2013-04-10_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981019

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will be conducted to preserve the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and to reestablish the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors within the affected area throughout the mining and reclamation process (Rule 4.24.2). The Division has determined that an alluvial valley floor exists within the affected or adjacent area in the Collom expansion area. Therefore, the following findings are in order for the alluvial valley floors located in Collom Gulch, Little Collom Gulch and Morgan Gulch outside of the permit area and will not be affected by mining at Colowyo. A short segment of Jubb Creek passes through the northwest corner of the expanded permit area but Jubb Creek is neither within the affected area nor hydrologically connected to the affected area and will thus not be affected by mining at Colowyo. The Division finds that activities proposed by the Applicant will not interrupt, discontinue or preclude farming on the alluvial valley floors that are irrigated or naturally sub - irrigated [Rule 4.24.3 (1)]. In addition, the proposed activities will not materially damage the quantity or quality of water in the surface or ground water system described above [Rules 4.24.3(3) and 2.06.8(5)(a)(ii)]. Lastly the proposed activities will comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations with respect to alluvial valley floors [Rule 2.06.8(5)(b)(ii)(b)]. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations will be conducted to preserve the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors outside the permit area and to reestablish the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors within the affected area throughout the mining and reclamation process (Rule 4.24.2). 2. An environmental monitoring system will be installed, maintained, and operated by the permittee on all alluvial valley floors during surface coal mining and reclamation operations and continued until all bonds are released in accordance with Rule 3 (Rule 4.24.4). The following existing monitoring wells will need to be maintained: MC- 04 -01, MC- 04 -02, MJ- 95 -01, MJ- 95 -02, MJ- 95 -03, MLC- 04 -01. The Division previously added Stipulation No. 10 to the permit as a result of Permit Revision No. 2 regarding alluvial valley floors: XXIL Operations on Steep Slopes — Limited Variances — Rule 4.27.4 With the approval of Permit Revision No. 2, the Division has approved a limited variance from approximate original contour for the South Taylor Pit. This variance is for areas with slopes of 20% or greater as shown on Figure 2.06.4 -1. The following are the specific findings required by Rule 4.27.4 (the numbering follows that of Rule 4.274). 1. The Division has not authorized the retention of a highwall remnant for the South Taylor Pit. The highwall will be ripped and dozed to a 3:1 slope to blend in to the approved Colowyo Coal Mine C1981 -019 PR -03 72 April 10, 2013