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EXHIBIT E — RECLAMATION PLAN <br />(1) Based on recommendations from the USDA -NRCS Montrose office, the <br />Neal Pit site will be reclaimed using the seed mix approved in the existing <br />permit # M1983148. Prior to actual reclamation efforts and re- seeding <br />preparation, the NRCS will be consulted for current recommendations <br />based on final grading and site conditions. It is the Operator's intent to <br />stockpile and re -use existing site soils as a seed bed for the reclamation <br />work. Based on final site grading, the final layer of topsoil will match the <br />existing thin topsoil layer and will be approximately 4 to 6 inches thick or <br />the amount salvaged, whichever is less. This topsoil layer will be used <br />over the site to encourage revegetation. Special attention will be given to <br />the control of noxious weeds both before and after mining activities. <br />(2) (a) As indicated by Exhibit L — Reclamation Costs, the amended mining <br />area is estimated at 66.9 acres to an anticipated depth of 25 feet. Of the <br />66.9 acres, approximately 23.6 acres will be reclaimed to return to <br />irrigated cropland. The remaining 43.3 acres will be reclaimed to <br />rangeland as described herein. That total includes the current mined <br />limits of 39.4 acres plus 27.5 acres in the amended mining area described <br />in this submittal. These acreages are detailed on Exhibit C -1. Upon <br />termination of mining, the Operator, Montrose County, will grade the pit <br />to a stable slope of 3H: IV using native soils. The final layer of topsoil will <br />match the existing thin topsoil layer and will be approximately 4 to 6 <br />inches thick or the amount salvaged, whichever is less, to prepare an <br />adequate seed bed for revegetation. Backfill material will be hauled to the <br />site using 10- wheel, end -dump trucks and spread using a dozer to <br />finished grade. Native soils will be compacted by haul trucks and loading <br />equipment to match existing soil density. Topsoil will be salvaged from <br />the site during mining and supplemented, as needed, by suitable topsoil <br />imported from other Montrose County projects. Using a bull dozer, the <br />Operator will final grade the site and track -walk the slopes to create seed <br />beds for the hydro- seeding operations. The methods above were selected <br />as the most cost - effective means of assuring reasonable revegetation <br />success. In areas of irrigated cropland, the County will work with the <br />landowners to establish furrow patterns that are consistent with site <br />topography and historic drainage to plant crops as directed by the <br />landowners. <br />(b) The post mining vegetation will be irrigated cropland and rangeland <br />as described above which are consistent uses with surrounding areas. <br />Proposed post- mining use will remain the same as pre- mining use: <br />rangeland for seasonal grazing by livestock for approximately 43.3 acres <br />and irrigated cropland for approximately 23.6 acres. No industrial, <br />residential or commercial uses are proposed for the site after mining <br />operations have ceased. Cattle will be excluded form the rangeland <br />reclamation areas until revegetation is considered to be completed and <br />the areas stable enough to support grazing activities. <br />Neal Pit - Amended Permit <br />Exhibit E <br />