization measures, on steep slope locations. <br />Pest and Disease Control in amended Section 2.05.4 <br />18. The Division requested revision of the application to include a weed management <br />plan that will meet the requirements of Rule 4.15.1(5). The requested plan was <br />provided. Item Resolved. <br />Postmining Land Use [2.05.5 and 4.161 <br />19. The Division requested amendments to the postmining land use narrative <br />beginning on amended page 2.05-64 to be consistent with changes requested in <br />various revegetation plan sections. The Division noted that Pastureland or <br />Cropland postmining land use may be appropriate for disturbed areas associated <br />with the Gossard Loadout, and the section would need to be amended as <br />appropriate. For the purposes of TR-72, the application narrative was properly <br />amended. Further revision of sections pertinent to the Gossard Loadout may be <br />warranted in the future (see Item 15 for the Division's request regarding the <br />Gossard Loadout reclamation plan/land use/AVF clarifications). Item Resolved. <br />Fish and Wildlife Plan [2.05.6(2) and 4.181 <br />20. The Division requested certain clarifications to the introductory "Fish and <br />Wildlife" paragraph on amended page 2.05-68. The section was properly <br />amended. Item Resolved. <br />Please update the section as appropriate.