2011-03-25_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A ‎(7)‎

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/25/2011
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operations and Reclamation Plans
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

Topsoil Redistribution Plan
Prior to any mining - related disturbances, all available topsoil will be removed from the site to
be disturbed as discussed in Section 2.05.3, and will be redistributed or stockpiled as
necessary to satisfy the needs of the reclamation timetable as described herein.
Final grading before topsoil placement will be conducted in a manner that minimizes erosion
and provides a surface for the topsoil that minimizes slippage. If spoil compaction is a
problem, the spoil will be ripped with a dozer to minimize compaction, assure stability and
minimize slippage after topsoil replacement. Where possible, development of concave
landforms (to encourage snow entrapment) will be developed on a case -by -case basis at the
discretion of the field supervisor. Such landforms will still have positive drainage in
accordance with overall permitted designs. Topsoil will then be redistributed and graded to a
variable replacement depth following the general rule of thin topsoil ( <6) inches on ridge tops
to gradually thicker topsoil moving down the slopes to the drainage bottoms for the
grazingland land use targeted areas (see representation below). Sagebrush Steppe areas will
ideally receive an average of approximately 4 inches of topsoil that will likely be a more
uniform application to encourage proper seeding depth and overall shrub establishment
conditions (see representation below). Colowyo will track the volume of topsoil applied to
each reclamation unit and report it within the Annual Reclamation Report each year.
Colowyo utilizes load counts and time card coding to differentiate and accurately assign
costs /volumes for all other material movement on the mine site. As such, Colowyo will
utilize these tools to ensure the planned and appropriate volume of topsoil is applied to each
reclamation unit. A visual representation of Colowyo's drainage -wide topsoil replacement
strategy is provided below:
OenedT Crows- 8ectlon Tor lropa Tl
Rapleaement Oaptls /imoee
e Typrael Dmmape
a - =oAr elope
,.. AG elope
Mrronal
Clrnnel ✓
A Generally defined as a "thin" zone of topsoil (0 " -6") exclusively applicable to Sagebrush Steppe areas which will ideally average
4 inches. Areas seeded using the grassland mix will almost always be >] 0% slope and have > 6 inches of topsoil replaced.
B Generally defined as a "thicker" ( >6") zone of topsoil in the transition zones between Sagebrush Steppe areas and Grazingland
areas where topsoil thickness will likely begin around six inches at slope breaks >10% and gradually increase to approximately 10 -14
inches to the base of slopes with armored channels in all reclamation areas except South Taylor. South Taylor topsoil replacement
depths will begin with approximately 6 inches at the top of slope breaks >10% and gradually increase to approximately 12 -18 inches
mid -slope up to potentially 3 to 4 feet down -slope to the base of slopes with armored channels, depending on slope length and topsoil
balance considerations.
C Generally defined as the area within armored channels that will receive minimal to no volume of topsoil due to the likelihood any
topsoil placed within the structure would erode into terminal sediment control structures and be lost. On -site experience has
demonstrated natural sedimentation processes will support vegetation early post construction, and these areas will be seeded via
broadcast method to provide a seed source for beneficial species establishment.
NOTE. Specific details regarding topsoil replacement depths on special planting areas will be included in the description provided
for approval prior to the creation of those areas.
2.05 -27 Revision Date: 9/28/09
Revision No.: TR -82