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(c) The current recommended NRCS seed mix proposed for the ranglenad <br />reclamation portion of the Neal Pit mining areas includes a variety of <br />native grasses and forbs which are designed to be self - regenerating in <br />the rangeland eco- system present at the site. The proposed 3H:IV slopes <br />are gentle enough to allow livestock grazing which, along with irrigated <br />agriculture, is the primary land -use currently at the site. As required by <br />Rule 3.1.10(4), the landowner will be required to work in cooperation <br />with the MLRB and the Shavano Soil Conservation District to determine <br />when grazing can be resumed after re- seeding. Seed mixes will be <br />certified as weed free and, as the Operator, Montrose County will include <br />the amended Neal Pit site in their noxious weed control program. <br />(d) As indicated on the Mining Plan in Exhibit C of this application, all site <br />topsoil will be salvaged and stockpiled to use in the reclamation process. <br />That topsoil will be supplemented, as needed, by fertilizers or other soil <br />amendment at the recommendation of the NRCS. An estimated 2,500 <br />cubic yards of topsoil will be required annually for the on -going <br />reclamation using the NRCS recommended seed mix presented in Exhibit <br />J of this application. Additionally, as required, topsoil from other Montrose <br />County projects will be imported to provide a sufficient seedbed to <br />promote successful re- vegetation. <br />(e) Reclamation will be performed concurrent with mining operations. As <br />areas are mined out, they will be reclaimed using the reclamation plan as <br />a guide. Annual reclamation of the site is estimated at five (5) 8 -hour <br />days as outlined in Exhibit L. Approximately 3 days will be required to <br />place and compact topsoil to the recommended 3H: IV slope. It estimated <br />that an additional 2 days will be required annually to revegetate the site <br />using the broadcast method. Seeding will be coordinated to match <br />periods of anticipated precipitation and no supplementary irrigation is <br />planned for the re- seeding process of the rangeland areas. Irrigated <br />cropland areas will be returned to pre - mining status at the direction of he <br />landowners. That includes drainage access roads and irrigation and waste <br />ditches sufficient to properly irrigate the affected areas in a manner <br />consistent with pre- mining conditions. <br />(f) Finished grade of the Neal Pit site will be a maximum of 3H: IV to <br />provide slope stability natural landscaping similar to the pre- mining <br />conditions at the site. Exhibit J of this application included the NRCS <br />recommended native seed mix and Exhibit L contains a per acre quote <br />from a regional native seed supplier. The best seasons of natural <br />precipitation for seed germination are from August to September during <br />the summer monsoon season and from March to May during the spring <br />rain season. At the time of reclamation, the appropriate agencies will be <br />re- contacted to confirm recommended reclamation methods, seed mixes, <br />etc. Approximately 4 to 6 inches of salvaged topsoil, equivalent to <br />existing depth, will be placed and prepared for the seed bed. <br />Neal Pit - Amended Permit <br />Exhibit E <br />