2011-02-15_REVISION - C1980004 (2)

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Corey Heaps McClane Canyon Mining, LLC February 15, 2011 Page 6 there is no scale legend to refer to. Please change Figure 1 map to include a scale, at the same scale as the permit area map. 24. In the permit revision application, page 4- 31(1)(e) says that a discussion of potential productivity of the soils is located in the soils discussion beginning on page 4 -35. On page 4- 35, prime farmland investigation is the only subject matter discussed. Please amend this discussion to provide more information on the potential productivity of soils, besides the request for negative determination of prime farmland. 25. Based on a letter from USDA/SCS on December 15, 1980, the area to be affected by the Coal Mine Waste Pile was determined to be non prime farmland. Please have the USDA/NRCS provide an updated letter regarding prime farmlands for the proposed revision area. Rule 2.04.1.0 Vegetation Information The baseline vegetation information for PR -2 is found in Appendix U. The baseline vegetation sampling was conducted during June - August 2010 on the proposed coal refuse pile expansion area of approximately 41.17 acres located immediately to the south and east of the existing McClane Canyon Mine office building. Two major plant community types, Greasewood Vegetation type and a Juniper Woodland plant community, were sampled along with two corresponding reference areas. The waste pile will be returned to a rangeland and fish and wildlife habitat land use. The reference area approach will be used to document final revegetation success for each community type. 26. Figure 4.5 -3, Vegetation, Area South of Portal Haul Road, shows the baseline vegetation community and two proposed reference'areas. Additional information is requested as listed below. a. Include isometric lines for sufficient adjacent areas around the greasewood reference area for comparison of topography to proposed greasewood disturbance area as per 2.04.10(3). b. Include a detailed view of the Greasewood Reference Area at the same scale as the Juniper Woodland Reference Area detailed view. C. CAM is proposing to use three reference areas. Please add the Shadscale Reference Area from Figure 4.5 -2 to Figure 4.5 -3 so all reference areas are on one figure. 27. It appears that sample adequacy was not achieved for allowable plant cover and shrub density in the Greasewood predisturbance area, Table 2.04.10 -2 in Appendix U. Please explain. 28. The following questions pertain to the canyon area along the haul road from the existing coal storage area to the proposed coal storage area below the air jig plant. a. Please include baseline vegetation data for the disturbance proposed in the canyon area. b. Include contour cross section of new proposed disturbance in the canyon area.