2009-08-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

Home Browse Search

2.05.4 Reclamation Plan Original Introduction The reclamation objective of Colowyo is to restore the mined area to a land use capability that will, be equal to or better than that which currently exists or even better than existed pre- mining. Colowyo is the landowner and does not desire to harm the post-mining value of the property, but to the contrary return a financially superior parcel of land that could command a greater market price if sold. The first objective of all reclamation practices is to stabilize the soil, maintain hydrologic and vegetation resources, and to restore the approximate original contour of the mined area. Ultimately, the areas being mined will be returned to their approximate original use as rangeland with watersheds having their approximate pre-mining character. In general, the long term appearance and usefulness of the mine plan area will be similar to that which would have been encountered prior to any mining. From the beginning planning stages of the Colowyo mine, environmental concerns and reclamation concerns and objectives have been an integral part of the mining and reclamation activities. In 1975, two years prior to the commencement of mining, Colowyo contracted with Colorado State University to conduct reclamation studies to develop methods to reestablish native plant species on disturbed lands, and in particular native shrubs. Also included in these studies were: runoff and sediment plots, mulch plots, fertilizer plots, seeding management practices individual species seedings, and species combination seedings. The initial and last progress reports on these studies are included in Exhibit 10, Vegetation Information. The attainment of reclamation goals will be satisfied by implementation of the reclamation plan described below. Colowyo will combine information from existing baseline conditions with modern practices of reclamation technology to assure achievement of the reclamation objectives. The pre-mining condition of the permit area has been characterized through collection of baseline data. After identification of pre-mining conditions, mining and reclamation commenced in 1976 according to the following sequence: (1) Removal of topsoil and vegetation (2) Removal of overburden; (3) Extraction of the coal resource; (4) Backfilling, grading, and re-contouring of the surface to its approximate original contour; (5) Reestablishment of surface drainage patterns; (6) Topsoil Replacement; and (7) Revegetation and restoration of the affected land to the pre-mining land use. Such practices are expected to result in land use capabilities and productivity levels equal to or greater than those originally found. At the outset, it is imperative to appreciate that the reclamation plan defined in this section is to be implemented in a permit area where there has been disturbance from surface coal mining and reclamation operations (since 1976) and prior (now abandoned) underground operations. There are certain areas which are now undergoing backfilling and regrading. Revegetation techniques have been applied to all previously mined or otherwise disturbed 2.054& aJ Revision Date: 3/14/08 Revision No.: TR-72