2009-04-22_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A

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RULE 2 PERMITS Colowyo conducts air quality monitoring at the site in accordance with the requirements of emission permits approved by the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division. A copy of all applicable emission permits has been included in Exhibit 8 of the application. Details of pollution control measures are discussed in section 2.05.6. 2.05.5 Post-mining Land Uses The implementation of the detailed reclamation plan as contained in Section 2.05.4 will restore the disturbed land to the pre-mining use of rangeland. This will be specifically accomplished by the regrading of the spoil to create approximate original contour, restoration of drainage patterns, reapplication of the topsoil followed by seeding of the appropriate seed mixture and shrub plantings for the designated land use. Erosion will be controlled on the newly seeded areas through the use of contour furrows and/or terraces until the vegetation has been sufficiently established. The lands will also be protected from noxious weeds or other biological processes such as cattle grazing until the stands are sufficiently established to support grazing pressure. The proposed land use of rangeland for the reclaimed area is identical to the pre-mining land use found in the area. Colowyo owns all but approximately 1,109 acres (469 of which is Bureau of Land Management land and 640 is State Land) of the land to be disturbed by the mining and reclamation operations. No change in land use is expected in the proposed land use categories. Therefore, the proposed land use will be consistent with the historic land use on lands within the current permit area. Specifically, Colowyo proposes to reclaim the mined areas to a rangeland condition capable of supporting both domestic livestock and wildlife. One of the objectives of the reclamation plan and grazing management plan will be to provide grazing for livestock. The other objective will be to restore and improve habitats for deer, elk, and sage grouse. Comments from the Bureau of Land Management and the State of Colorado approving the proposed postmining land use are provided in Exhibit 1, Documents and Leases. The observation of hundreds of deer and elk utilizing reclaimed areas at Colowyo confirm our success in meeting these goals. It is generally recognized that the herbaceous communities of grasses and forbs found on reclaimed mining areas and other similar areas in northwest Colorado have in fact attracted these important wildlife species from surrounding native rangelands. , Shrubs will also be replaced to meet applicable regulatory requirements as described in Section 4.15.8. The post-mining land use is graphically shown on the Post-mining Topography Map (Map 19). To support the proposed post-mining land use, small water impoundments (stock tanks) will be constructed to encourage an even distribution of grazing over the reclaimed site and to enhance the areas for wildlife. These ponds will also replace the existing water rights associated with the stock ponds that currently exist on the site. Prior to construction, Colowyo will submit the necessary designs for these ponds to the Division. Also, to provide access in the area for ranching purposes, the access road from Highway 13 will be left in place after mining is complete, and a number of "ranch roads" will be provided on the reclaimed area to approximate the roads that were in the area before mining. The access road will be narrowed from 26 to 12 feet, the asphalt removed, sideslopes reduced to 4:1 and the sides revegetated. The consideration of rangeland as a post-mining land use is identical to the discussion in Section 2.04.3. The limitations on changing to an alternative land use is fully discussed in that Section. Rule 2 Permits 2.05-33 Revision Date: 6/23/08 Revision No.: MR-91