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Mr. Lewicki <br />Page 5 <br />May 21, 2015 <br />24. Please describe the purpose of the surge pond and how it will be used in conjunction with the <br />water holding pond. In addition, specify if either of the ponds will be lined or otherwise <br />explain how they will hold water given the porous nature of the material on site. <br />25. Portions of the proposed mine site are forested. Please specify if trees will be removed to <br />accommodate the mining operation and provide a brief plan describing what will be done <br />with the woody vegetation. <br />6.4.5 Exhibit E — Reclamation Plan <br />26. The Applicant has provided a seed mix to be used on topsoil and fines stockpiles which <br />includes crested wheatgrass. Crested wheatgrass is an introduced species that will <br />aggressively compete with important forbs and shrubs that are beneficial to wildlife. Even <br />though crested wheatgrass is not included in the seed mix to be used during final reclamation <br />of the site, it will create a seed bank in the topsoil stockpiles which will be transferred to <br />other areas of the mine. Since the majority of the site will be reclaimed to wildlife habitat, the <br />Division requests that the Applicant remove crested wheatgrass from the topsoil/ fines <br />stockpile seed mix. <br />27. The Reclamation Plan specifies the water holding pond will remain following the completion <br />of reclamation. The pond will be filled with water from the Westerman Ditch. The Operator's <br />water right to 2 CFS is designated for mining purposes. Please explain how the pond is <br />related to any of the designated post -mining land uses. <br />28. The Reclamation Plan states that ditches, gravel berms and catch basins will be utilized to <br />ensure there is no discharge from the site. Will these stormwater control features be left in <br />place following the completion of reclamation or will they be removed? If they will be <br />removed, then please provide a brief plan describing the timing of the removal. The plan <br />should also specify the dimensions of the structures so that their removal may be accounted <br />for in the bond calculation. If the stormwater control features will remain, then they must be <br />depicted on the Reclamation Plan Map. <br />29. The Reclamation Plan states the wash pond on the western area will remain as a catch basin. <br />Please clarify if the wash pond refers to the water holding pond or the settling pond. <br />30. The Reclamation Plan proposes that revegetation on the reclaimed area should be deemed <br />successful when the perennial vegetation is self-sustaining and adequate to control erosion. <br />The Applicant should note that the criteria for successful establishment of vegetation is <br />specified in Rule 3.1.10(1). The reclaimed areas must have vegetation that is long lasting and <br />capable of self -regeneration without the continued dependence on irrigation, soil amendment <br />or fertilizer, and is at least equal in extent of cover to the natural vegetation of the <br />surrounding area. <br />