2013-04-10_PERMIT FILE - C1981019 (82)

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS seeding in this area are in the early spring and late fall. Spring seeding is usually severely limited by high soil moisture conditions, which prohibit the use of seeding and seedbed preparation equipment at a time when conditions are best for germination and seedling establishment. For this reason seeding will primarily be done during late fall months immediately prior to the average occurrence of the first significant snowfall event when the conditions for seeding are optimal. A modest amount of broadcast seeding may occur at other times including early spring, as detailed under Planting and Seeding Methods in this Section, but typically only for small "mop -up" circumstances. Given the significant and nearly ubiquitous past failures regarding the establishment of shrubs on Coloywo's reclamation areas, the only proven technique for use in the Collom area is direct seeding of these species, which has demonstrated some success historically at the existing operation. Previous alternative shrub - establishment methods, specifically the use of containerized saplings and live local transplants will not be incorporated into the greater strategy for large scale shrub establishment efforts. However, at CDOW's request, Colowyo has agreed to randomly incorporate approximately 750 small (36 square foot) exclosures into future reclamation areas at a density of approximately five exclosures per acre on 150 acres. The specific locations of these exclosures will be identified on the subsequent Annual Reclamation Report Map following their implementation each year. These exclosures will contain tublings (containerized stock) of serviceberry and chokecherry to ensure there is a presence of these species on the greater reclamation surface. These exclosures will be fenced to prevent predation by wildlife and the surface of the exclosures will be covered by weedguard fabric to reduce competition from other plant species. While there is no specific performance criteria associated with these exclosures, they will be monitored periodically via interim revegetation monitoring efforts with the goal that at least one tubling per exclosure survives until the reclamation area it is contained within is released from liability through the Phase III Bond Release process. Protective fencing will be removed immediately prior to or immediately after Phase III Bond Release is granted as directed by DRMS staff at the time. Additional efforts such as adding snow fencing near exclosures can be implemented if it is determined extra moisture is necessary to help establish the tubling serviceberry and chokecherry plantings. With regard to out of pit road embankments, where possible, road cut slopes will be reduced from 1:1 to 3h:ly, retopsoiled, seeded, and mulched. Cut and fill slopes will likely be left in a roughened condition during construction, and then topsoiled, mulched and seeded post construction. Please refer to the construction notes on Map 25E Sheet 3 of 9 for additional details regarding stabilization methods. The seed mixture to be utilized for road cut outslope stabilization can be observed in Section 4.03.2 of this application. Species were chosen to ensure rapid establishment and sediment control. Upon the completion of all coal mining and reclamation operations by Colowyo in the Collom Area, the office, shop, coal crushing facilities and other related surface facilities will be removed and the sites reclaimed according to the grading, topsoil and revegetation procedures set forth in this plan, providing there are no continuing beneficial uses for these structures. Reclaimed areas will be appropriately fenced, if necessary, to manage grazing or browsing by livestock or wildlife. With regard to shrub establishment areas, the design is to provide sufficient seed for the development of more than adequate populations. If it is determined that marginal populations evolve and warrant protection, or excessive damage (severe hedging) to those populations is noted, those areas of sufficient size (e.g., 10 acres and larger) or sufficiently proximal to each other, may be fenced with elk - proof fencing at the discretion of Colowyo's reclamation coordinator. This practice would occur to ensure that reclamation would meet the established success criteria. Planting and Seeding Methods Collom —Rule 2, page 116 Revision Date: 9/28/11 Revision No.: PR -03