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Mr. Barnhard <br />Page 4 <br />February 5, 2015 <br />6.3.4 Exhibit D — Reclamation Plan <br />18. As required by Rule 6.3.4(1)(b), specify the maximum gradient of reclaimed slopes <br />(horizontal:vertical). If the Application proposes slopes steeper than 3H:1 V, the Applicant <br />must include a justification that supports steeper slopes for the proposed post - mining land <br />use. <br />19. As required by Rule 6.3.4(l)(c)(ii), explain how the seedbed will be prepared to eliminate <br />compacted conditions (e.g. plowed, chiseled, disced). <br />20. As required by Rule 6.3.4(1)(c)(v), specify if mulch will be applied and specify the kind to <br />be used, the crimping method, and the rate of application. The Division recommends <br />applying mulch to the reclaimed area. Please respond. <br />21. The Applicant has stated a seed/fertilizer mix will be applied to the reclaimed site. Please <br />state the type, application rate, and soil incorporation methods of fertilizer application. Soil <br />amendments should only be applied where soil tests indicate nutrient deficiencies for the <br />plant species to be established. Soil testing should be conducted on the soil to be imported as <br />well as the native soil beneath the mine dump. It is likely the soil will need to be heavily <br />amended in order for vegetation to establish. Please respond. <br />22. The Division has reviewed the proposed seed mix and found it to be mostly adequate. <br />However, two of the four grass species to be planted are non - native species or are sterile <br />cover crops. The Division recommends adding several more species to the seed mix, such as <br />tufted hairgrass or basin wildrye, both of which are well suited for acidic soils. Also, please <br />see the comments from Colorado Parks and Wildlife regarding the use of native species for <br />vegetation establishment. <br />23. The Reclamation Plan Map depicts retaining walls located at the top of the slope and at the <br />toe of the slope. Please specify if the materials used to construct the retaining wall are <br />available on site. If the material is not available on -site, then the Division will have to include <br />a cost for purchasing and delivering the material in the financial warranty calculation. <br />24. As required by Rule 6.3.4(2), the application must provide an estimate of the actual costs to <br />reclaim the site based on what it would cost the State of Colorado using an independent <br />contractor to complete reclamation. The unit costs should include estimates for the following <br />activities as appropriate to the operation: backfilling, grading, topsoil application, seeding, <br />mulching, fertilization, and labor to complete reclamation. <br />