2013-03-20_REPORT - C1981019 (8)

Home Browse Search

Colowyo Coal Company 2012 Annual Reclamation and Hydrology Report SECTION 3 - CDRMS ARR FORM AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTS RULE REQUIREMENT RULE 2.04.13(1) (a -f) 2.04.13(1) by April 1, or other such date as agreed on, each permittee shall file an annual reclamation report covering the previous calendar year for all areas under bond. The report shall include, but not be limited to, text, discussion and maps which address: • the name and address of the permittee and permit number • location and number of acres disturbed during that year • location and number of acres backfilled and graded during that year • location and number of acres topsoiled during that year • the species, location and number of acres of vegetation planted during that year, including any augmented seeding or cultural practices • location, number of acres and date of planting for all previously re- vegetated areas GENERAL DISCUSSION During 2012, no additional disturbance to native areas occurred onsite. During the renewal process in 2012, Colowyo and the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining Safety (Division) found a discrepancy in the total disturbance acres that Colowyo was reporting and what the Division was tracking. The discrepancy lies in old acreages that were calculated prior to electronic methods and the inconsistency of hand methods versus electronic methods. Therefore, through a collaborative effort between Colowyo and the Division the total disturbance acres were re- verified and calculated at 3786.0 acres. Figure 3 -1 will show this change in total disturbance from 2011 to 212. 6.8 acres in previously reclaimed areas were re- disturbed in 2012, but were also reclaimed during the same period. This disturbance was necessary to lay back the East Pit highwall to achieve the final post -mine surface. Additionally in 2012, 137.4 acres were backfilled and graded and 103.1 acres were topsoiled. Colowyo permanently seeded or planted 103.1 acres in 2012. Through 2012, 1212.25 acres have been reclaimed at Colowyo. The total reclaimed acreage has been reduced by 979.5 acres in 2012 due to a Phase III release approval. A total of 291.45 seeded acres from 1993 through 2002 have been in existence for greater than 10 years with 918.09 being in existence for 10 years or less. There is a slight discrepancy of 2.7 acres between the total acres seeded to date (1212.25 acres) and the acreages reported for the 10 years and greater, and 10 years and less. Colowyo and the Division discussed this small discrepancy and attributed it to old acreages calculated by hand that were approved during the Phase III release. Page 3 -1