2011-07-13_REPORT - C1981008 (9)

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NH1 NH2 2010 ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT Farming by adjacent landowners continued as in past years on the 6.4 ac field in the NW portion of the NH1 Permit Area. The landowner was contacted and he stated that 250Ibs /ac fertilizer were applied. One cutting was harvested for approximately 10.4 tons (3,2501bs /acre) of grass hay. This information was supplied by the landowner and is somewhat speculation, bale weight is assumed; no weigh tickets, clipped /oven dried samples were taken. Western Fuels did not applied fertilizer to the 45.65 acres parcel. Exhibit 2010 -1 shows fertilizer application rates and locations as well as production and grazing areas. For reference, Exhibit 2010 -2 shows the pre -1993 disturbance at NH1. Please note that the NH1 boundary changed in 2001 as a result of MR -52. Existing Disturbance During 2010, 20.3 acres of new disturbance were associated with the mining program at the New Horizon 2 Mine; Exhibit 2010 -3. Exhibit 2010 -6 depicts13.1 acres were topsoiled. Exhibit 2010 -4 depicts 34.9 acres that were seeded. Of that, 14.2 were drilled to winter wheat and 9.4 were broadcast to Mix #3 with winter wheat (Lloyd). 8.2 acres were drilled with Mix #3 and winter wheat (Morgan). And, 3.1 acres were drilled with oats and Mix #5 east of 27 Road and north of BB Road (Benson). Attachment 2010 -B contains documentation on specific seed mixes, seeding application rates, as well as seed tags and invoices. Due to PR -06 not being approved at years end; seeding on the new topsoiled areas employed temporary mixes only. Minor reseeding was performed in 2010 on an area that was disturbed by the Burbridge buried pipeline project was less than 1 acre and therefore not depicted on any Exhibit. Backfillinq and Grading During 2010, 13.8 acres (Exhibit 2010 -7) were graded at New Horizon 2. Backfill grading was accomplished by backfilling the empty pit with a truck - shovel fleet and then final grading with D -9 dozers and /or 14G grader. Soil and Spoil Scarification The following soil and spoil scarification techniques were used while grading the reclamation area. Prior to growth media soil replacement, the final graded spoil was scarified to a depth of 2 foot using ripper shank attached behind a dozer. This scarifying operation effectively reduced compaction, runoff, improved infiltration, and improving rooting depths. Soil and Spoil Monitoring Data New Horizon Mine is required by Permit C -81 -008 to monitor replaced soil and final graded spoil and submit the information to the Division. Monitoring programs include verifying soil replacement thickness and determining final graded spoil quality. Exhibit 2010 -6 depicts topsoil thickness and sample locations. Exhibit 2010 -7 depicts backfill spoil sample locations and shows backfill placement limits. F: \Eng \DATA \PROJECTS \2011 \ANNUAL RECLAMATION REVIEW RESPONSE 2008 & 2010 \2010RECRPT 2011RESPONSE.doc 1