2009-09-14_REVISION - C1981019

• Permit No: C1981019
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 9/14/2009
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision & Findings of Compliance
• From: DRMS
• To: Colowyo Coal Company
• Type & Sequence: RN5
• Email Name: JRS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Acreage Disturbed and Reclaimed
Approximately 4,588.66 (2008 Annual Reclamation Report (ARR)) of the approximately 5,214.8
acres permitted for disturbance (Application) have been disturbed. Of the disturbed acreage,
approximately 1,674.44 acres have been backfilled and graded (36.5 acres were redisturbed in
2008), and of this approximately 1,668.74 acres have been topsoiled and seeded (2008 ARR).
Phase I bond release for approximately 226 acres and Phase II bond release for approximately
176 acres for portions of Streeter Fill were applied for and granted in 1987 (PAP). A Phase I
bond release for approximately 712 acres was granted in 1998 (Findings, 1997 Phase I Partial
Bond Release Application). A Phase II bond release for approximately 762 acres was granted in
2000 (Findings, 2000 Application for Partial Phase 11 Bond Release).
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To provide access in the area for ranching purposes, the haul road from Highway 13 will be left
in place after mining is complete. The haul road will be narrowed from 26 to 12 feet, the asphalt
removed, sideslopes reduced to 4:1 and the sides revegetated.
All sediment control ponds and diversion ditches are to be removed during final reclamation of
the site. To support the proposed post-mining land use, small water impoundments (stock tanks)
will be left 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. All mine support facilities are to be removed during
final reclamation. Drilled holes and underground openings will be closed when no longer needed
for approved mine operation.
Backfilling and Grading
All highwalls will be eliminated. Regraded spoil will be graded to slopes no steeper than three
horizontal to one vertical. Reconstructed stream gradients will approximate those of the
pre-mining streams, and stream channels will be restructured to complement regional stream
patterns. Contour furrows will be constructed to reduce erosion. Overall, Colowyo's reclamation
plan will serve to achieve contemporaneous reclamation and approximate original contour.
However, a variance to Rule 4.14.1(1)(c) was granted during the initial permitting process to
backfill as contemporaneously as practical in lieu of the 180-day or four-spoil-ridges
requirement. Additionally, with the approval of Permit Revision 02, the Division has granted a
variance to Rule 4.14.1(1)(c) for the South Taylor Pit. No reclamation will be completed in the
South Taylor Pit during the current permit term (set to expire on 5 November 2012) but will
commence at some point during the following permit term (from 6 November 2012 through 5
November 2017). The Division will hold adequate bond monies to ensure the completion of
reclamation in the event of permit revocation and bond forfeiture.
Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance 14 September 2009
Permit Renewal 05 Page 28