2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (110)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS As part of the plan to return the post- mining land use to a rangeland condition capable of supporting the diverse wildlife populations identified in the permit areas, Colowyo initiated efforts to restore wildlife habitats during pre -mine planning and early mining. This was accomplished by conducting an extensive four year study to assist in determination of the best techniques for revegetating disturbed areas with native species to enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, Colowyo implemented a habitat improvement program in 1975 to offset temporary habitat loss during mining. The reestablishment of herbaceous species, topographic relief, impoundments and limited reestablishment of a shrub component form the integral elements of the reclamation plan. Sagebrush steppe reclamation areas specifically target sage - grouse habitat is described in Section 2.05.4.(2)(e). These areas will also serve as enhanced habitat for many other species, including mule deer and elk. Grazingland reclamation areas specifically target livestock grazing but the seed mix and reclamation plan focus on ensuring plant species beneficial to wildlife will prosper as well. The nutritional value of both plant communities targeted for establishment on reclaimed lands in the Collom expansion area should be enhanced as compared to pre- mining condition based especially on increased forage availability and diversity (for both livestock and wildlife species). To date, reclamation efforts at the existing operation have proven successful. Herds of deer and elk are regularly seen grazing on the reclaimed areas. Rodent and small game populations have reestablished on the reclaimed areas providing a readily available food source for local raptor populations and other predators. Columbian sharp- tailed grouse also use reclaimed grasslands. 4.19 PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING Colowyo will conduct no coal mining closer than 500 feet to any point of either an active or abandoned underground mine. Underground coal mines have been operated in the past as discussed in Section 2.04.4, but their locations were on the - northern side of Streeter Draw well over 500 feet from present Colowyo mining. The surface mining activities of Colowyo have been designed so as not to endanger any present or future operations of either surface or underground mining operations. As discussed in Section 2.05.3, Colowyo has engineered its mining plan to maximize recovery of coal by current economical surface mining methods. 4.20 SUBSIDENCE CONTROL Colowyo is conducting a surface coal mining operation. Therefore, the requirements of 4.20 are not applicable to the Colowyo operation. 4.21 COAL EXPLORATION All coal exploration activities within the Collom permit revision area will be completed in accordance with the requirements and procedures outlined in the existing permit document. 4.22 CONCURRENT SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND MINING Colowyo does not plan to have concurrent surface or underground mining activities; therefore, the requirements of this Section are not applicable to this permit application. 0 Collom — Rule 4, Page 47 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03