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o -so% slope <br /><3enartc Cra -Secffo for Tops Tl <br />Rsplaoa­t DaPU —Avows <br />a Twro l Drainage <br />0 <br />z <br />Channel <br />RULE Z PERMITS <br />o-zv% slops <br />A Generally defined as a "thin" zone of topsoil (0 " -6") exclusively applicable to Sagebrush Steppe areas which will ideally average 4 inches. <br />Areas seeded using the grassland mix will almost always be >10% slope and have > 6 inches of topsoil replaced. <br />B Generally defined as a "thicker" ( >6 ") zone of topsoil in the transition zones between Sagebrush Steppe areas and Grazingland areas where <br />topsoil thickness will likely begin around six inches at slope breaks >10% and gradually increase to approximately 10 -14 inches to the base of <br />slopes with armored channels in all reclamation areas except South Taylor. South Taylor topsoil replacement depths will begin with <br />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 <br />feet down -slope to the base of slopes with armored channels, depending on slope length and topsoil balance considerations. <br />C Generally defined as the area within armored channels that will receive minimal to no volume of topsoil due to the likelihood any topsoil <br />placed within the structure would erode into terminal sediment control structures and be lost. On -site experience has demonstrated natural <br />sedimentation processes will support vegetation early post construction, and these areas will be seeded via broadcast method to provide a seed <br />source for beneficial species establishment. <br />NOTE: Specific details regarding topsoil replacement depths on special planting areas will be included in the description provided for approval <br />prior to the creation of those areas. <br />The grazingland targeted reclamation blocks will by necessity have thicker layers of topsoil than <br />recent reclamation areas due to reduced volume of topsoil that will be placed on sagebrush steppe <br />areas. Unless Colowyo provides specific justification, the topsoil resource will be placed in a manner <br />that is thin on the ridge tops and gradually increasing in depth to the base of coherent drainages. <br />Large drainage bottom channels that will convey water on a consistent basis will receive little to no <br />topsoil resource as any topsoil placed in these areas will likely be mobilized and washed down the <br />drainage. The full application of seed will still be applied to these areas in order to minimize erosion <br />and allow vegetation to establish in these special locations, adding an additional dimension of <br />potential vegetation community diversity. Colowyo is moving away from applying topsoil in <br />uniform layers and variability in depth will be applied in all practical locations to maximize plant <br />community diversity in areas designated for grazingland. Because the volume of topsoil to be applied <br />to sagebrush steppe targeted areas is much less, and the creation of a seedbed conducive for shrub <br />establishment is of major importance, the variability of topsoil depths within these areas may be <br />limited. However, wherever practical, Colowyo will also make attempts to vary topsoil depths in the <br />Sagebrush Steppe areas as well. Colowyo will ensure proper topsoil resource management through <br />annual analysis of the topsoil balance in stockpiles, the expected areas for the following year's <br />reclamation focus, the total disturbance area, and the results of topsoil stripping activities each year. <br />Because the topsoil resources from the "original" permit areas (East Pit, West Pit, Section 16, <br />facilities, Gossard Loadout, etc.) are for the most part segregated by location from the topsoil <br />generated from the South Taylor area, it will not be difficult to ensure that these resources are <br />reapplied to the general areas from which they came. The same principles apply to both areas <br />(original & South Taylor) regardless of targeted reclamation focus; < 6 inches on ridge tops with <br />variably deeper application down slopes to the bottom of coherent drainages. The major difference <br />between the two areas will be the thickness of reapplied topsoil from mid -slope to the bottom of <br />drainages. Topsoil redistribution criteria specific to sagebrush steppe areas are defined further on in <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.05 -24 Revision Date: 6/11/12 <br />Revision No.: RN -06 <br />