2010-01-04_REPORT - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e:5- Colowyo Coal Company 573 State Highway 13 O Meeker, CO 81641 T: 970- 824 -1500 December 29, 2009 Mr. James R. Stark Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 RE: Colowyo Mine C- 1981 -019 - 2008 Annual Reclamation Report Review Dear Mr. Stark, Colowyo appreciates the review of the 2008 Annual Reclamation and Hydrology Report and has the following comments and responses. 11. Exhibit 9A contains an extensive revegetation monitoring report for the Colowyo Mine. The report states that there was no two or four year growth to sample in 2008 (as required by the Colowyo permit). The only reclamation blocks hat were sampled were in growing years seven or greater. The reclamation that were sample were EP038 (4.1 acres), EP 047 (85.6 acres), S16Y12 (which is 12 year - year growth at reclamation blocks S16009 and S16010- 19.8 acres), S16Y13, 14 and 15 (which is 13, 14 and 15 -year growth at reclamation blocks S16002, S16003, S16005, S16006 and S16008- 163.7 acres), WP009 (0.9 acres), WP010 (5.7 acres) and WP011 01.7 acres). Based on the data shown, all of these areas, with the exception of WP010, have good cover and diversity at this point. Three of the areas do have a problem with cheatgrass. These areas are EP038 (26.2%), WP009 (22.69 and WP010 (70.59 In section 3.0 of the report, conclusions and recommendations, the consultant recommends applying Plateau or Oust herbicide to treat the cheatgrass problem in reclamation block WP010. The Division agrees with this recommendation and would extend the recommendation to the other reclamation blocks noted above (EP038 and WP009). This treatment would be in addition to the areas noted for treatment in the East Pit in the Division's monthly inspection reports. Colowyo will need to treat all areas with cheatgrass problems as soon as possible. Additionally, the Division recommends that Colowyo review past vegetation monitoring reports and spray other reclamation blocks that may have a cheatgrass problem. Response: Colowyo will spray the above mentioned areas with a comparable herbicide during the 2010 Spring growing season. Colowyo understand that these areas are in addition to the areas mentioned in the Division's monthly inspection report.