2008-09-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (8)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 4.03.2 Access Roads The original permitted status of the section of road from State Highway 13 to the Gossard turnoff, was that of an access road. The June, 1992 technical revision changed the technical status from that of an access road, to that of an haul road. Since the segment of road was built to the same specifications as that of the initial main haul road, no additional modifications were necessary other than continued routine maintenance. While Tri State never used haul road B to transport coal other customers have used the road to transport coal by highway truck. We anticipate that it is likely that such truck shipments of coal will continue to occur from Colowyo. Should highway truck transportation of coal cease we anticipate that the status of haul road B could technically be changed back to the original access road status. 4.03.3 Light-Use Roads The location of light-use roads will be determined on the basis of the progress of the mining operation and specific design and environmental considerations. Typical light-use roads will be "access" roads of recent construction in the pit areas for blasting and maintenance, exploration roads, and reclamation access roads. Light-use roads, whether in the pit or other areas, will be constructed using the best technology currently available, to the extent possible, to avoid damage to fish, wildlife, and related environmental values and to prevent additional contribution of suspended solids to runoff outside the permit area. Roads in the pit areas will be constructed on an already disturbed material. Reclamation access roads and exploration roads will be restored immediately after they are no longer needed. Information contained in Section 2.05.6 reveals that no fish and wildlife damage will result from mining operations, including the construction or operation of light-use roads. All light-use roads will be completely removed, regraded, and revegetated when they are no longer needed for operations, reclamation or monitoring. The light-use roads will be used by pick-ups, light-duty service trucks, track-mounted overburden drilling rigs and tractors. The location of the light-use roads will be determined largely by the immediate need of the mining operations. They will not be located in the channel of any major drainage unless specifically approved by the Division. Light-use road construction will generally require no topsoil removal. Roads in pit areas will already have been pre-stripped of topsoil for mining and the construction of exploration roads will only require removal of any large vegetation. Light-use road maintenance will include maintaining natural drainages across the roadway and periodic dozing to remove loose material which might contribute to sedimentation or road instability. A number of light use roads (See Maps 21 and 22) consist of pre-existing ranch roads which existed prior to mining activities and will be left in place after mining activities have ceased and, as such, they will not be reclaimed. Colowyo intends to infrequently travel or use such roads, with the main usage being pond monitoring and maintenance, sediment control ditch monitoring and maintenance, groundwater monitor well access, meteorological/air monitoring station access, etc. Examples of such light use roads include, but are not limited to, roads to the West Pit, East Taylor, Gulch A and Prospect Ponds, access to the south collection ditch, etc. Rule 4 Performance Standards 4.03-2 Revision Date: 6/23/08 Revision No.: MR-91