Laserfiche WebLink
9. The Division requested clarification regarding soil replacement plans for the East <br />Pit, Gossard Loadout, and facilities area. The narrative on amended page 2.05-47 <br />indicates that variable topsoil replacement would apply to both original Colowyo <br />and South Taylor areas ("< 6" on ridge tops with variably deeper application <br />down slopes to the bottom of coherent drainages"). Since no clarification was <br />given, the Division assumes this would apply to remaining reclamation in the East <br />Pit, as well as West Pit and South Taylor areas. The variable soil replacement <br />plan as presented seems to be focused on pit and fill disturbance areas. It is not <br />clear how the variable replacement plan would apply to the Gossard Loadout and <br />facility area locations, given the location and landforms in these facility locations. <br />A short paragraph on page 2.05-47 notes that prior to 2005, essentially all <br />reclamation units were covered with an average of 18 inches of topsoil, with <br />certain noted exceptions. Presumably, all areas reclaimed in 2005 through 2009 <br />were subject to 8" average uniform replacement thickness requirement, as <br />amended with the approval of Technical Revision 62 (approved on 29 May 2006) <br />but this needs to be clarified in the text. <br />Please provide narrative clarification in the text on page 2.05-47 regarding <br />the reclamation units (area/year) where the 8" average uniform topsoil <br />replacement thickness applied in the past or will apply in the future. Since <br />the variable topsoil replacement plan would not seem to be applicable to the <br />Gossard Loadout or mine facility areas, please clarify the topsoil <br />replacement plan for these locations. <br />Coloww's Response: <br />The text has been modified as requested. Variable topsoil replacement <br />depths are applicable and specifically targeted for all areas of reclamation <br />inoving forward However, there will be areas that will receive less focus on <br />variable topsoil depths, specifically the sagebrush steppe areas (<10% slope, <br />ideal average of *4 inches of topsoil) and special planting areas that may call for <br />thin or thick uniform layers of topsoil in the future (approved on a case-by-case <br />basis or program level). <br />10. This item also requested clarification regarding the variable vs. uniform <br />thickness topsoil replacement areas. Please refer to Item 9 above. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Please see response to item 9. <br />This completes the second adequacy review for Technical Revision 82. The Division's <br />proposed decision date is 17 May 2010. Colowyo's prompt response to the above <br />questions will help in proposing a decision by this date. Please call me at (303)866-3567 <br />X8145 if you have any questions. <br />Sincerely,