2013-04-05_PERMIT FILE - C1981019 (10)

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� T plants, aiding survival through the dry summer months. Only south - facing slopes would benefit from the use of mulch under the moisture conditions at the Colowyo Mine. Without the use of a mulch, erosion control has been maintained with surface manipulation methods such as contour furrows, drainage benches and permanent drainage' channels. The initial reclamation at Colowyo that began in 1978 is indisputable evidence that the methods used at Colowyo have proven highly successful in controlling erosion on slopes as steep as 3h:ly until vegetative cover has established. Where deemed necessary by the reclamation coordinator (e.g., sagebrush steppe targeted areas, south - facing slopes, etc.), techniques such as mulching, chisel plowing, or discing on the contour will be reinstated as necessary. Irrijzatio n No irrigation is planned for areas to be seeded. Pest and Disease Control Noxious plants, as defined in Section 1.04, will be managed in accordance with the following section — "Weed Management Plan ". If insects become a problem to the point where they endanger the successful establishment of the seeded vegetation on the reclaimed area, they will also be controlled using methods suggested by the Colorado State University Extension Service. All herbicides and pesticides utilized will be those that are approved by the appropriate state and federal governmental agencies responsible for the approval and distribution of such agents. Weed Management Plan A listing of Colorado's noxious weeds (A, B, and C lists) as well as an indication of Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties' listed taxa are indicated on Table 2.05 -10 along with an indication of those taxa that have been observed on or near the Colowyo mine. As indicated on this table, there are no "A' list taxa known from the area. "A" list taxa must be eradicated. To the contrary, there are seven (7) "B" list (must be managed) taxa known from the environs of the Colowyo mine as well as three (3) "C" list (management may be required by local governments) species. Of these 10 species, common mullein and poison hemlock from the "C" list, and Russian olive from the `B" list are not overly problematic and will normally not require attention. In fact the Russian olive was purposefully planted in the reclamation. If "infestations" of common mullein or poison hemlock evolve, they will be treated in the same manner as the more problematic species. The remaining seven species: hoary cress, musk thistle, Canada thistle, bull thistle, houndstongue, black henbane, and downy brome (cheatgrass) will be the primary focus of the program and will likely receive attention as appropriate at the Colowyo mine. Of these seven species, the first six will be specifically targeted for remediation while the seventh, cheatgrass, will be carefully monitored to determine if it becomes problematic in older reclamation *. If it becomes problematic, it will receive similar attention as the other six species. In addition, continued monitoring of reclamation will focus on identification of any new noxious weeds. * Although it cannot be discerned with 100% certainty, it appears that cheatgrass patches and populations in Colowyo reclamation, tend to succumb to successional pressure exhibited by the adapted perennials. In this regard, it appears that cheatgrass populations drop off to low levels in mature reclamation. Rule 2 Permits 2.05 -34 Revision Date: 10/23/12 Revision No.: RN -06