2010-12-09_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1982057

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During the period of active mining operations, reclamation was conducted concurrently with mining, with the exception of approved variance areas where backfilling was delayed to accommodate proposed auger or highwall mining, or other site specific considerations. Due to the nature of the mining plan and the operational history, the application contains a request for a variance from the contemporaneous reclamation requirements of Rule 4.14. This request is discussed further in Section VII of this document. The generalized reclamation sequence that was followed during active operations is described in the following paragraph. Topsoil was removed and stockpiled or, when possible, live-handled. Following topsoil removal the overburden was blasted. Using the dragline, initial box cut spoil was placed onto previously stripped but unmined ground creating a temporary overburden stockpile with each successive cut going into the previous pit after coal was removed. The resulting spoils were graded to approximate original contour, topsoiled and seeded. Permanent postmine drainage channels were constructed in accordance with approved design specifications. Within scattered designated locations, areas of one to two acres in size received concentrated planting and seeding of native shrubs and seeding of native forbs. Several of the designated areas were also planted with aspen saplings. Grasses were not seeded within these locations, in order to minimize competition between the relatively quick developing and competitive grasses and the slower growing woody plants. A number of the concentrated tree/shrub areas were fenced to protect woody plantings from excessive browsing by large ungulates. The revegetation plan associated with PR-3 included a commitment and detailed design plans for an aspen reestablishment study, to evaluate the feasibility of transplanting native aspen saplings with variable soil treatments and irrigation application rates. If the study identified successful approaches, the revegetation plan was to be amended in the future to incorporate the selected practices on remaining areas to be reclaimed. Results of the study have been incorporated into the permit application package, as Appendix 22-3 to Tab 22, Revegetation Plan. During operations, raw coal was loaded onto haul trucks in each pit. The trucks travelled along the permitted haul road to County Road 53. The trucks continued on County Road 53 to the tie-across haul road, which provides direct access to the Public Service of Colorado generating station at Hayden, Colorado. All disturbed area runoff is controlled, treated and conveyed throughout the site to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Sediment pond 006 provides sediment control for disturbance within the south portion of the original mine permit area. Ponds 005 and 009 treat runoff primarily in the northern portion of the original mine permit area. Sediment ponds 015, 016, 016A, and 017 treat the runoff from the southern extension area. Sediment pond 016A was constructed in series immediately up- gradient from Pond 016, to provide additional detention capacity for the expanded disturbance approved within PR-3. No crushing, screening or washing of coal was conducted, and as such, the operation did not produce coal mine waste. Non-coal waste will be disposed of offsite at an approved dump site. Information pertaining to water rights is contained in Tab 16 (Protection of the Hydrologic Balance) of the permit revision application. All water rights in the area of the operation are listed in Table Seneca II-W Findings Document 14 C1982057 Permit Renewal No. 5 December 9, 2010