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17 PLANT GROWTH MEDIUM <br />The soils within the permit area are dominantly sourced from an amphibolite unit that <br />degrades to make a fine grained soil. The soils across most of the area have a thickness of <br />greater than 4 feet and in many places, the road cuts do not reach solid bedrock. As part of the <br />environmental friendly operations, the disturbed soils have been stockpiled. Those stockpiles <br />readily grow grasses when sufficient precipitation falls. The last 10 years have been dominated <br />by dry summers where growth of grasses has been difficult, even in established stands. The <br />summer of 2014 has had a higher rainfall, and as can be seen that grasses in the stockpiled soils <br />have started growing, even without special seeding. <br />No testing is necessary and amendments to soils are not required nor recommended at this <br />time. At the time reclamation occurs, the only likely recommendation will be that some <br />nitrogen fertilizer be applied at a rate to be determined at the time of reclamation. The <br />amount used will depend on the condition of the soils at the time reclamation occurs and on <br />the predicted amount of moisture that will fall in the area during the first summer season. All <br />seeding of grasses is recommended to occur in the late fall or early spring. It is also <br />recommended that the seed bed be prepared using farm -type equipment prior to application <br />and that the seed be shallow covered to maximize germination. <br />18 WILDLIFE PROTECTION <br />The site has been in operation for over 100 years, with the current operator using the site for <br />over 30 years. No significant change in the operation is anticipated. Cattle, deer and elk <br />normally roam the area during the summer. Their tracks, their manure, and even the animals <br />from time to time can be seen standing in those tracks. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has <br />inspected the site in the past and found no negative issues. Since no change of use of the site is <br />going to occur in the foreseen future, no future impact to wildlife is anticipated. <br />19 DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE AND TAILINGS IN MINE WORKINGS <br />The disposal of sludges or tailings is not anticipated to occur in any mine workings. However, if <br />it were to occur in the future, the operator would comply with the provisions contained in <br />Subsection 3.1.7. <br />19 <br />