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Based on the nature of the South Taylor Pit, which is also a multi -seam operation, backfilling <br />and grading cannot be completed within 180 days of the removal of the uppermost coal seam and <br />the number of spoil ridges may exceed four. The Division has granted Colowyo a variance for <br />contemporaneous reclamation for the South Taylor Pit. <br />The reclamation schedule for the South Taylor area is shown on Map 29A, Spoil Grading. <br />Reclamation in the South Taylor area has been minimal as of December 2012: 46.1 acres, mostly <br />in Sections 20 and 21 (T3N, R93W) east of the pit. <br />C. Approximate Original Contour <br />Information on achieving approximate original contour (AOC) is presented in Sections 2.05.3, <br />2.05.4, 4.14.1 and 4.14.2 of the PAP. Maps 18, 18A, 19, 19A and 19B show the pre- and <br />post- mining topography. Maps 33, 33A and 33B show the post- mining drainage profiles. Maps <br />24 and 24A contain mining range diagrams, and Maps 29 and 29A show the sequence of spoil <br />grading. <br />In general, Colowyo will return all mined lands in the East Pit, West Pit and Section 16 Pit to <br />approximate original contour, with reclaimed surfaces resembling the general surface <br />configuration of the area (though changes will occur on a smaller scale). However, the removal <br />and redistribution of overburden has resulted (and will result) in these materials expanding in <br />volume approximately 20 percent. This will result in the overall topography being approximately <br />five feet higher than was the case in the original landscape. Post - mining topography at even <br />higher grades has been approved for areas of excess spoil fills. <br />Three permanent and one temporary excess spoil fills were authorized to accommodate such <br />expansion of overburden for the East Pit, West Pit and Section 16 Pit. The three permanent <br />excess spoil fills are valley fills and have thus changed the topography of those areas. <br />Information on the temporary spoil pile (for final Section 16 and West Pit closures) can be found <br />in Section 4.14.1 of the PAP. Information on the three permanent fills can be found in Sections <br />2.05.3 and 4.14.1; Maps 18, 19, 30, 33 and 33A; and Exhibits 12 and 19 of the PAP. A summary <br />of this information can be found in this document in Section B, Item VII. <br />Drainages are constructed with gradients similar to those originally present, and complement the <br />drainage pattern of the surrounding terrain. Pre - mining and post- mining drainage profiles are <br />found on Maps 33 and 33A. <br />Final grading plans provide a surface that minimizes erosion and slippage following the <br />placement of topsoil. Final slopes, in general, do not exceed one vertical to three horizontal <br />(lv:3h). <br />Beginning in 1983, surveys were conducted to assure attainment of approximate original <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 2012 <br />Permit Renewal 06 Page 146 <br />