2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (110)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Removal All topsoil, as classified in section 2.04.9, is removed from areas to be affected by the surface coal mining operations. The graphical representation of the topsoil removal is shown on the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28C). This map has been greatly simplified from that of the original application to reflect actual on- the - ground operations. The techniques for removal of woody plant materials that otherwise would interfere with the usefulness of the topsoil is discussed in Section 2.05.3 The average thicknesses for each soils series to be removed can be found on Table 2.04.9 -16 as defined in Table 2.04.9 -19. Removal techniques for topsoil is described in Section 2.05.3. A variance from topsoil removal was requested and approved by the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology previously in the existing permit area for the following areas; construction of small structures such as power poles, signs or fence lines, areas of light traffic that do not destroy existing vegetation or cause erosion and areas where removal would result in needless damage to soil characteristics such as sediment control ditches and small water diversions. In most cases, especially on steep slopes, removal of topsoil prior to ditch construction needlessly damages large areas of topsoil, along with the adjacent natural vegetation. Implementation of the technique of cutting the ditches directly into the hillside without topsoil removal will limit needless topsoil disturbance, reduce unnecessary destruction of adjacent vegetation and will facilitate reclamation of the ditches at a future date. As this revision is an extension of the existing permit, Colowyo would expect this flexibility to transfer to the Collom mining area with all applicable conditions in full effect. It should also be clarified that consistent with Exhibit 9, there will be small areas of rock outcrop, rocky steep slopes, etc. where the topsoil depth is 0 inches. Where this occurs there will not be an attempt to recover topsoil or otherwise disturb the area before disturbance by mining. Colowyo does not plan to use overburden material for topsoil substitutes or as a supplement to topsoil. Colowyo will remove topsoil before any mining operations commence and always maintain a buffer zone between the area stripped of topsoil and the overburden drilling and blasting operations. As depicted on the Topsoil Handling Map (Map 28C), the topsoil handling program will result in an orderly sequence for the continuous removal, storage or reapplication of topsoil. The redistribution of topsoil will be done at a time when the physical and chemical properties of the topsoil can be protected from alteration while minimizing the potential for erosion. Topsoil and vegetation matter is typically windrowed, sloped and seeded during initial sediment pond construction and saved for reapplication when the pond is reclaimed at at future date. The pond embankments are constructed utilizing in -place materials directly below the upper topsoil zone. This colluvial material supports vegetative growth and will also be utilized at a future date for pond reclamation. If necessary, Colowyo will apply an appropriate amount of topsoil to pond embankments that do not readily revegetate post construction. Storage The estimated quantity of topsoil in stockpile may be found in Section 11 of the Annual 18 Reclamation Report. Topsoil stockpiles exist for support facilities and the mining area. All of the existing or proposed stockpiles result where immediate redistribution will not be practical, either because redistribution areas are not available at the time of topsoil removal, or because Collom — Rule 4, Page 19 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03