2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (108)

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RULE 2 PERMITS 2.05.4 (1) Reclamation Plan Introduction The reclamation plan for existing mining operations including the South Taylor area provide information relevant to the evolution of past reclamation techniques, current reclamation focus, and significant justification for the utilization of variable topsoil depths, slope determinate vegetation communities, and focus on shrub establishment given current emphasis on the greater sagegrouse specifically (Volume 1, Section 2.05.4). The majority of this background information will be referenced as opposed to copied below, unless the context of the discussion makes duplication appropriate. Collom area site - specific details requested by the regulations are included in the following subsections. 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 based on post - mine land use goals. Colowyo is the primary landowner in the proposed Collom area, and wishes to enhance the post -mine value of the property, both for livestock grazing uses and wildlife utilization. The first objective of all reclamation practices must be to stabilize the soil, maintain hydrologic and vegetation resources, and to restore the mined area to the approved post -mine topography. Ultimately, the areas being mined will be returned to their approximate original use as Rangeland /Fish and Wildlife Habitat with watersheds having their approximate pre- mining character. In general, the long term usefulness of the mine plan area will be similar to that which would have been encountered prior to any mining. 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 utilizing negotiated concepts that currently approved for the existing operation (East Pit, West Pit, Section 16, existing facilities and South Taylor) to assure achievement of the reclamation objectives. Please reference Volume 1 Section 2.05.4 for detailed discussions of past reclamation efforts and justifications for concepts such as variable topsoil depths, slope determinate vegetation community establishment and ethical management of the topsoil resource that apply to the Collom area as well. The pre- mining condition of the permit area has been characterized through collection of baseline data (Exhibit 10 Item 6). 2.05.4 (2)(a) Reclamation Timetable The sequence for reclamation following the mining process is shown on Map 29B (Spoil Grading — Collom). Final reclamation of the Little Collom X and Collom Lite pits will continue through 2033. A large, temporary out of pit stockpile of approximately 250 million cubic yards will be needed during the initial years of mining. As activities progress, a sufficient volume of backfill void will be created, and the Collom Lite pit should reach a steady state of operation where the advancing overburden face moves southward at the same rate as the advancing backfilling benches. This should occur approximately five years after mining is initiated. At that time, spoil regrading and subsequent reclamation activities will accelerate. The temporary out of pit stockpile is expected to remain in place until the final two years of mining activities. At that time, this material will be needed to fill the final pit void. 2.05.4 (2)(b) Reclamation Costs The estimate of the cost of reclamation of the proposed operations required to be covered by the performance bond will be found under Rule 3. Appropriate materials will be submitted for review during the technical adequacy phase of permitting. Collom — Rule 2, Page 100 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03