2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (108)

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RULE 2 PERMITS Revegetation activities in the Collom area will be conducted during the first normal planting season following the application of topsoil and preparation of the site for seeding. The most favorable times for seeding in this area are in the early spring and late fall. Spring seeding is usually severely limited by high soil moisture conditions, which prohibit the use of seeding and seedbed preparation equipment at a time when conditions are best for germination and seedling establishment. For this reason seeding will primarily be done during late fall months immediately prior to the average occurrence of the first significant snowfall event when the conditions for seeding are optimal. A modest amount of broadcast seeding may occur at other times including early spring, as detailed under Planting and Seeding Methods in this Section, but typically only for small "mop -up" circumstances. Given the significant and nearly ubiquitous past failures regarding the establishment of shrubs on Coloywo's reclamation areas, the only proven technique for use in the Collom area is direct seeding. Therefore, all previous shrub - establishment metrics indicated for use at the Colowyo mine are hereby remanded. With regard to road embankments, several methods have been used to stabilize the various cut and fill slopes. Where possible, road cut slopes were reduced from 1:1 to 3h: Iv, retopsoiled, seeded, and mulched. Several other cut and fill slopes were left in a roughened condition during construction, and then topsoiled, mulched and seeded after construction. The seed mixture used for road cuts is the same as the mixture used for exploration sites as described in Section 2.02. Upon the completion of all coal mining and reclamation operations by Colowyo in the Collom Area, the office, shop, coal crushing facilities and other related surface facilities will be removed and the sites reclaimed according to the grading, topsoil and revegetation procedures set forth in this plan, providing there are no continuing beneficial uses for these structures. Reclaimed areas will be appropriately fenced, if necessary, to manage grazing or browsing by livestock or wildlife. With regard to shrub establishment areas, the design is to provide sufficient seed for the development of more than adequate populations. If it is determined that marginal populations evolve and warrant protection, or excessive damage (severe hedging) to those populations is noted, those areas of sufficient size (e.g., 10 acres and larger) or sufficiently proximal to each other, may be fenced with elk - proof fencing at the discretion of Colowyo's reclamation coordinator. This practice would occur to ensure that reclamation would meet the established success criteria. Planting and Seeding Methods Planting and seeding methods will vary depending on degree of slopes, reapplied topsoil depth, new techniques, targeted community, etc.; however, the same planting sequence will be used in most cases. Seeding will occur during the Fall, immediately prior to the average first permanent snowfall event (typically mid to late October). If seeding cannot be completed prior to seasonally permanent snowfall, "mop -up" broadcast seeding may occur in the Spring as soon as ground conditions allow. Following seedbed preparation, grassland targeted areas will be drill seeded with a heavy duty rangeland drill with depth bands using the perennial mixture as shown on Volume 1, Table 2.05 -7, Reclamation Seed Mixture - Grassland. At times, broadcast seeding may be required on steeper areas, wet areas, very rocky areas, or simply on areas that were missed by the drill seeding equipment. Broadcasting can be used in conjunction with the drill seeding equipment to broadcast a portion of this mix as indicated on Volume 1, Table 2.05 -7. A very light "tine harrow" or similar equipment may be dragged behind to facilitate a light cover of soil ( -1/16 inch) over the broadcast seed. In this manner, the small seed for species such as fescue, yarrow, and sagebrush will be placed in a more optimal manner for emergence. Collom — Rule 2, Page 111 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03