2014-08-04_PERMIT FILE - M2014045

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(c) GO As the disturbed area associated with mining is small, it is unlikely that significant reclamation will occur until mining has been completed. If any existing access roads are no longer needed, then reclamation of those areas could occur. At the end of the mining period, all disturbed areas, excluding existing historical roads that the post- mining property owner wants to retain, will be graded and top soil or growth media added where available and appropriate. Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)mandated berms will be removed from roads and access-ways to return them to approximately their original condition. Areas out of the historical travel ways will receive seed bed preparation, including but not limited to ripping, disking, harrowing, and will be seeded with a suitable rangeland seed mixture. The seed will either be drilled or hand broadcasted as appropriate. If broadcast, it will be covered by hand raking or by harrow methods. Experience shows that covering of the seed results in a higher number of sprouts per pound of seed sowed. The seed mix recommended will be sowed at a rate of not less than 10 pounds per acre, or per supplier's recommendations. Reclamation mats or netting might also be used to assist vegetation if deemed necessary. Seed will be applied in early spring or late fall to maximize the germination rate and to increase the success of the revegetation. A list of typical species that have been shown to grow in the area includes the grasses, forbes and shrubs shown below. At the time closure occurs, it is possible that the list might be updated to include other grass species found to be better suited to the specific area, and the final reclamation methods will be updated to include those recommended species. The use of fertilizers is not anticipated to be necessary to obtain reclamation objectives. (c)(iii-iv) The local soil conservation district is selling what they term a"Teller-Park Dryland Pasture and Stabilization Mix" that contains three species of Wheatgrasses, Meadow Brome, Ryegrass, and an Orchard grass. This mix and the mix used previously on the site by Braun, or any of the other grasses listed in Exhibit D produce a shotgun approach for reclamation and the seed mix that contains members of these species will likely be suitable. In actuality, whatever mixture might be in stock by either the soil conservation district, or from a private vender can likely produce a reasonably good vegetative cover. However, if it is found that one or more of the grasses have performed well in previous reclamation programs in the area, it might be recommended that a particular grass over others be used. It might be that DRMS has experience with other mines that have the same hillside slopes and exposures in the area, and can provide additional input based on their experience. The common goal of both the regulators and the consultant is to establish the best suitable vegetative cover in the least amount of time.